What does lemon give? Strengthening hair mask. How to choose and store lemons

At the mention of this fruit, everyone instinctively winces, and how can one not wince - the sour taste of lemon is familiar to each of us since childhood, when lemon was the best remedy for colds and flu. The best, albeit sour. However, before abandoning this sour fruit in favor of other medicines, you should still pay attention to beneficial features lemons, of which, I assure you, there are a great many!

Lemon is known as medicinal plant for more than one thousand years. IN Ancient Greece It was believed that lemon was the best antidote to most poisons, including snake venoms. Doctors Ancient China prescribed medications containing lemon to their patients, as they were confident that this fruit would help heal any wounds, even the most severe ones, cure lung diseases and relieve scurvy. Lemon was also widely used in the treatment of heart diseases, such as heart palpitations. In Russia in the 19th century, lemon was used for inflammation of the mouth, tongue and respiratory tract. This is such a difficult fruit!

Lemon composition

First of all, lemon contains a lot of citric acid, mineral salts and vitamins - very important components of the normal functioning of any organism. Of all the vitamins contained in lemon, vitamin C should be highlighted, which helps normalize metabolism and improve immunity. However, remember that The vitamin C content in lemon is not so high, as is popularly believed. For example, in and a number of other plants there is much more of it than in lemon. And the sour taste of this fruit is given by citric acid, and not ascorbic acid.

Lemon is rich in vitamins A, B, B1, B2, E, D and Vitamin P, also known as “citrine” and found only in citrus plants. In addition, citrus contains iron, sulfur, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, cobalt, sodium and other minerals. Lemon contains pectin substances, as well as fiber, which is necessary in the treatment of intestinal diseases. However, one of the main factors determining the high benefits of lemon is the content of citric acid in the fruit, which helps cleanse the body of toxins and improve activity. digestive system, vision, blood circulation, improves immunity and is an indispensable remedy in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. All useful substances are concentrated, as in most fruits, mainly not in the pulp, but in the peel (in the case of lemon, the zest, top layer peel), which makes it the most valuable and useful part of the entire fruit. Lemon zest can be seen in many medicines for a wide variety of purposes. It is also useful, however, not everyone can drink it in its pure form, without added sugar, due to its sour taste.

Composition of lemon per 100g

Basics:

  • Proteins: 0.9 g
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.0 g
  • Mono- and disaccharides: 3.0 g
  • Organic acids: 5.7 g
  • Dietary fiber: 2.0 g
  • Ash: 0.5 g
  • Water: 87.8 g
  • Calorie content: 15.8 kcal

Vitamins:

  • Vitamin A: 0.010 mg
  • Vitamin C: 40.0 mg
  • Vitamin E: 0.5 mg
  • Vitamin B1: 0.04 mg
  • Vitamin B2: 0.02 mg
  • Vitamin B3: 0.2 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0.06 mg
  • Vitamin B9: 9.0 mcg
  • Vitamin PP(B3,B5): 0.1 mg

Micro- and macroelements:

  • Boron: 175.0 mcg
  • Iron: 0.6 mg
  • Calcium: 40.0 mg
  • Potassium: 163.0 mg
  • Magnesium: 12.0 mg
  • Manganese: 40.0 mcg
  • Copper: 240.0 mcg
  • Molybdenum: 1.0 mcg
  • Sodium: 11.0 mg
  • Sulfur: 10.0 mg
  • Fluoride: 10.0 mcg
  • Phosphorus: 22.0 mg
  • Chlorine: 5.0 mg
  • Zinc: 125.0 mcg

Beneficial properties of lemon

Modern medicine makes full use of the benefits of lemon for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with excess or deficiency of vitamins C and P, since these vitamins have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic, anti-sclerotic properties and increase the immune-biological reactions of the body. Very often doctors recommend lemons for food for those who have just had surgery or, on the contrary, prepares for it, since during a period of illness, more than ever, it is necessary to maintain immunity at a high level.

