Benefits Of Lemons

The Surprising Benefits of Lemons

The benefits of lemons have been known for hundreds of years.  Lemons are readily available and are often used in recipes and as a household cleaner.  A popular saying is “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and that is just what people should do with this beneficial fruit, since adding lemon to water is an easy and tasty way to get additional lemon into your diet.

Heartburn, nausea and bloating are common digestive problems.  Mixing lemon juice with warm water can relieve these symptoms.  Lemons have been known to ease constipation and even treat intestinal worms.

Many people drink lemon water for its refreshing taste, but it will actually help you with weight loss.  Lemon juice contains pectin fiber.  This fiber reduces food cravings as it helps your digestive system to work more efficiently.  A diet rich in fiber helps people to feel more full and slows digestion, making you feel full longer.  Diets high in fiber will help people lose weight and keep it off.

Lemons also help in the treatment of urinary tract infections.  Lemon juice is a natural diuretic and also has natural detoxifying properties.  These two qualities promote the passing of urine and then clean the urinary tract.  People who tend to contract many urinary tract infections are encouraged to drink at least one glass of lemon water a day in order to prevent future infections.  One glass of lemon water consists of one-half cup of lemon juice mixed with any amount of water that tastes good to you.

Lemon juice acts as a sedative on the nervous system.  It has a calming effect and is very beneficial in stressful situations.  The effects on nerves are topical more than systemic.  This means that adding lemon to a foot soak will help relax and rejuvenate your tired feet.  Because of the high vitamin C content in lemons, one of the benefits of lemons is that it also help combat stress related illnesses.  Stress causes your body’s immune system to weaken, putting you at risk for infections and other illnesses.  The calming effect of lemons has been used to reduce mental stress and depression.

Skin also enjoys the benefits of lemons due to the high vitamin C content of this amazing little fruit.  Using lemon peels and masks will help maintain the collagen levels in your skin as well as repair damage.  Consuming lemons for the vitamin C also prevents wrinkles and dry skin.

Other medical benefits of lemons are due to the fact that lemons are also high in potassium, which is used as a treatment for high blood pressure.  Another little understood benefit of lemon consumption is that it raises HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol.  Asthma sufferers and others with chronic respiratory problems may also benefit from drinking lemon water regularly.  The lemon water helps to relieve congestion and fits of coughing.

The pain from toothaches can be alleviated with fresh lemon juice.  Gently massage the lemon juice onto the gums.  The natural anesthetic properties of lemons will relieve the pain.  Lemons will also help stop bleeding of the gums.  Lemon juice is an antiseptic as well and will kill bacteria in your mouth.  If there is an abscess, or infection, lemon juice will help.  The antiseptic will also help with bad breath and tooth stains.  Do not use too much lemon on your teeth.  The acid in lemons can damage tooth enamel and cause problems down the road.

Lemon juice is a natural antiseptic and that is one reason it is such a useful cleaning product.  Lemons can also be used to create a home remedy for treating wounds and to prevent and treat infections. For sore throats or throat infections, the benefits of lemons can be gained by gargling with warm lemon water.