Lemon

Yellow-juicy lemon - the most popular tool for the prevention of cold and flu. And how many recipes there are using this citrus, it is simply impossible to count. Who needs to include a lemon in the diet, and who should avoid it? You will find answers to these questions in our article. So, lemon: the benefits and harm to health.

Tasty lemon - friend or foe?

Although the exact origin of the lemon is unknown, scientists suggest that the fruit was first grown in southern India. Thanks to the study of the genetic origins of the fruit, it was possible to identify him as a hybrid - a mixture of bitter orange and citron. And in 1747, James Lind, a doctor at the marine hospital, discovered that oranges and lemons help in the treatment of scurvy - at that time the most common gum disease among seamen.

Today, the consumption of fruits and vegetables of all kinds is associated in everyone with a decrease in the risk of many diseases and an improvement in the general condition of the body. Let's find out why lemon is so useful:

• According to the American Heart Association, consumption of yellow citrus reduces the risk of stroke by 19%.
• And thanks to the huge amount of antioxidants lemon struggles with the formation of free radicals that can cause cancer.
• Vitamin C plays an important role in the formation of collagen, so necessary for our skin.
• The development of asthma is not terrible, if you eat at least 2 slices of lemon per day.
• Iron deficiency is one of the main causes of anemia. The nutrients contained in lemon help the gland to be better absorbed in the body.

In addition, many studies have shown that an acidic fruit reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and many cardiovascular diseases.

It would seem that such a healthy fruit simply can not have negative sides. However, it is not. For example, it is a known fact that citrus fruits enhance the quality of male sperm. But such benefits of lemon for men are relative and can cause them harm. Why? It's all about the increased acidity of the fetus, which can kill sperm. Therefore, if you are seriously thinking about having a baby, eat this fruit in moderation.

Other negative aspects are also based on the excessive acidity of the lemon. Of the total number of negative effects, the following can be distinguished:

• Lemon juice helps tooth enamel to wear faster, which causes increased tooth sensitivity. If you do not pay attention to such erosion in time, then its further development will lead to the formation of caries.
• People who have increased acidity of the stomach, as well as patients with gastritis or an ulcer when eating lemons can get acid reflux.
• In rare cases, drinking too much lemon water can lead to dehydration.

In addition to the above, it is worth noting that it is better to also include other fruits in your diet than to dwell on only lemons. Only a balanced and varied diet is the key to good health.

What's inside?

According to the scientific and research data of the Institute of Nutrition, one raw lemon without a peel weighing approximately 60 grams contains:

• calories - 18;
• 0.7 g protein;
• 0.3 g fat;
• 5.6 g of carbohydrates;
• 1.8 g of fiber;
• 1.7 g sugar.

It contains other trace elements:

• acids: folic, nicotinic, and pantothenic;
• riboflavin;
• pyridoxine;
• thiamine;
• vitamin groups B, E, A and K;
• sodium;
• manganese;
• zinc;
• iron;
• calcium;
• magnesium.

In addition, the yellow acidic fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, of ​​which about 60% of the daily requirement is contained per 100 grams of product. Of course, no one eats lemons in handfuls. To get the entire supply of nutrients, it is enough to eat only a few pieces of this fruit.

Yellow citrus is useful for all occasions.

Lemons in their pure form are served only as a snack to strong alcoholic drinks. In cooking, this fruit is extremely popular in combination with herbs and spices, as well as an aromatic additive to the marinade and sauce, salad dressing and dessert. Citric acid gives many dishes a rich dynamic taste and a pleasant aroma.

In addition to the culinary uses of lemon, the fruit is successfully used as:

• An additional component to the diet: since lemon has a good diuretic effect, it is often used for weight loss.
• Cooling drink in the hot season: home-made citrus fruits make excellent lemonades and refreshing teas.
• Cleaning fluid to remove scale from the kettle, clean the surface of the microwave, to disinfect cutting boards. A slice of lemon in the fridge will help get rid of unpleasant odors.
• Detergent for the surface of faucets and showers. The fruit even removes limescale in the bath.
• A natural skin care product: you can rub the zest and pulp of the fruit and make an excellent homemade face mask or rub the juice into the scalp. Just do not forget to wash off the remnants.
• Anti-mole weapons: pierce the whole fruit with sprigs of carnations and place them in the corner of the wardrobe. Now your insect is not afraid of any fur coat.
• Amplifier for washing powder: add the juice of one lemon in the wash, and the laundry will smell good, and difficult to remove stains will disappear.
• Ant repeller: squeeze lemon juice droplets on the rapids, put fruit slices on the windowsill to scare off harmful insects.

Assessing all the advantages of a charming lemon from India, you can safely say that the fruit is more useful to find it difficult. But remember about the existing small contraindications, so eat lemon wisely - in small doses and in moderation.