Many are still very unaware of the benefits of adding a lemon to your daily diet. Those that are already regularly having lemon in their daily diet, speak of endless benefits they have noticed since taking it. Researchers have also realized that the health benefits in a lemon are undervalued.
The lemon contains antioxidants called bioflavonoids.
It is these bioflavonoids that researchers believe to be the reason that the lemon gives so many beneficial health benefits, including being good for helping to fight cancer.
The lemon also holds one of the highest amounts of vitamin C than most other fruits do, making it an excellent choice to add to your daily diet.
In addition to vitamin C, lemons also contain vitamin A, choline, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and soluble fiber.
An excellent way to add this highly beneficial fruit to your daily diet is to…
Add juice from half of a lemon (Organic is best)
With one cup of hot water (Boiled – Not microwaved).
For best results: Drink on an empty stomach first thing in the morning to give yourself a boost.
This is said to be a power drink by many, and is also a good drink to have through out the day when trying to cut down on caffeine drinks, or when trying to give up smoking. Just in case you live in an area that doesn’t have a store close by that sells lemons, you can also grow your own lemon tree in a pot, indoors or outdoors.
The 10 Reasons Why you Should Add Lemon to your Daily Diet
Strengthens the Immune System
In addition to the high amount of vitamin C the lemon contains, the vitamin A, choline, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and soluble fiber make the lemon a good choice to boost your immune system, resulting in less bouts of colds and flu.
Clears the Skin – Helps to Diminish Wrinkles
Vitamin C is known to help with the production of collagen. As we age the production of collagen slows down resulting in cell structure weakening and skin becoming thinner as well as sagging and wrinkling.
Compared to other fruits, the lemon is among those that contain the highest amount of vitamin C. The antioxidants in the lemon help to clear the skin and prevent acne break outs.
Helps with Weight Loss – Enhances a Healthy Digestive System – Balances pH Levels
If your digestive system is not working properly, healthy weight loss is virtually impossible to accomplish. An unhealthy digestive system can stop your body from getting the nutrients it needs to burn fat, and can create a build-up of toxins in your body that make you feel sluggish. An unhealthy digestive system also slows down your metabolism preventing successful weight loss.
Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. Although lemons are acidic on their own, once digested inside the body they are alkaline. Another words, the citric acid inside the lemon does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.
Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid, easily metabolized from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize the blood.
The high level of acidic properties in the lemon helps to break down the food in your stomach for better digestion, as well as stimulating the digestive juice production in your stomach, resulting in a better chance of you being able to reach your weight loss goals. Needless to say – The lemon juice drink also helps to relieve constipation.
Note: Sticking to a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and veges, Eliminating heavily processed foods and regular exercise is also a necessity for achieving your weight loss goals in a safe, healthy manor.
Helps Lower Bad Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often referred to as the bad cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is associated with heart disease. Lemons contain limonoids that have been shown to reduce the production of apo B, a substance associated with high cholesterol.
Helps Lower High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
A diet that includes natural potassium is important, as it helps to control blood pressure by lessening the effects of sodium. The lemon contains a high amount of potassium, making it an excellent choice to add to your daily diet. NOTE: This is only one component for a well rounded plan for blood pressure health. For more information go to Heart.Org
Reduces your Risks of getting Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease caused by a diet lacking vitamin C (absorbic acid). The most common symptoms of this disease are exhaustion, anemia, swelling of some parts of the body and in some cases ulceration in the gums causing teeth to fall out.
Promotes Healthy Brain Function
Excerpt from the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry – It is suggested that citrus fruits, which are rich in abundant sources of hesperetin and other flavonoids, are promising for the development of general food-based neuro-protection and brain foods.
The main citrus flavonoids can also traverse the blood–brain barrier; hence, they are promising candidates for intervention in neuro-degeneration and as constituents in brain foods.
Diabetes – Helps to Lower Glycemic Index Levels
The soluble fiber and high vitamin C level in the lemon helps to lower glycemic index levels in those with diabetes. A lower glycemic response equates to a lower insulin demand, better long-term blood glucose control and a reduction in blood lipids. The lemon is included on the top 10 super foods list at the American Diabetes Association.
EXTRA TIP:
To have a fresh smelling garbage disposal (insinkerator), pop your used lemon cases down it. Lemon cases also help to keep the rubbish bin smelling fresh.
Article written by Wen Dee: Google +
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