Lemons are a fruit with history and controversy!
Lemon
Updated Mar. 02nd, 2022
Lemons initially became of interest in 1747, when Scottish physician, James Lind conducted the first ever clinical trial with lemons. He theorized that citrus fruits could cure scurvy and in his studies, he used lemons to cure scurvy in sailors. We now know that scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C and citrus fruits like lemon are a good source.
Today, people are interested in using lemons for their alkalizing effect on the body, as a liver cleanser, digestive aid, weight loss aid and as a tool for better hydration.
What is Lemon?
Most people have tasted the sourness of this beautiful, yellow fruit. Lemon trees are native to Asia, however they now grow all over the world and today's largest producers of lemons are found in China, Mexico and India. Lemons have many culinary and medicinal uses and all parts of the lemon can be used, from the juice, pulp and peel.
What is Lemon used for?
Lemonade of course! Anyone who had a lemonade stand as a child knows the thirst quenching power of lemons on a hot day. Lemons are common staple in cooking and it's unique sour flavor is used in cocktails, salad dressings and marinades for fish. It also is used as a short term preservative for foods that oxidize and turn brown after being sliced like apples, bananas and avocados. It can also be used as a cleansing and deodorizing agent.
Medicinally, lemon has been used as an antimicrobial and is an old remedy for curing the common cold. Lemons rejuvenate the skin, purify the blood, detoxify the liver, get rid of bad breath and keep you hydrated. There is some evidence that lemons can help resolve kidney stones and Meniere's disease.
Of great interest and controversy, is lemon's ability to alkalize the body despite it's acidic nature. Those who promote an alkaline diet, often recommend starting your day with fresh lemon water to kick start digestion, detox a sluggish liver and to alkalize your body.
How does Lemon work?
You may be wondering - how does lemon alkalize your body when lemons are naturally acidic?
Lemons have a high amount of citric acid, which is considered a weak acid that is easily eliminated by your body. While lemons are acidic outside of the body, they become alkaline once inside your body because the minerals naturally found in lemons (calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese) dissociate and become alkalizing salts that override the presence of the weak citric acid. This doesn't occur with citrus fruits that have higher levels of sugar, like oranges, because sugar itself is acidic in nature and and the higher levels in oranges negate the alkalizing salts.
Lemons are naturally high in vitamin C (one lemon has about 53mg) and bioflavonoids, which boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. They also stimulate the liver and kidneys to function better and in the process, promotes detoxification. This also stimulates weight loss because it is hard for a toxic body to lose weight because some toxins are stored in our fat cells.
How do you use it?
If you want to alkalize your body, try starting your morning with lemon water. Squeeze ½ a lemon into a glass of warm or room temperature water and drink 30mins before breakfast. This will also keep your bowels regular and help you digest better.
You can add fresh squeezed lemon juice to the water you drink throughout the day or squeeze fresh lemon over salads, vegetables and fish for added flavor.
You will get more juice from a fresh lemon if it's at room temperature and you can leave a fresh lemon out on the counter for 1 week or in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. When buying lemons, choose one that is heavier with a thinner skin because they tend to have more juice.
To begin, I love using lemon in my water daily whether it is in hot water or cold water, it is great. I have always loved lemons. It has so many great benefits and it isn’t only for consuming purposes. In our household, you can ALWAYS find lemons because I use it to cook, bake, skin, hair and etc. I must admit that life without lemons wouldn’t be the same. Have you ever tried adding lemon to your hair treatments? Well if you have dandruff like I do it does WONDERS. Simply make sure you add a good amount to your scalp and leave it for some time and that will help with the dandruff problem. To conclude, lemons have been around for decades and that isn’t going to change as we need them for daily use. If you aren’t a fan think of the benefits and that might help change your mind.
Hello Tia,
Lemons are a powerhouse from being filled with antioxidants to their cleaning properties. Fresh lemon's are great to add to water, especially upon waking as well as your favourite recipes and baking. And when mixed with a base oil, lemon essential oil is great for hair and skin like you mentioned. It can also be used as a natural household cleaner this way too.
Here's our article on lemon essential oil we think you'll enjoy:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/essential-oils/lemon-essential-oil/
Have a healthy day!
Amazing history behind lemons! Very interesting to know that lack of vitamin C caused scurvy and that vitamin C rich lemons were the cure! Just goes to show how important vitamin C is! I had no idea that lemons were this amazing! They seem to host a plethora of benefits including detoxification and alkalizing the body. I used to drink lemon water everyday until someone told me it was bad for my teeth. I think I will slowly start again as I have been missing these fantastic benefits!
Hello,
We're glad you enjoyed learning about lemons and vitamin C with our article. Lemons are great for balancing your body's Ph levels, detoxing and do provide the body with vitamin C. Room temperature lemon water on an empty stomach is a great practice, if you're concerned about your teeth, you can either rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consuming. You can further learn about vitamin C in this article too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/vitamin-c/
Stay well!
I’m as steady user of lemon as i am of garlic. There are just too many benefits to name for lemon. From sore throat, congestion and as a cough medicine mixed with honey.
Hello, Sharon,
Indeed, lemon has a lot of health benefits and boosts the immune system. As you mentioned, it’s excellent mixed with honey as a hot tea if you feel a sore throat or have a cold. It’s also great to take to improve your immune health. In this article you will find other beneficial supplements for immune health: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/immune-system/