It’s Lemon season. Our Naturopath, Genya Fleischer has written about their medicinal properties.
Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, fibre, folate, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, zinc, and protein. It is a fruit that contains flavonoids, which are antioxidant and have cancer-fighting properties.
MEDICINAL EFFECTS OF LEMONS
Colds and Flu: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, both helping to resolve common colds. In addition terpene limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses. Lemon juice increases perspiration which can help force a fever to break. Lemons can also help fight or heal infections.
Liver: Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier and blood cleanser. Lemon juice mixed with water can act as a cleaning and disinfectant and can help remove pesticides from fruits and vegetables.
Allergies: Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
Brain and Mood Disorders: Lemons help improve our mood. The refreshing smell of lemons can help lessen symptoms of depression while increasing energy levels. As it also contains the potent phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel, some research suggests that lemons might have a role in brain disorders like Parkinson?s disease.
Kidney Stones: Lemons help prevent kidney stones by stimulating the production of the chemical compound, urinary citrate, a key compound in the prevention of kidney stones. The citric acid found in lemon juice also helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.
Eye Disorders: Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes: In addition to improving eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain hesperetin which lowers blood sugar levels.
Arthritis: Lemon helps relieve the symptoms of arthritis. It flushes out toxins and bacteria as it is a strong diuretic. The reduction in toxins helps to reduce inflammation in the joints.
Digestive system: Warm water with lemon can help prevent constipation and improve your overall digestive system.
Cancer: Lemons contain many anti-cancer compounds, including limonene?an oil that slows growth of cancer tumors in animals, and a substance called flavonol glycosides which prevents cell division in cancer cells.
It is recommended to ingest at least ? of a lemon daily. The most simple way to start is by adding some lemon to your water.
