Lemon juice is beneficial to health. But why? What does it contain, what are the benefits of freshly squeezed lemon juice, how and where to use it? Let’s find out.
The vitamin of juice
The table shows the average content of nutrients, elements, vitamins and other substances present in the composition of lemon juice.
| Component (G/100 ml) | Middle content | OLIGOEMENTO (MG/100G) | Middle content | Vitamin (mg/100g) | Middle content |
| Water | 86. 3 | Na | 5 | C | 58 |
| Protein | 1,0 | K | 150 | D | 0 |
| Fat | 0,3 | Ca | 85 | E | — |
| Sugar | 3,2 | Mg | 12 | B6 | 0. 11 |
| Total nitrogen | 0. 16 | P | 18 | B12 | 0 |
| Fiber | — | Fe | 0,5 | Carotene | 0. 018 |
| Fatty acids | 0,2 | Cu | 0. 26 | Thiamine | 0. 05 |
| Cholesterol | 0 | Zn | 0,1 | Riboflavin | 0. 04 |
| Energy (kj/100ml) | 79 | Mn | — | Niacina | 0,2 |
Benefits and possible damages
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and many other useful plant substances. Thanks to these components, the fruit has medicinal properties. In addition to its therapeutic effect on the cardiovascular system, it also favors weight loss, eliminates digestive problems and supports the treatment of other diseases. Next, the effects of lemon juice are exposed: benefits and losses for the body, use for a series of health problems. These properties have been confirmed by scientific research.
Improve the health of the heart
Lemon is a wel l-known source of vitamin C. 100 ml of juice contain almost 50% of the recommended daily dose of this vitamin. Studies show that their consumption reduces the risk of myocardial and stroke infarction.
But not only vitamin C is good for the heart. This organ also receives the support of other plant substances contained in the lemon juice. These significantly reduce some of the risk factors that cause heart disease.
Help lose weight
Reference is often made to lemons as a fruit that favors weight loss. There are several theories about why they favor this process.
- The first theory. Limones contain pectin, which prolongs the feeling of satiety. But the pectin is found just below the peel. Consequently, when the peeled fruit is squeezed (what is done in most cases), this property is lost.
- Second theory. This concept states that the best way to lose weight is to drink warm water along with lemon juice. But it has some inconveniences. In particular, it is known that drinking water by itself increases the amount of burned calories, so it is impossible to say confident if the weight loss is due to water alone or juice.
- Third Theory. Other plant substances present in the fruit are responsible for the effect of lemon on weight loss.
Studies show that plant substances contained in lemons serve as a preventive against obesity. In a study, polyphenols extracted from the fruit were administered to mice that followed a “fat” diet. It was found that the mice that consumed these extracts were less obese than the others.
These are very interesting results. But we must admit that to date there are no clinical studies that confirm the effectiveness of the substances contained in lemons to reduce body weight.
Renal calculations prevention
Kidney stones are small stones formed by the transformation into crystals of the kidney waste material and the urinary tract. It is a relatively frequent condition, which many people suffer more than once.
Citric acid prevents the formation of renal calculations by increasing the volume of urine, raising its pH and thus creating an unfavorable environment for the formation of renal calculations.
Some studies show that only 120 ml of lemon juice per day provide sufficient citric acid to prevent reappearance of renal calculations in people who have already suffered them previously.
Some studies also demonstrate that lemon juice is a good preventive of this disease. But we must admit that the results of the studies are disparate. Although some positive effects of the drink have been confirmed in this regard, broader analysis is needed to demonstrate its beneficial effects.
Anemia treatment
Ferropenic anemia (cideropenic anemia) is a frequent ailment. It is caused by the lack of iron in the diet or a serious blood loss.
Although the newly squeezed lemon juice, whose benefits and losses are discussed in this article, contains iron, its main advantage in protection against sideropenic anemia lies in its content in substances that improve the absorption of this trace element from plant foods.
The iron of red, chicken and fish meat is easily absorbed in the intestine. On the other hand, the iron of plant food is less absorbed, its absorption can be positively affected by the simultaneous consumption of vitamin C and citric acid. The usefulness of lemons lies in their content of both vitamin C and citric acid.
Cancer risk reduction
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is adequate prevention for some types of cancer. Observational studies have shown that people who consume enough citrus are less risk of developing cancer. But we must admit that subsequent investigations have not yet confirmed these results.
It has been demonstrated in the laboratory that a series of substances present in lemon and lemon juice eliminate cancer cells. But this does not mean that these substances act in the same way in humans.
Some experts believe that components of the composition of lemon juice, such as limonene or natingin, can counteract cancer. But this hypothesis requires thorough evidence and confirmation by other expert studies.
The use of lemons to prevent cancer is also backed by some studies in animals, which have shown that D-Limonene counteracts cancer cells. Another study examined the effects of B-recordxantine and hesperidine, which have similar properties. The results showed that these substances prevent the formation of malignant tumors in the language, lungs and intestines.
Precautions for sensitive people
To prepare the juice of the peeled fruit, it is necessary to buy biological quality lemons that are not chemically treated. Although there are practically no contraindications for the use of drinking, caution is recommended for some groups of people. If used externally, it can cause damage to people with skin or hypersensitive mucous membranes. Due to its acidifying properties (paradoxically, acid lemon reduces acidity), juice can be harmful to people who suffer from gastritis with reduced acidity.