Lead full list diseases for which lemon is necessary medicine impossible, but we will try to talk about the most basic beneficial properties of lemon. So, lemon will help you with:

  • Cold. Vitamin C, contained in all citrus fruits, will strengthen the immune system, help reduce fever and soothe a sore throat and lungs, lemon also stimulates sweating, which helps to significantly reduce fever. To prevent colds, it is recommended not to drink three times a day. a large number of, diluted with warm boiled water;
  • Infectious diseases, including throat diseases. In this case, it is recommended to add lemon or lemon juice in hot drinks, such as tea;
  • Diseases of the digestive system. For example, with heartburn, which is accompanied increased acidity. Lemon acid, contained in lemon, when it enters the body, it begins to break down into alkaline components, which help reduce acidity.
  • Toothache. Drinking lemon juice diluted with water will help strengthen teeth, reduce the risk of tooth decay, soothe aching pain and help relieve inflammation of the gums, which often causes tooth loss;
  • Skin problems. Here lemon will become indispensable for everything from acne to wounds and cuts. The substances contained in lemon have antibacterial and healing properties, which helps prevent infections from getting into wounds and promotes their speedy healing;
  • Problems with cardiovascular system and blood diseases. Lemon is the best blood cleanser;
  • Nausea and dizziness. Lemon is especially useful for pregnant women, as it helps get rid of the most unpleasant consequences toxicosis;
  • Constipation.

The beneficial properties of lemon are also widely used in folk medicine. Lemons in fresh or processed form (jams, juices, syrups, jams, tinctures) are used for diseases of the liver, stomach, muscle and joint pain, with bleeding. Lemon in various forms is also often prescribed to patients suffering from tuberculosis and even cancer.. Drinking lemon juice periodically is believed to help reduce the risk of cancer.

Among other things, lemon is often added to tea or food, and this is done for a reason. The substances contained in this citrus help awaken and increase appetite, which is often absent in sick people or small children. If your child doesn't eat much, give him literally 100 ml of tincture from lemon zest, and he will start eating like a hero!

Contraindications for lemons

Lemon contains many useful vitamins and acids that have a strong effect on the body, so thoughtless consumption of this citrus in food can lead to some consequences. It's no secret that lemon, like other citrus fruits, can cause an allergic reaction, due to the high content of citric acid. Before using lemon for food or cosmetic purposes, check to see if you are allergic to citrus fruits!

You should also be careful when using lemon for treatment. peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum.

So you have become acquainted with the main beneficial properties of lemon, the main ones, but not all! Lemon can be safely called one of the healthiest fruits in the world, since there are almost no diseases for which it would not help. All this, together with more than compensates for its sour taste, besides, who said that medicine should be tasty? If you always want to be healthy and strong, we advise you to stock up on lemons; the main thing to remember is that you should not approach the use of any medicine, even natural ones, thoughtlessly. Consult your doctor, if he does not find any contraindications, you can safely include lemons in your daily diet. Who knows, maybe over time you'll even like their sour taste!

Lemon is an evergreen tree reaching a height of three to seven meters. Lemon bark on perennial branches is grayish in color, and on young branches it is green or red-violet. In annual shoots it is smooth, as a rule, contains spines (but may also be without them). The leaves of this tree are leathery, glossy on top and matte below, oval or ovoid in shape. Their length is 10-15 centimeters, width – 5-8 centimeters. Leaves are placed on winged or wingless petioles.

Lemon flowers can be paired or single. They include a toothed calyx and a five-membered corolla. The color of the petals is white, cream, the outside is purple-pinkish. They have a delicate aroma and are strongly recurved and naked. The fruits of the plant in question are ovoid or oval in shape, tapered at both ends, and light yellow in color. Their length is 6-9 cm, diameter - 4-6 cm. The peel can be pitted or tuberculate. It contains a large number of glands, including essential oil.

