Lemons are some of the most common citrus fruits in the world, and most of us use them almost every single day. But how much do we really know about lemons? Are we fully aware of just how beneficial they are for us, and how many other ways there are to use them, besides eating? After reading these 15 facts and uses, you will definitely try to eat more lemons and use them in more creative ways. If you are the kind of person who never liked lemons, despite their strong taste, high vitamin C content, antioxidants, B-vitamins, calcium and more, this just might be the thing to change your mind!
1. Restore the pH levels in your body
The stress of modern life, junk food, pollution, lack of exercise, and other toxins we accumulate can throw our body off balance. Although lemons are very acidic, their nutrient content is alkaline-forming and thus, helps make our body more resistant to a number of health problems. A cup of warm water with some lemon squeezed in will help you start your day in a healthy way.
2. Help your digestion process
Lemons are powerfully antibacterial and as such they destroy bad bacteria in your body and allow good bacteria to flourish. The good bacteria help with problems such as indigestion and constipation. A glass of water mixed with the juice of one lemon, or any other means of combining lemons with a large meal, will help stimulate peristalsis and the production of stomach acids that will aid the digestion process.
3. A helpful dietary aid
When you’re on a diet, a lemon can be your best friend for a number of reasons. First, it contains pectin, a fiber that can help you feel fuller and eat less. Thanks to this, a glass of lemon tea before a meal can help prevent overeating. Second, lemon juice happens to be a natural diuretic. This means it helps the body get rid of excess water it doesn’t need through increased urination, this will make you feel less heavy and puffy.
4. Natural parasite killer
Parasites and intestinal worms are very hard to get rid of, but there is a key element to getting rid of them that lemons contain. Parasites love acidic environments and drinking lemon juice or eating lemons will make your digestive system a more balanced environment, one that is hostile to parasites.
5. Natural mouth wash
If you have bad breath or canker sores, a lemon might be an easy, cheap and simple way to deal with them. Apply fresh lemon juice to the area or gargle just like any other oral care aid. If you have bleeding gums, you can massage freshly squeezed lemon juice to the problematic area and deal with the bacteria causing all the pain directly.