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 lemon for its ample health benefits, including their alkalizing effect on the body, as a liver cleanser, digestive aid, weight loss aid and as a tool for better hydration.

Exploring Lemon: What Is It?

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.

Key Health Benefits of Lemon

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 a common staple in cooking and its unique sour flavour 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 its 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 alkalize your body.

Understanding How Lemon's Medicinal Properties 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 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, promote detoxification. This also stimulates weight loss because it is hard for a toxic body to lose weight. After all, some toxins are stored in our fat cells.

Tips On Using Lemon For Its Health Benefits

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 30 minutes before breakfast. This will also keep your bowels regular and help you digest better.

You can add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the water you drink throughout the day or squeeze fresh lemon over salads, vegetables and fish for added flavour.

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.