While lemons are notorious for being extremely sour and bitter, these tiny, juicy fruits are extremely nutrient dense and bring a lot of health benefits to our body.
While a majority of people do not like to eat lemons alone, they are an excellent addition to bring flavor to any dish!
Lemons are in their peak blooming season during the month of August, so take advantage of this fruit when it is in its prime. With its antioxidant properties and excellent source of vitamin C, just a small amount of lemon per day could greatly benefit your health.
Vitamin C Benefits
Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants. This antioxidant is important to neutralize free radicals found in the body, decreasing inflammation or painful swelling in the body. If you are struggling with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis, lemons may help aide in this pain.
Free radicals also cause damage to blood vessel walls and make it easier for cholesterol to build up. However, the vitamin C that is contained in lemons can prevent this from occurring.
Information obtained from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27
Vitamin C is also very beneficial to the immune system, making it stronger and more able to fight off infections like colds, flus, and ear infections. Immune systems can also be weakened because of stress-induced activities, and individuals who are obese or participate in smoking and drinking alcohol can deplete their vitamin C levels (www.webmd.com).
Increasing Iron Absorption
Certain vitamins and minerals are not easily digestible when paired with other nutrients. However, when pairing sources of vitamin C with sources of iron, the vitamin C helps aide in iron absorption, allowing your body to metabolize the iron more efficiently. This also decreases your chances of developing an iron-related anemia (Ware, M. 2015).
For example, squeeze fresh lemon on top of a piece of cooked salmon before eating.
Maintaining a Healthy Complexion
Vitamin C also plays a role in the formation of collagen, which gives your skin the strength and support it needs. When vitamin C is eaten or applied directly to the skin, it can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin in general, and fix skin damage caused by the sun (Ware, M. 2015).
About the author:
Hello! My name is Stephanie Holinko, Nutrition Consultant at PulmonaryRehab.com
I am available as a resource to answer any nutritional questions or concerns that you may have and I am also available to help you achieve any nutrition related goals that you may have. I look forward to connecting with you!
