10 Surprising Health Benefits of Lemons

A common ingredient in salads, lemon juice can be added to fish, chicken, and other dishes to enhance their flavor and texture. But lemons have more to offer than just an enhanced taste experience – they also offer numerous health benefits when consumed regularly. Here are the top 10 health benefits of lemons!

 

1. Promotes weight loss

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which has powerful fat-burning properties. For example, a study published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy revealed that overweight people who took vitamin C supplements lost more weight than those who took placebos. In addition to boosting your metabolism and burning fat, vitamin C also promotes overall health by strengthening your immune system.  Therefore, one the major health benefits of lemon is reducing weight of human body. Enjoy a glass of water with fresh lemon juice first thing every morning for an extra boost!

 

2. Supports heart health

While it's well known that lemons are high in vitamin C, a nutrient that supports healthy blood vessels and immune function, less is known about their cardiovascular benefits. So, it is also a notable health benefit of lemon. A 2003 study published in The Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry found that citric acid—the primary component of lemon juice—may reduce blood pressure. Other studies suggest it may also prevent heart arrhythmias and increase blood flow through arteries by blocking sodium channels and inhibiting calcium entry into cells. While there's not yet enough evidence to say whether lemons can prevent or cure heart disease, eating foods high in citric acid (like lemons) may have beneficial effects on your heart health if you already have cardiovascular issues.

 

3. Fights diabetes and obesity

Lemons contain an abundance of polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C and quercetin. Research indicates that consuming these substances can help fight diabetes and obesity by stabilizing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation in fat cells. Some research also suggests that lemons may improve athletic performance because they’re rich in citrate—the substance found in citrus fruits like oranges that helps prevent fatigue during exercise. Plus, it’s been shown to reduce muscle damage caused by intense workouts. The best way to enjoy these benefits is to drink a glass of warm water with lemon juice first thing every morning on an empty stomach or before you exercise—but try to avoid over sweetening your beverage with lemon slices.

 

4. Prevents kidney stones

Lemons contain citric acid, which is beneficial in preventing kidney stones from forming. It helps dissolve uric acid crystals and lowers its concentration by increasing urination. Uric acid can cause several health problems, including gout and kidney stones. Drinking lemon juice mixed with water on a regular basis will prevent you from getting kidney stones.

 

5. Relieves stress and anxiety

According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, consuming lemon balm has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety. People who suffered from generalized anxiety disorders were provided either lemon balm or placebo for two weeks. Those taking lemon balm reported improvements in their mood, stress levels and sleep quality. Researchers found that lemon balm helped stimulate GABA receptors, which resulted in more sedative-like effects compared to other herbs like valerian root, passionflower and hops. The herb also appeared to improve heart rate variability—or, how much variation there is between beats—which typically gets worse during times of high stress and anxiety.

6. Boosts metabolism

Drinking lemon water can help speed up your metabolism, helping you burn more calories and lose weight. In one study, drinking two cups of lemon water every day led to a 4% increase in calorie expenditure over 12 weeks. (30) This is because citric acid increases key enzymes in your body that help break down carbohydrates, fat and protein for energy. And increased levels of metabolic rate means you’ll have more energy to power through your workouts.

 

7. Improves oral hygiene

Drinking lemon water every day helps to ward off bad breath, as well as diseases like gingivitis. 8. Lowers blood pressure: Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C—which has been shown to lower blood pressure naturally and effectively. 9. Boosts immunity: Lemons are high in antioxidants, which boost your immune system by fighting off viruses and bacteria throughout your body. 10.

 

8. Increases energy

There are many natural, energy-boosting foods out there that contain lemons and lemon juice. A lot of people believe lemon juice is a great way to increase your stamina and make it easier to exercise for longer periods. To get more energy from lemons, simply squeeze half a lemon into a glass of water and drink first thing in the morning.

 

9. Treats sore throats, coughs, and colds

Lemon juice stimulates saliva production and helps ease sore throats, coughs, and colds. It also contains antioxidants that help fight infections. Lemon water can also ease symptoms of indigestion by helping break down food faster in your stomach.

 

10. Lowers blood pressure

According to a study published in Phytotherapy Research, lemon juice inhibits certain enzymes that cause hypertension. Another similar study conducted at Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health found that drinking 2 oz. of lemon juice three times daily helped significantly lower blood pressure levels in patients with mild hypertension. According to a study published in Phytotherapy Research, lemon juice inhibits certain enzymes that cause hypertension. So, nobody can ignore the ultimate health benefits of lemons.