When life gives you lemons, definitely include them in your diet! They’re not only rich in vitamin C, but also in a wide range of other nutrients that are extremely beneficial for your health.
So, here are the main benefits of adding lemons to your diet!
They support the health of the cardiovascular system
Vitamin C is known for contributing to reducing the risk of heart diseases. Therefore, it’s no surprise that lemons are good for your heart, as one medium-sized lemon has approximately 31 milligrams of vitamin C, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake.
They may help maintain a low blood pressure
While there isn’t enough research to fully confirm this, a 2014 study conducted in Japan found that women who consumed lemon every day and included daily walks into their habits, had lower blood pressure compared to those who did not adopt these habits.
They inhibit the formation of kidney stones
Due to being acidic, the consumption of lemons increases the pH of your urine, preventing kidney stones from forming. According to Healthline, “just a 1/2-cup (4 ounces or 125 ml) of lemon juice per day may provide enough citric acid to help prevent stone formation in people who have already had them.”
They improve digestion
Lemons are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that is known to slow down the digestion of sugars and starches, helping reduce the level of blood sugar. However, to reap the benefits, you must also consume the pulp of the lemon, not only the juice.
They support immunity
Also due to their high content of vitamin C, lemons are a true ally of our immune systems. While vitamin C won’t necessarily prevent you from getting a cold or flu, it will help you recover faster from them.