Lemons
Lemons are grown on a small tree or spreading bush. The leaves are oval in shape, and the flowers are clustered and white in colour. The fruit is round or oval in shape, depending on the variety, and they are green in colour in the beginning, then turn yellow. Lemons are sour in taste; hence, they cannot be eaten as a fruit itself. This doesn’t stop it from being used in a wide range of foods, ranging from drinks to desserts and everything in between.
Apart from this, there are many products made with lemon as one of their main ingredients. Some of the byproducts of lemon are:
- Citric acid
- Pectine
- Lemon oil
- Citrate of lime
- Perfumes
- Soap
- Flavouring extract
- Fruit jellies
- Medicines
Benefits of Lemon Juice for this Summer
1. Good for Digestion - Lemons are also made of carbs, that are in the form of soluble fiber. The important fiber found in lemon is called as pectin, these fibers help in slowing the digestion of starch and sugar. Not only that, it also helps in maintaining a healthy gut. For the maximum benefits it is recommended to consume lemon juice with the pulp.
2. Aids in Heart Health - Lemon is abundant in Vitamin C, this helps avoid heart diseases and helps in controlling cholesterol. It also helps in reducing the chances of having a stroke.
3. Good for the Skin - Vitamin C in lemon helps keep the skin healthy. It helps in preventing pimples and acne. It also helps in lightening the skin.
4. Avoids Hair Fall - The Vitamin C in lemon helps in keeping the hair healthy. It helps in getting rid of dandruff. You can add lemon juice to your oil or you can also add them to hair masks.
5. Helps in Weight Loss - Lemon contains pectin fibre, which keeps the stomach feel full. It also elevates the metabolism to a minor level, promoting weight loss.
6. Keeps the Body Hydrated - Drinking a glass of lemon water will not only hydrate you but also balance your pH levels when the body is dehydrated and suffers fatigue due to the summer.
7. Keeps a Check on Kidney Stones- Lemon juice or the fruit itself prevents kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which avoids crystal development.
Drawbacks of Drinking Lemon Juice
- Consuming too much lemon juice can cause heartburn and stomach issues. People who suffer from GERD, gastrointestinal issues, nausea, vomiting and acid reflux are also advised to steer clear of excess lemon juice.
- Since lemon juice is acidic in nature and when one consumes it in excess, they may be affected by dentinal hypersensitivity and tooth decay.
- Mouth ulcers or canker sores are small lesions in the mouth that are painful. Citrus acid, which is the main content in lemon juice, tends to cause this. So, it is better to avoid lemon juice when one has canker sores.
- Lemons produce tyramine, which is a natural monoamine that might cause headaches. It is recommended to avoid lemon juice in such instances.
Lemon Juice Recipe
- In a blender, add lemon juice and a little lemon zest.
- In this, add sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Add water and ice cubes according to your taste and blend them together.
- Enjoy the refreshing drink.
Conclusion
Summer is here and it is important to stay hydrated. Lemon juice is one of the easiest and effective way to stay hydrated and it comes along with a lot of benefits like avoiding kidney stones, balancing PH levels, maintaining good skin and hair, helps with digestion, aids in weight loss and many more.
