Benefits of Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a popular ingredient that many people add to their recipes to create salad dressings, sauces, beverages, desserts, and baked goods. Lemon juice is tangy and sour, making it perfect to mix with other ingredients that complement its citrus taste. 

Lemon juice has a myriad of uses, from culinary to medicinal. Lemons are used in desserts, beverages, and as a garnish for meat and fish dishes. It is a natural cleaner and stain remover. Lemon oil provides the fragrance for perfumes, soaps, and skin creams.

Lemon juice has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. People have used lemon juice for virus prevention and have mixed it with honey and ginger as an effective cold treatment. Antibacterial compounds in lemons can cure mouth infections like gingivitis and act as a laxative in the digestive system.

Nutrition Information

One tablespoon of lemon juice contains: 

-Calories: 3

-Protein: 0 grams

-Fat: 0 grams

-Carbohydrates: 1 gram

-Fiber: 0 grams

-Sugar: 0 grams

Lemon juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Studies have shown that Vitamin C is a vital nutrient in preventing many modern diseases. 

Vitamin C is essential in bone formation, connective tissue repair, and gum health. It also helps the immune system fight infections and protects against free radical damage of cells. Researchers have found that vitamin C treatment helps prevent atherosclerosis by strengthening artery walls. It is useful in treating infertility and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.

Potential Health Benefits of Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a rich source of beneficial phytochemicals and has multiple health-promoting effects. Research has found several potential health benefits to drinking lemon juice.

Antibacterial Effects

Lemon juice has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The plant compounds in lemon juice concentrate effectively inhibited the growth of salmonella, staphylococcus, and candida infections in one study. It was also effective against one particular antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which causes pneumonia and blood infections.

Lower Blood Pressure

Japanese researchers looked at a possible relationship between lemon juice consumption and blood pressure. They found an inverse relationship, meaning the more lemon juice a test subject ingested, the lower their blood pressure. More research is needed to determine why lemon juice compounds may lower blood pressure.

Cancer Prevention

Lemon juice is a valuable source of flavonoids that help protect against cancer. These flavonoids have antioxidant properties and interfere with cancer development and spread. In one study, lemon juice was particularly effective in inhibiting the growth of leukemia cells. 

Cancer Treatment

Lemon juice could prove useful in the treatment of certain cancers as it has been shown to suppress tumor growth. Researchers have discovered that lemon-derived cell messaging agents inhibit cell-reproduction and activate cancer cell death. 

Relieves a sore throat.

Warm water mixed with honey and lemon is a popular home remedy for people with sore throats. The mixture can provide soothing benefits for a sore throat during cold season. The Vitamin C in lemons also can help in the effort.

Prevents kidney stones.

Lemon juice is shown to help prevent kidney stones by raising the urine’s citrate levels. Citrate binds to calcium, which helps keep kidney stones from forming.

Aids in digestion.

The peel and pulp of lemons contain a soluble fiber called pectin. It promotes the production of digestive enzymes in the liver, helping eliminate waste from your body. Fiber-rich fruits can also help promote regularity, lessening your risk of constipation.

Promotes weight loss.

The pectin in lemons and their juice helps you feel fuller for longer, which will make your weight loss much more manageable. Studies show that an increase in fiber intake, especially from low-density sources like fruit, can lead to lower body weight and fat.

Helps clear skin.

Lemons have natural antibacterial qualities and alpha hydroxyl acids, like many over-the-counter acne medications. They can brighten, exfoliate, and help remove blackheads. Lemon has also been known to possibly help halt bad breath and get rid of dandruff when applied to the scalp. The Vitamin C in lemons also promotes collagen synthesis, another boost to your skin.

Lemon juice raises IQ

Drinking water, either plain or with added lemon, can boost focus and concentration, but it does not increase intelligence.

Lemon water is a diuretic

Water is an effective diuretic, which is a substance that encourages urination. In addition, any food that contains potassium could increase urine output. That includes virtually all fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products, including lemons.

Boosting the immune system

Foods that are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants may help strengthen the immune system against the germs that cause the common cold and the flu. One review found that, while vitamin C supplements do not appear to reduce the incidence of colds in a population, they may help reduce the length of time a cold lasts. Vitamin C may also help boost immunity in people who are undergoing extreme physical activity.

Squeezing a whole lemon into a glass of hot water with a large spoonful of honey makes a soothing drink for someone with a cough or cold.

How to make lemon juice

-To make lemon water, squeeze half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or cold water.

-You can infuse more flavor or a health boost by adding:

-a few sprigs of mint

-a teaspoon of maple syrup or raw honey

-a slice of fresh ginger

-a dash of cinnamon

-a sprinkle of turmeric

You can also add slices of other fresh produce, such as limes, oranges, or cucumber slices. Always wash them well before slicing. Having lemon ice cubes on hand is a great way to add lemon to your water fast. Simply squeeze fresh lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze. Drop a few cubes into a glass of cold or warm water as needed.

You can start your morning with a mug of warm lemon water, and keep a pitcher of water infused with a few sliced lemons in your refrigerator to drink throughout the day.

Lemon water is a healthful drink that can add a good amount of vitamin C to the diet. There are, however, plenty of unsupported health claims.

If a person already eats lots of fruits and vegetables and drinks plenty of fluids, lemon is unlikely to add any significant nutritional benefits. That said, it is a refreshing and healthful alternative to many other flavored drinks.