Personally, I was never a fan of the taste… until I discovered the virtues of this solid health partner! From pulp to peel, including juice and seeds, everything in a lemon is good!

Components

The proportions of lemon's components seem to be ideal to meet our body's needs. Here is a non-exhaustive list of its main components.

In abundance:

  • Water: very juicy, lemon contains nearly 90% water, in which nutritive substances are dissolved
  • Vitamins: it is one of the richest fruits in vitamin C (52g per 100g on average!). This is very well preserved thanks to its acidity and thick peel. It also contains B group vitamins, P vitamins ("flavonoids"), as well as vitamin E
  • Organic acids: they represent an average of 5% of the lemon, and give it its strongly acidic taste. These are essentially citric and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), then to a lesser extent: malic, caffeic and ferulic acids
  • Mineral substances and trace elements: these are mainly potassium, magnesium, then calcium, iron, and copper

In small quantities:

  • Sugar: only 2.5% of the lemon on average, which is significantly less than other fruits (which contain between 8% and 10%)
  • Fats (lipids): 0.4% of the lemon. They are absent in the juice
  • Fibers: 2.1% of the lemon. Celluloses and hemicelluloses form cell membranes and pectins of the peel. They are almost absent in the juice.
  • Proteins: they are present in the lemon membrane, for a fruit content of less than 1%
  • Other useful trace elements: Selenium, fluorine, iodine, boron are present in small quantities (ideal dosage for the body)

Benefits and Properties

  • It strengthens the body: A true natural antibiotic, lemon is also antiseptic and antiviral. It treats colds and intestinal infections, and boosts the immune system (thanks to vitamin C and antioxidants).
  • It promotes digestion: Lemon's citric acid promotes the secretion of bile from the Liver, necessary for the digestion of fatty foods.
  • It prevents certain cardiovascular diseases: Antioxidants (flavonoids and limonoids) neutralize free radicals, which are bad for the body. Flavonoids also strengthen the permeability of capillary vessels and the action of vitamin C. Pectins, for their part, have cholesterol-lowering properties.
  • It balances blood PH: Despite its acidic taste, lemon is actually alkalizing and helps regulate acid-base imbalances. This should be tempered, however, in cases of significant chronic acidosis (too much blood acidity).
  • It regulates blood pressure: Lemon makes blood vessels more flexible in cases of hypertension. Moreover, its B vitamins help prevent heart failure, while its potassium content would (according to some studies) lower the risk of hypertension. However, it should not be overused at the risk of significant drops in blood pressure!
  • Detox effect: By stimulating bile production, lemon promotes the elimination of toxins from the body and food. A natural diuretic, it stimulates the activity of the Kidneys and thus elimination. Daily intake of half a squeezed lemon would prevent the formation of kidney stones, urinary infections, and relieve joint pain and arthritis.
  • It stimulates the brain and nervous system: Action of potassium
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: Action of ascorbic acid
  • Tonic effect: Action of vitamin C
  • The seeds contain limonoids. These are interesting, and studies are currently trying to demonstrate their anti-proliferative properties on cancer cells, as well as on the regression of the number of mouth and colon tumors!
  • Finally, lemon is also said to be prized for certain “cosmetic” effects. Indeed, the acids it contains are exfoliating and help regulate skin pigmentation in the case of brown spots on the hands. Such use is not recommended for people with sensitive skin, at the risk of irritating it.

How to consume it?

On an empty stomach, upon waking: Consuming fresh lemon with hot water is an excellent habit (which I have now adopted)! This helps to detoxify and hydrate the body, while the heat of the water relaxes organs and intestines (beneficial especially for digestion), while reducing the acidity of the taste. We then wait at least 30 minutes before ingesting any other food, to maximize the benefits of the maneuver.

Ultra simple recipe:

  • A bowl of hot water mixed with a few slices or fresh lemon juice

In juice: It can be drunk as lemonade, or as seasoning for dishes and salads. Bottled juice should be avoided, as it is treated and has lost its virtues. Indeed, vitamins, when exposed to air, oxidize and denature very quickly. Fresh, preferably organic, lemons are preferred. Note that the zest of the peel contains pectins, not to be overlooked. 50 ml of juice is enough to cover more than a quarter of the daily vitamin C needs!

  • In summer, it is a refreshing and invigorating drink, to which mint can be added
  • In winter, with hot water and a little honey, it is an excellent remedy for sore throats

In aromatherapy: The essential oil of Citrus limonum allows you to benefit from the fruit's properties, whether to strengthen immunity, purify the air in the house (by diffusion), cure motion sickness, manage difficult digestion, a sore throat, tonsillitis, a cold…

Precautions

Lemon should be consumed in moderation, especially for people with fragile stomachs (prone to acid reflux, gastritis, reflux, ulcers, heartburn, etc.) and in cases of chronic acidosis.

Lemon's acidity attacks and erodes tooth enamel. In cases of abuse, gums recede, exposing nerve endings (greater sensitivity). For this reason, it is not recommended to brush your teeth immediately after consuming lemon or lemon juice.

Citrus fruits (including lemon) can interfere with the action of certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories, aspirin, immunosuppressants, but also certain treatments for cancer, cholesterol, and heart problems. Medical advice is always necessary in case of doubt.