Lemon, going by the scientific name, Citrus Limonium is a sour tasting fruit that grows on a small evergreen tree in parts of Asia and tropical regions. Other than the seed, the whole of the fruit is used for various purposes. The fruit is sought for its special flavor, especially for drinks and lemonades. Loaded with citric acid, which gives it a sour taste, the fruit is considered a super fruit that has numerous health as well as cosmetic benefits on human body. The sour taste and enticing flavor of the fruit has made it an inseparable part of candies, chewing gum, juices, salads, tea, dressing and loads of recipes.
Health Benefits
For centuries, lemon is sought after for its health benefits. Drinking lemon juice gives a big boost to the immune system and helps in prevention of infection, since it contains substances such as Citric acid, vitamin C, pectin, limonene, calcium, bioflavonoids and magnesium. The Egyptians used the medicinal properties of lemon as protection against poisons, which has been confirmed now through substantial scientific research. Lemon is sought after for its excellent antibacterial, antiviral properties, as well as a great aid in weight loss programs. Adding lemon extract to poultices or bathing water has great benefits.
Lemon was easily grown in India due to its tropical climate which is suitable for growing the fruit; therefore it has also been used extensively in the country for culinary and medicinal purposes. Nimbu Paani (Lemon water) and lemon tea are popular drinks, especially in hot summers of India.
The following benefits of lemon have endeared it to people:
- Helps in digestion and provides instant relief from digestive disorders like gastric, bloated tummy, heartburn, etc.
- The Vitamin C in the fruit helps in rejuvenating the skin as well as keeping it healthy.
- Helps in dealing with high fever.
- Lemon has antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-ageing properties.
- Helps in weight reduction.
- Remedies nausea, dizziness.
- Good relaxant to both body and mind.
- Relieves high blood pressure.
- The antibacterial property helps in curing throat infections.
Lemon Tea
Add 1 tsp of lemon extract to 2 tsp honey. Add to hot tea and consume it for quick relief from flu, nausea, fevers and digestion. It is known to be an excellent remedy for chill.
Gall Bladder
Mix lemon extract with olive oil to eliminate gall stones easily.
Throat Infections
Mix lemon juice with hot water and gargle to find relief from throat infections like canker sores. Adding salt to the mix will relieve problem of tonsillitis.
Energy Drink
A simple lemonade or juice made from lemon is excellent tonic to fight fatigue. The nutrients present in the fruit replace electrolytes during hot summers or physical exertion.
Detox
Cut 1 medium sized lemon into quarters, add this to 4 cored apples, 2 limes cut into quarters and water required to blend. Blend it smoothly and consume it every day for effective detoxifying process.
Hair Care
Apply lemon extract mixed with vinegar to the hair. Wash it off after bathing in the sunlight for some time, for shiny and smooth hair. It is also known to help in controlling dandruff.
Skin
Lemon juice is an excellent astringent along with properties to reduce age spots and freckles. Adding vinegar and lemon juice in bathing water relieves itchy skin. Lemon juice left over skin overnight reduces black heads and removes blemishes.
