Lemon(15th May 2021):
What is that one fruit that should be made a mandatory part of your daily diet? What is that one fruit that can take care of your ageing skin as well as give a solid boost to your immune system? Yes, we are talking about lemons. Lemons are a rich source of Vitamin C and contain dietary fibre. This magic fruit also has a lot to contribute to culinary creations.
8 reasons to include lemon in your diet-
1) Immunity Booster
One lemon (about 58 g) contains about 30 mg of Vitamin C. It is primarily an antioxidant that acts as a protective shield for the cells, fighting off harmful free radicals in the body. Vitamin C is also known for its ability to strengthen the immunity system of the body. Consuming a glass of warm water with some lemon juice in it, works wonder for people suffering from cold. A lemon a day can easily keep the common cold and flu away.
2) Weight Loss
How many times have you tried to follow an impossible diet chart only to chastise yourself later for not being able to keep up with it? Have you skipped meals with the hope that it will cut down that extra belly fat? No need to worry any longer because this one fruit can stimulate your weight loss. A research that was conducted in 2008 showed that the polyphenol oxidants found in lemon have considerably reduced weight gain in mice who were on a high-fat diet for weeks. Moreover, the pectin fibre content in lemon reduces hunger pangs which makes you consume less food by making you feel full. It is advised to begin your day with a glass of lemon water to kick start your weight loss game.
3) Skin potion
Lemon is a magic potion for your skin and the beauty industry all over
the world has already recognised and acknowledged its benefits. Vitamin C content in lemon plays a vital role in the production of collagen, which in turn impart a youthful glow to your skin. Lemon can be beneficial to various other skin conditions like- tanning, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and acne spots. You can either consume lemon or even add a few drops of lemon to your face mask to get a healthy complexion.
4) Aids digestion
The high fibre content in lemon stimulates digestion. A glass of warm lemon water in the morning can solve problems of constipation. Other gastrointestinal issues like stomach bloating, acid reflux and excessive gas can be solved with the use of lemon. Adding a bit of lemon to your system before consuming any heavy meal can have a positive impact on your digestive process.
5) Kidney stones prevention
According to a recent study conducted by L. Sur, MD, director of UC San Diego Comprehensive Kidney Stone Centre, drinking four ounces of lemon juice in two litres of water per day had reduced the stone formation rate from 1.00 to 0.13 stones per patient Lemon contains citric acid and citrate is known to be a natural remedy for preventing kidney stones.
6) Prevents Asthma
Asthma attacks are generally triggered by cold and flu. Since lemon is a general immunity booster, it helps to prevent the triggers and thereby reduces the frequency of asthma attacks. Besides, the lung tissues are strengthened and cleansed by the citric acid in lemon which improves lung function. The antiseptic properties of the lemon kill bacteria and prevent the build-up of mucus, ensuring a clear passage for air to go in and out of the body.
7) Boosts iron absorption
Iron-rich vegetables like spinach contain non-heme iron which is not very easily absorbed by the body. Vitamin C found in lemon does the magic trick of combining with the iron and thereby preventing it from forming other insoluble and unabsorbable iron compounds. You can thus enhance iron absorption in your body by squeezing a bit of lemon juice on your spinach.
8) Breath freshener
Bad breath can ruin your mood as well as appearance. Consuming foods like onion and garlic can cause your breath to smell. Chewing a small piece of lemon acts as an instant breath freshener.
How to include lemon in your diet?
- The most effective detoxifier could be a glass of warm water with a lemon squeezed into it. Drink this concoction on an empty stomach in the morning. This is the perfect way to cleanse your bowel.
- Add some tangy flavour to your salad by squeezing some lemon juice into it. You can add some honey to create a balance. This is the most effective way of getting all that iron absorbed into your body.
- When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade. Take a glass of water and squeeze a lemon into it. You can add salt or sugar as per your taste. This will remove your fatigue instantly and give you a quick boost of energy.
- If you’re a tea-lover then you must add a few drops of lemon juice into your teacup. Green tea when paired with lemon juice will help in weight loss.
- Marinate the chicken in lemon juice before you start to cook. This is the tastiest way of incorporating lemon into your diet.
Final thoughts
The above-discussed points are only a few among the numerous benefits of lemon. It is indeed a treasure of nature that has been gifted to mankind. Now it is up to you to make a wise choice.
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