Lemon is one of the most beneficial citrus fruit. It’s abundant in nutrients such as vitamin C, pectin, antioxidants, B-vitamins, calcium and potassium, owing to which lemon has amazing medicinal properties. For example, it’s highly beneficial for strengthening your immune system, preventing a number of infections, and even treating a number of diseases.
Moreover, lemon is used as an addition to many dishes thanks to its distinct and rich flavor.
This article focuses on how lemons can significantly benefit your health as well as your appearance. Read on and find out 18 amazing uses of lemons that can improve your health on many levels.
1# Treat indigestion and constipation
Abundant in antibacterial properties, lemons are extremely beneficial in fighting bad bacteria and promoting the growth of good bacteria in the body. In this way, lemons efficiently treat indigestion and constipation. To treat issues of this kind, mix some lemon juice in a glass of warm water and drink first thing in the morning. This is how you can stimulate peristalsis, and more secretion of saliva and stomach acids, all of which contributes to an improved digestion.
2# Stimulate weight loss
Lemons are also amazing for weight loss. If you are battling with excess weight, drink a cup of hot tea with juice of half a lemon before meals in order to prevent overeating. Lemon juice will make you feel fuller and eat less because of the pectin it contains.
In addition, lemon juice is a natural diuretic, which prevents water retention by stimulating frequent urination.
If you want to lose weight faster, mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper and 2 teaspoons of honey in a large glass of water and drink before any meal. Also, mix 1l purified water and the juice of 2-3 squeezed lemons and drink throughout the day. This will prevent cravings and feelings of hunger.
3# Restore your body’s pH balance
Acidity in the body is very common due to a poor diet, excessive stress, inactivity and last, but not least, toxins that enter your body every day. If left untreated, acidity can seriously harm your health. In fact, keeping your body alkaline is of vital importance in order to prevent serious diseases like cancer.
Although lemons are known as acidic, their nutrients actually create alkaline environment in the body. That’s why lemons are extremely beneficial for treatment of various health issues. All you need to do to restore the pH balance in your body is drink a cup of lukewarm water mixed with lemon juice of half a lemon first thing in the morning.
4# Prevent parasites
Intestinal warms and parasites are often hard to get rid of. However, creating an environment which prevents their growth and survival is the key method of successful treatment. Eating fresh lemons or drinking lemon juice makes your pH balance alkaline, thus destroying parasites, which thrive in an acidic environment.
5# Liver detoxification
Lemon is rich in antioxidants which not only detoxify your body, but also improve your liver and kidney function. Moreover, lemon juice is a strong diuretic, which stimulates the elimination of waste products from the body. To detoxify your body drink a glass of water to which you’ve added lemon juice first thing in the morning.
6# Reduce high blood pressure
Lemon is abundant in pectin, soluble fiber, which efficiently lowers cholesterol levels, and at the same time treats hypertension due to the fact that high cholesterol is the main reason for this cardiovascular condition. The potassium in lemons also reduces high blood pressure. Plus, the flavonoids and vitamin P found in lemons are extremely beneficial for strengthening the blood vessels.
7# Relieve pain
Lemon essential oils are great for relaxing blood vessels and relieving inflammation and pain due to their strong aroma. Also, a glass of lemon water every morning relieves the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases. In addition, lemon extract eases sunburn pain when applied directly to the skin diluted with water. Drinking lemon juice can also relieve PMS symptoms.
8# Reduce the appearance of varicose veins
Treat varicose veins by combining a few drops of lemon essential oil with a moisturizing oil of your choice. Apply the mixture on the affected area and massage gently. Provided you do this regularly, you’ll soon notice an improvement.
9# Good for oral care
In case you have a toothache, apply some lemon juice to the painful area. Lemon juice will sooth the pain, but also eliminate bad breath. You can also treat bleeding gums by massaging them with lemon juice, which will stop the bleeding and keep bacteria at bay.
10# Teeth whitening
If you want to whiten your teeth, make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Use an equal ratio of both ingredients. Using a cotton swab, apply the paste on your teeth rubbing gently. Leave it to act for less than a minute so as to prevent tooth enamel damage. Finish by brushing your teeth as usual. This natural tooth-whitening mixture is far safer than most store-bought products that contain strong chemicals which can make your teeth sensitive and painful.
11# Improve concentration
According to research, lemon essential oil can positively affect and improve your mood. Have some lemon essential oil at hand if you want to improve your effectiveness at work.
12# Prevent infections
You can easily treat infections by drinking some lemon juice in a cup of warm water or tea every two hours or until your condition improves. You can also add honey to improve the effectiveness of the remedy.
13# Skin exfoliation
Vitamin C in lemons is highly beneficial for your skin too because it eliminates free radicals and stimulates cell regeneration. The method of skin exfoliation with lemons is particularly efficient. Exfoliate your skin using a lemon cut in two, which you scrub your face with at least once a week. This won’t only remove dead skin cells, but also stimulate skin regeneration as new skin layers will start to appear.
14# Remove dandruff
If you’re dealing with dandruff, mix some lemon juice and coconut oil to make a paste. Apply this on your dry scalp, but be cautious not to use the treatment too often as lemon juice can lighten your hair.
15# Soften callous feet
Lemon is extremely efficient in softening rough, scaly or calloused feet owing to the citric acid they contain. This ingredient is a natural exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, regenerates skin and lightens dark areas.
For this treatment, mix the juice of 2-3 lemons, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ¼ cup of milk. Put the mixture in a basin full of warm water. Immerse your feet in it for 20 minutes then get a scrub and remove the dead skin from your feet.
Alternatively, you can make a lemon and sugar scrub and exfoliate your feet with it. For this, mix two cups of brown sugar and ¼ cup of olive oil. Make sure the mixture isn’t too oily, but rather soft. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil. Soak your feet in warm water before you scrub them with this mixture.
16# Improve skin quality
As mentioned above, lemons can lighten dark spots and even complexion. Another benefit of lemons in relation to skin is the ability of vitamin C to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the body. Vitamin C deficiency results in fine lines and wrinkles as your skin is unable to repair the connective tissue.
17# Treat acne
Applying some freshly squeezed lemon juice on acne using a cotton pad is an effective natural method to treat this condition. The best time to do this is before bedtime. Then you rinse the affected area with water the following morning.
18# Keep insects away
Make your natural bug repellent by mixing 1 part of lemon essential oil and 10 parts of carrier oil (olive, sunflower oil or ethyl alcohol) instead of using chemical-laden insect repellents.
Source: Myilifestyle.com
