Fruit Of The Week: Lemons

The simple garden-variety lemon is very much underrated. Lemons are very common and we see them everywhere. Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. We use them to make lemonade, a mix into our drinks to add a little zing, and in food recipes such as lemon cakes, and lemon chicken. Also, Lemons remove hard stains, and are an all-around deodorizer - including for the body and as air freshener. Additionally, Lemons are used in our cooking as both an ingredient and garnish. Maybe we should stop and take another look at this yellow (or green) wonder because it may change what you think of it. When the world gives you lemons, there's a whole lot more you can make with them than just lemonade.


Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tarty taste to lemon. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamin B, riboflavin, minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits which are known in traditional medicine. These include:

1. Good For The Stomach
   
   Lemon can help relieve many digestive problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. Also, it helps with constipation and worm infestation. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and aids digestion of your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.
   
   
2. Excellent For Skin Care
   
   Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure skin-related problems. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as anti-aging remedy and can help remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.
   
   
3. Aids In Dental Care
   
   Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.
   
   
4. Throat Infections
   
   Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis due it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.
   
   
5. Good for Weight Loss
   
   One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well. Also helps with Urinary Tract Infections and high uric acid problems.
   
   
6. Improves Blood Pressure
   
   Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It improves high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.
   
   
7. Assist In Curing Respiratory Disorders
   
   Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, thus benefits a person suffering from asthma.
   
   
8. Good For Treating Rheumatism
   
   Lemon water helps treat rheumatism and arthritis.
   
   
9. Reduces Fever
   
   Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration. Because of this, lemon balms are recommended for all fevers, no matter what the cause. Lemon balms are also popular treatments for cough and colds, even hay fever. Balms are also used in the treatment of flatulence and other digestive conditions. Menstrual cramps are relieved by lemon balms, as are dizziness, headaches and high blood pressure.
   
   
10. Acts As A Blood Purifier
    
    As an aid in treating diseases like cholera or malaria, lemon water acts as a blood purifier. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.