How to make fresh lemon juice
This vitamin drink can be made at home or buy already prepared. There is hardly any difference in this regard, because the lemon juice is sold from the best quality (at least it should be so). When buying it, pay attention to the absence of preservatives, sweeteners, dyes and similar substances added. In addition, juice must come from ecological fruit that has not been treated with pesticides.
Preparing it at home is easy: it is enough to cut the fruit (peeled or without skin in the case of biological quality lemons), squeeze it in a polishing. And ready.
To prepare the following version of the juice drink at home you will need
- 6 lemons (you can add an orange);
- 2 l of water (boiling water cooked);
- 75 g of citric acid;
- 2 kg of sugar;
- PECTOGEL (against the mold).
- Wash the lemons, cut them into squares (remove the nuggets), put them in a glass container or stainless steel, sprinkle with citric acid, pour the water.
- Leave infusion for 2 days, then strain (without squeeze), add the sugar and remove until the sugar has melted. Add 2 PECTOGEL envelopes, remove again.
- Keep in the refrigerator.
How to consume it correctly
Lemon juice can be consumed in different ways: as a component of smoothies, mixed juices (fruits or vegetables), dairy dishes, added to sauces …
With lemon against …
- Migraña – drip 3 drops of juice in each nasal grave;
- Constipation – Mix 400 ml of warm water and 100 ml of lemon juice and drink in the morning fasting for 3 weeks;
- Oral inflammation – Rinse your mouth with fresh juice daily for 5 days;
- throat pain – Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice; Use this mixture for throat pain;
- Gastritis with hyperacidity – Take 1 teaspoon of juice 3 times a day.
Daily rate
The lemon juice, whose damages and benefits have been mentioned above, is dosed as follows:
- Take the product bought 1 teaspoon before meals 1-3 times a day;
- The juice, prepared at home, can be taken ½ tablespoon per day, also before meals.
Fasting or bedtime – when it is better
During the night, metabolism continues to work. This causes slight dehydration. Therefore, experts advise drinking a glass of water with lemon juice in the morning on an empty stomach. In addition to replenishing liquids, this drink activates the agency for the new day by providing important substances.
The water with lemon drink before bed helps to calm down and not fall asleep.
At what age is it sure to give it to children?
While some doctors recommend waiting with the inclusion of lemon juice in the baby’s diet until the age of 1 year, others recommend starting their use from 8 months. The best solution is to focus on the state and tastes of the child. Start by adding ¼ teaspoon of juice to the water, child infusion or compote. If no adverse reaction occurs, increase the amount to ½ teaspoon. Do not give juice to the baby every day, borderline it 3-4 times per week.
Pregnant and infants
There is no reason to stop consuming healthy drink if you are healthy during pregnancy. See your doctor if you have any allergy before pregnancy.
If you are breastfeeding, delay the consumption of citrus juice for 1 month after delivery. When he drinks it for the first time, pay attention to the reaction of his baby’s body: if he observes a negative sign, stop taking it for 1 or 2 more months.
Characteristics of its use in cosmetology
Vitamin C contained in lemons is used by the body not only to reinforce immunity, but also to produce collagen. It favors the good condition of the skin, the formation of connective tissue, favors the healing of wounds, scratches. Thanks to vitamin C, histamine levels are reduced in the body.
As a result, allergy signs are reduced: tearing, rhinitis. This immune reinforcement prevents certain cell changes that can cause melanomas. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C reduces unstable mineral levels, that is, free radicals that accelerate aging.
Masks for beautiful and healthy feet
For cracked heels and dry skin of the feet, use a mixture of petroleum jelly and lemon juice during the night:
- Wash your feet well at night and leave them.
- Next, subtry them in warm water for 15 minutes and apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly and citrus juice.
- Masajéalo
- Put on clean cotton socks to heat your feet and enhance the effect of natural remedy.
- Wash your feet back in the morning.
- Repeat the treatment several nights in a row until the cracks are healed and dryness disappears.
Clarify the skin
Did you know that lemon juice clarifies the skin and calm in general? It is also effective for freckles and age spots. Spray fresh lemon juice in areas such as neckline, hands and face for half an hour and then clarify. Apply a cream.
You can also prepare a mask with beaten egg white (2 eggs) and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. After mixing the ingredients, apply to the face and neckline for 20 minutes.
How to keep it correctly
The juice begins to oxidize immediately after preparation for contact with air and heat. That is why it is better to drink it as soon as possible, before vitamins and flavor faded. But what if you have to keep it?
There are several ways of slowing oxidation. Of course, a certain percentage of vitamins will continue to “evaporate”, but a small dose is better to have breakfast …
Vacuum containers
This device is easy to use: just fill it with juice, close the lid and use the pump to extract the air. Place the container in the refrigerator. Keep your vacuum drink up to 24 hours.
Hermetic containers
For intermittent storage of newly squeezed juice, any tightly closed container serves. Always place them in the refrigerator. Do not keep the drink for more than 12 hours.
Regardless of the chosen container, keep the product in a cool place, since it can be spoiled in a few hours at room temperature. If you want to use the drink at a party in the garden, add ice cubes before serving it. The juice can also be frozen: it will be kept at least one month in the freezer.
