Content of the article:
The sour taste of juicy pulp of citrus fruit, traditionally considered an effective remedy for the common cold, is associated with the autumn and winter period of massive ARVI.But why is a lemon really useful? What is in the composition of the fruit worthy of attention of physicians? And are there any contraindications to eating lemons?
The taste and healing properties of lemon were evaluated by our ancestors a few thousand years ago. Fruits were respected in India and China, and a little later appeared in Egypt and the Mediterranean countries, becoming practically native to these regions.
The Greeks considered rind and sour pulp to be an effective antidote, healers in China recommended drugs with lemon as wound healing anti-inflammatory drugs. Even a hundred years ago, doctors prescribed lemon lotions as a sedative.
And the benefits of lemon for colds and can not speak! A sweet hour with a circle of fresh fruit is the best drink when the temperature is high, the throat hurts, and all the rest have signs of a respiratory illness or flu. 
What substances in the composition of a lemon have helped people for thousands of years not to rely on the usefulness of a sour fruit?
Lemon Ingredients
The properties of a lemon are determined by its composition, which is dominated by moisture, mineral salts, dietary fiber and sugars, vitamins and, of course, citric acid. It is her, and not ascorbic, as many mistakenly believe, that the fruit owes its unique taste. But from a distance, the recognizable smell of the fruit is a composition of volatile aromatic compounds that also contribute to human health and well-being.
Which vitamins in lemon are the most beneficial? First of all, it is worthwhile to traditionally mention vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Although, as it has already become clear, lemon lovers should not be grateful for their fresh taste, but due to the high concentration of this vitamin, the inclusion of fruits in the menu helps:
- to normalize the metabolism;
- strengthen the body's immune defenses;
- to replenish energy reserves and just keep yourself in excellent mood.
The beneficial properties of lemon are affected by the presence of vitamins A and D, E, and P in the pulp. The presence of the last of the vitamins is characteristic of almost all citrus fruits, for which the compound is called “citrine”.A large group of vitamins B is widely represented in the pulp of lemon.
In addition, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium, sulfur and phosphorus, manganese, copper, zinc and many other compounds are present in sour yellow citrus,have an active impact on the human body and its health.
Why is a lemon still useful? It is a natural source of pectins, dietary fiber and moisture. A small amount of sugar allows you to concisely answer the question: "How many calories in a lemon?" Compared with other favorite and famous fruits - very little. One hundred grams of pulp accounts for only 15.8 kcal.
Citric acid remains the most important and valuable component of fruit pulp. People owe her the majority of the beneficial properties of lemon, which are in demand in various fields of traditional and traditional medicine, in cosmetology and nutrition.
Medicinal properties of lemon
Although the pharmaceutical industry offers people newer and newer medicines, the beneficial properties of lemon are not only not forgotten, but also find more and more widespread use in the treatment and prevention of various painful conditions for healing and strengthening the human body. Why is a lemon useful, and how is it used for health purposes?
Acids and vitamins that make up the fruit, predetermine its anti-inflammatory, anti-sclerotic, immunostimulating and rejuvenating effect.
Such a complex effect suggests the benefits of lemon for those who have suffered serious diseases, surgical interventions and injuries. The inclusion of fresh fruits in the menu will allow you to quickly rehabilitate, strengthen your strength and immunity, to withstand the possible complications and infections.
Benefits of Lemon for Colds
That is why, already from childhood, lemon is recommended not only for the presence of cold symptoms, but also during mass diseases.
After all, the medicinal properties of lemon help and it is easier to transfer an existing disease, and successfully withstand infection. In addition to the beneficial effects on immunity:
- stimulates sweating, lemon helps to cope with the heat;
- sour aromatic fruit pulp has a disinfecting, drying effect on the mucous membrane, calming inflammation and facilitating the course of the disease;
- ascorbic acid in the composition of the lemon provides the body with the necessary energy during a difficult period.
Headache and other signs of indisposition will make it easier to wipe the temples with fresh lemon zest.
A warm tea with lemon and ginger, honey and healing herbs will be a good preventive measure in the autumn-winter period.
How is a lemon useful for the body?
Lemon is effective in cardiovascular diseases. With the introduction of it into the daily menu in the blood decreases the amount of harmful cholesterol, respectively, decreases the risk of atherosclerosis and other dangerous ailments.
People often ask: "Does a lemon increase or decrease the pressure?".Since there are a lot of acids in the composition of the fruit, under their influence the blood pressure decreases, and unlike many drugs, this makes the lemon very soft, and the effect lasts for a considerable time.
The benefits of lemons for patients suffering from liver dysfunctions, disorders of the stomach, pain in the joints and muscles persists after gentle cooking of fruits, for example, after cooking jellies, jams, fruit purees or syrups.
Sour citruses whet the appetite, quench thirst and invigorate well. To achieve this effect, it is enough to put a slice of hot drink or make homemade lemonade.
What is a lemon good for the body if a person suffers from digestive disorders? If dysfunction is associated with low acidity, the introduction into the diet of small portions of this fruit or its juice will help:
- to alleviate the patient's condition;
- relieve bouts of belching;
- to intensify the digestion of food;
- get rid of unpleasant symptoms associated with increased gas and heaviness.
Beauticians and most women know about the benefits of lemon for the skin of the face. Fruit acids actively cleanse, rejuvenate and tighten the skin. Due to the bactericidal, anti-inflammatory properties of lemon, it is possible in a short time, without resorting to expensive procedures, to cope with purulent rashes, irritation and other manifestations of acne.
Lemon in Pregnancy
The question: “Can lemons be in pregnancy?” A lot of women are asked all over the world. On the one hand, this is an excellent source of vitamins, but on the other hand, any product on the menu of a pregnant woman should be not only healthy but also safe.
The beneficial properties of lemon can be used during the waiting period of the child, especially if the woman suffers from nausea and other manifestations of toxemia in the first half of pregnancy.
Fruit protects from colds and strengthens the strength, but with all the benefits of lemon harm in this case also can not be ruled out. A risk factor for the future mother may be an allergic reaction to the fresh pulp of citrus, as well as its increased acidity.
The closer the birth, the stronger the child is pressing the stomach and other digestive organs. Therefore, if a woman suffers from increased acidity, the ingestion of an additional amount of acid will necessarily provoke heartburn, pain and other symptoms that worsen the future mother's well-being.
In addition, during pregnancy, an addiction to acidic foods can adversely affect the state of the tooth enamel.
Therefore, no matter how useful lemons are, you should be careful when using them when you are pregnant. And it is better to include it in the menu after consulting with the attending specialist and an appropriate examination.
Contraindications to the use of lemon
As part of the pulp of fresh lemon found a lot of biologically active substances. There are vitamins and mineral salts, organic acids and other compounds that have an impact on the human body. But as is often the case, each medal has a downside. If fruits are included in the diet thoughtlessly, without taking into account the characteristics of the organism and the available medical contraindications, the person risks to feel not only the benefits but also the harm from lemons.
What diseases should not be abused with fresh lemons? Contraindications include:
- gastritis with high acidity, when entering the digestive tract of lemon pulp only exacerbates the picture;
- peptic ulcer of all parts of the intestine and stomach.
Like other citrus fruits, lemon can cause allergic reactions, accompanied by itching and irritation of the skin, respiratory phenomena, headache, eye sore. If a person has a predisposition to food allergies, the immense consumption of fresh fruit and juice often becomes a cause of serious indisposition.
Do not give lemon to young children, as well as apply cosmetic products based on it, when there are erosions on the skin or fresh abrasions.
Lemon is a useful fruit, but the maximum benefit from it can be felt only with moderate, reasonable use.
