Lemon is a nutrient-dense fruit that has health benefits for your entire body. It’s full of essential nutrients that your body needs, and it can help all of your systems function more efficiently to prevent illness. There are many different ways you can use lemon in your routine to stay healthy. Here’s everything you need to know about this healthy fruit.
Benefits of Lemon
- Lemon can reduce your risk of developing cancer. Like many other fruits and vegetables, it is rich in antioxidants, which helps your body prevent damage to your cells that could eventually lead to cancer. In particular, studies have indicated that the compound D-limonene, which is found in lemon, could help prevent cancer.
- Lemons are full of vitamin C, which is excellent for your heart health. Consuming even a small serving of lemon can give you a large portion of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Several studies have indicated that vitamin C helps lower your risk of heart disease.
- Lemon helps with your digestive system and can even promote weight loss. Lemon fibers can help you feel full, so you’ll be less inclined to overeat. Adding lemon to your drinks may also be helpful, although there currently aren’t any studies to prove this. The fibers in lemon also help your body process sugars and starches effectively, maintaining a healthy gut.
- The vitamin C in lemons can also help improve your skin. It encourages the skin to produce collagen, a natural substance that helps your skin look full and supple. Applying lemon juice topically also encourages an even skin tone and texture!
Ways to Use Lemon
- Use it to season your food. Lemon adds a nice sweet and sour flavor to your dishes, so you will get the nutritional benefits and an added boost of tastiness. Squeeze fresh lemon over a salad, yogurt, or fish dishes, incorporate it into sauces, or try making a fresh herb “salsa” with parsley, basil, salt pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Make your own lemonade. Lemon juice is very refreshing and quenches your thirst. Many of the lemonades you will find at the grocery store are loaded with sugar and additives, so making your own ensures that it’s both healthy and delicious. Try swapping out sugar for stevia or monkfruit.
- Use lemon to even out your skin tone. Lemon has been shown to lighten scars and discoloration and can be used in a variety of homemade skin treatments. You can make your own at home or look for skincare products that contain lemon.
- Apply lemon juice to treat dandruff. Citrus fruits have natural exfoliating properties, helping to get rid of dead skin cells and keep the skin underneath hydrated and healthy. Massaging a small amount of lemon juice into your scalp and then washing it out in the shower can help keep your scalp healthy.
- Use lemon to remove odors in your kitchen. Not only is lemon incredibly healthy to consume, but it also makes for an effective and safe cleaning product. Use a sponge soaked in lemon juice to absorb any stale food odors in your fridge or pantry.
Keeping lemons on hand in your kitchen will not only improve your cooking, but they can also help you live a healthier lifestyle.