Know about the Medicinal properties and Benefits of Lemon

2022-03-28 00:00:00

The small-looking lemon is one of the popular fruits. Lemon is liked by almost everyone due to its sour taste and is full of juice. Often people use it in the form of lemonade, tea and chutney. Lemon juice is used to make a variety of refreshing drinks ranging from savoury dishes. This fruit is rich in vitamins, fibre and other nutrients. Apart from this, plenty of medicinal properties are also found in lemon. Therefore, by consuming lemon, the cholesterol of the body is controlled and the heart remains healthy. Therefore, adding lemon to the diet has a positive effect on physical and mental health.

What is Lemon?

Lemon is a fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family whose botanical name is Citrus Lemon. In India, many species like Kagji, Bijori, Jammari, Meetha etc. are found. Mostly Kagji lemon is used as medicine in Ayurveda. Its size is small or medium. Kagji lemon trees are thorny, bushy and evergreen which are up to 6 meters in height. Its flowers are small, white or pink in colour and the flowers give a strong aroma.

Medicinal importance of Lemon in Ayurveda

Lemon is an Ayurvedic medicine. Many types of nutritious substances are found in it which work to protect the body from diseases. In Ayurvedic medicine, lemon juice helps in fighting many diseases. It has antioxidant (reducing the effect of free radicals), anti-bacterial (fighting bacteria), anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation) and antifungal (fighting fungus) properties.

Benefits of Lemon

To lose weight-

Lemon consumption is known to reduce weight. Vitamin C is found in abundance in lemon which helps to improve metabolism. Apart from this, the nutritious elements present in it, along with maintaining energy in the body, also controls hunger for a long time. It also prevents the accumulation of toxins in the body. For this, lemon juice and honey mixed with warm water should be consumed daily.

Helpful in controlling blood pressure-

It is believed that lemon juice is helpful in removing the problem of high blood pressure because the vitamin C present in it works to keep blood pressure balanced. The circulation of blood remains fine by its consumption. Apart from this, research done on this subject shows that consuming lemon in your diet every day and walking regularly keeps blood pressure under control.

Helpful in maintaining heart health-

Lemon is very beneficial in keeping the heart healthy. Many types of phytonutrients are found in it, of which, potassium and vitamin-C are able to protect the cardiovascular system. It prevents the progression of heart diseases by preventing the damage caused by oxidation on the heart. Apart from this, the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in it work to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol which is very important for a healthy heart.

To prevent anaemia-

There is a risk of anaemia due to a lack of iron in the body. In this case, the consumption of lemon is beneficial. According to the study published on the website of NCBI, if a diet rich in vitamin C is consumed along with iron-rich foods, it helps in the proper absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, consuming lemon with iron-rich food is beneficial because it is rich in Vitamin C which is helpful in preventing the risk of anaemia.

Effective in promoting immune health-

Lemon consumption improves the immunity of the body as it is rich in Vitamin C which acts as antioxidant activity in the body. Apart from this, the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in it also protect the body from oxidation.

Helpful in improving kidney function-

The antioxidants present in lemon help in curing and preventing kidney-related problems like kidney stones, frequent urination, high bladder activity etc. due to which the proper functioning of the kidney is ensured.

Effective in protecting from heat-

People often suffer from all physical and mental problems due to heatstroke during summers. In such a situation, they should include lemon in their diet to avoid this. Drinking lemon water twice a day proves beneficial for the body.

For cancer cells-

Anticancer properties are found in lemonade or its juice which help to keep the risk of cancer away and prevent cancer-causing cells from growing. Therefore, using lemon in your diet can prove beneficial to reduce the risk of cancer.

For Digestive Power-

Consuming lemon is a great remedy to overcome the problem of digestion and acidity. It helps in increasing digestive power. The anti-oxidant properties present in it protect against oxidative stress. Apart from this, the vitamin C found in it works to prevent other stomach problems. Sipping tea made from it improves digestion power.

For respiratory health-

Consuming foods rich in vitamin C is considered good for the prevention of asthma, cough, bronchitis, pneumonia and other respiratory and lung problems. In this case, the consumption of lemon is beneficial because it is rich in Vitamin C. Consuming lemon rich in vitamin C also helps in fighting inflammation and infection. Apart from this, home cough syrup is also prepared by mixing honey with lemon juice.

Helpful in removing bad breath-

Lemon tea works to maintain oral hygiene. For this, drinking a cup of lemon tea daily removes bad breath and improves oral hygiene.

For acne-

Lemon helps prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria because it has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which keep acne and pimples away from the face and skin. Use lemon juice or oil for this.

Beneficial for hair-

Lemon consumption is also beneficial for hair. The nutrients present in it work to make the hair healthy and strengthen them. The vitamins C and E present in it provide essential nourishment to the hair. It also works to promote hair growth. Apart from this, extract lemon juice and apply it to the hair roots and scalp with cotton. After this leave the hair for an hour and then wash it with water. Doing this also gets rid of dandruff.

Uses of Lemon

• Lemon is used to make lemonade, soda, Mojito and lemon tea.
• Lemon juice is also used in salads.
• Many people consume lemon in the form of pickles.
• Lemon juice or its oil is also used on acne or stretch marks.
• Many people apply lemon juice to their hair for freedom from dandruff.
• Lemon juice is used while applying henna to the hair.
• Lemon juice is also used for cleaning and removing stains from clothes.

Side effects of Lemon

• Vitamin C is found in abundance in lemon. Therefore, it should not be consumed in excess because excessive intake of vitamin C can cause problems like stomach cramps, pain and nausea.
• If a person is allergic to lemon, then he should avoid its consumption. Otherwise, he may have to face the problems of oral allergy syndrome-like soreness, swollen lips and fever.
• Teeth can become sour due to excessive consumption of lemon. Apart from this, consuming too much of it can also damage the tooth enamel (outer layer of teeth).