The use of lemon has been known for a long due to the immense health benefits of lemon juice. The lemon tree is native to Asia. Lemon is widely grown in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Mexico, but is available worldwide. Lemon juice is mainly known for its rich content of Vitamin C, an important constituent that boosts the overall health and immunity of the body.
Freshly extracted lemon juice has many health perks. Lemon juice is used commonly in many households worldwide for different purposes, including juice, tea, baking desserts, and cooking various dishes. Apart from Vitamin C, lemon also has a good dose of fiber and protein that has health benefits.
Lemon Juice Health Benefits
Below are some of the primary and practical health benefits of lemon juice –
1. Immunity and Relief from Ailments
As mentioned, lemon juice is loaded with Vitamin C, which helps to combat the common cold and flu. Consuming lemon juice with honey every day improves the body’s immunity system. Its anti-inflammatory property helps to protect the body against the invasion of harmful germs and bacteria. People suffering from sore throat and fever are often recommended to drink lemon juice mixed with hot water for immediate relief. [Source]
- Helps in faster recovery from infections.
- Natural vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells.
- Helps in detoxifying the bloodstream.
2. Liver Health and Digestive Aid
Lemon juice has a great effect on heartburn. Drinking lemon juice and hot water in the early morning helps your liver to stay clean and healthy. Regular consumption of lemon juice helps the liver to function properly. [Source]
- Improves gut health and metabolism.
- Acts as a natural cleanser for the digestive system.
- Stimulates bile production, aiding digestion.
3. Kidney Stone Prevention
Lemon juice has a unique property to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Lemon juice has almost 5 percent citric acid content, which reduces the buildup of overall calcium content in urine, thus minimizing the chances of developing kidney stones. [Source]
- Offers a protective barrier against stone formation.
- Alkalizes the body, preventing mineral crystallization.
- Helps in dissolving small pre-existing stones.
4. Skin Soothing Properties
When applied topically, lemon juice can have soothing effects on chapped lips and sunburn. Dab a piece of cotton, plug in lemon juice, and apply to the affected area. Lemon juice can also remove dead skin cells from corns and warts. [Source]
- Natural antibacterial properties help fight skin infections.
- Promotes skin regeneration and healing.
- Its natural acids exfoliate the skin gently.
5. Weight Management and Detox
A lemon juice cleaning diet is popular among dieters as it helps to reduce weight to a large extent. However, if you plan to switch to such a diet plan, it is highly recommended to consult your physician and discuss the potential side effects before starting this diet. [Source]
- It helps in flushing out toxins from the body.
- Boosts metabolism and promotes fat burning.
6. Relief from Joint Pains
For many years, lemon juice has been used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. Patients with such diseases should consume lemon juice daily to relieve excruciating pain. [Source]
- Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce joint inflammation.
- Helps in neutralizing uric acid in the joints.
- Gives relief and supports joint mobility.
7. High Altitude Benefits
Lemon juice is popular among mountaineers as well. Juice of lemon can help people cope with oxygen deficiency and difficulty breathing at high altitudes. [Source]
- Improves blood oxygenation levels.
- Boosts energy and reduces fatigue symptoms.
Other Benefits of Lemon Juice
- Lemon has a significant potassium content, which helps keep the heart healthy. It also maintains a balanced heart rhythm.
- Lemon juice is a diuretic that helps the bladder to keep clean and facilitate urination. Lemon juice, when consumed with water, helps the body to discard the harmful toxins produced during different metabolic activities. Lemon juice also supports overall kidney function.
- A few drops of lemon juice mixed with warm water greatly affect bowel movement. People who suffer from constipation can try this natural remedy for some relief. Promotes gut health and regularity.
- Lemon contains limonin, a chemical compound that prevents gums, skin, mouth, and colon cancers. It does so by acting as a natural antioxidant.
The health benefits of lemon juice are many, but there are some conditions where it should be completely avoided. You should avoid it if you suffer from GERD, heartburn, or related ailments. Consult your doctor if you feel a burning sensation in your stomach while consuming lemon juice.