Inside the fruits have several nests. Their seeds are yellow-green or white, in cross-section, they have a greenish tint and are ovoid in shape. Lemon blossoms in spring, fruits ripen in autumn. This tree grows in the subtropical region of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, on the territory of Azerbaijan and the republics of Central Asia. The plant is cultivated on a plantation and grown as an indoor crop.

Preparing and storing lemon

For medicinal purposes, the peel, lemon juice, and ripened fruits are used. The juice is obtained manually or using a juicer. Lemon oil is obtained from the pressed peel, which must be stored in a glass, tightly closed container in the form of 10 percent alcohol solution. To preserve the fruits for a long time, they are thoroughly washed, dried, and cut into small slices, the thickness of which should not exceed 7 mm. If the lemon is large, it is additionally cut in half. It is imperative to remove the seeds from the fruit. The resulting raw materials are placed in glass jars and sprinkled with sugar. They should be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days. Then you need to store the container in the refrigerator.

Use in everyday life

Using lemon you can remove greasy stains. For these purposes, sprinkle half of the fruit with salt (it acts as an abrasive) and wipe greasy surfaces with it. Marble and other acid-sensitive substances cannot be treated in this way. The juice of the fruit in question allows you to remove scale from a kettle or coffee maker. To do this, fill them with water, add finely chopped lemon zest, heat and let cool. Some housewives use lemon to clean the inside of the microwave oven. So, a container is placed in the oven, half filled with water, in which the zest is diluted, and the product is turned on for 5-7 minutes. After condensation has settled on the walls, they must be carefully wiped with a damp sponge.

Lemon juice is also used to deodorize the trash can (wipe it from the inside, thereby killing germs). It is also used to polish chrome and copper surfaces, clean sinks made of stainless steel, and repel insects (in particular, ants). In addition to all of the above, the fruit in question is actively used in cooking. various kinds dishes (cookies, cakes, drinks, etc.).

Composition and medicinal properties of lemon

  1. Preparations made from lemon have an anti-inflammatory, tonic, antimicrobial, anti-sclerotic, and wound-healing effect.
  2. It is recommended to drink lemon juice for hypo- and avitaminosis, atherosclerosis, for the treatment of lung diseases, wounds, and poisoning.
  3. Lemons should be included in the diet for people with cardiovascular diseases, jaundice, rheumatism, gout, gastritis (who also have low acidity), pregnant women.
  4. Lemon syrup is an excellent anthelmintic.
  5. Lotions made from lemon juice and chlorine help cope with gangrene.
  6. Lemon juice softens the skin, whitens it, and rejuvenates it. It should be used by persons who suffer from salt deposits, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, radiculitis, infectious and viral diseases.
  7. Externally apply lemon juice fungal infections skin, age spots and freckles (to lighten them).
  8. Traditional healers use the juice of this fruit in the treatment of gonorrhea.
  9. It is a proven fact that in people who have a lot of vitamin C in their bodies, wounds, fractures, gastrointestinal ulcers heal faster, tuberculosis, asthenia and other ailments are easier to treat.
  10. Streptococci, which are the causative agent of sore throat and other ailments, die in the lemon environment.
  11. Citric acid is added to the blood that is being prepared for transfusion (this helps prevent it from clotting).
  12. Lemon can also be used to treat diseases of the throat and mouth, typhoid fever, scurvy and diphtheria (the substance is applied to plaque).
  13. Lemon juice eliminates cracks in the skin and eliminates brittle nails. Mixed with water it stimulates the appetite.
  14. Citric acid is contained in Citramon, which is used for migraines, neuralgia, and colds.
  15. Lemon essential oil helps cope with indecision, improves concentration and mood.
  16. The use of lemon in folk medicine

    Lemon-based remedy for vitamin deficiency

    Add the juice of one lemon and honey (1-2 tsp) to hot water (1 tbsp). You should drink this remedy 2 times a day, 1/2 cup.

    Vitamin infusion based on lemon juice

    Pour chopped pine, fir or spruce needles (600 g) cold water(4 cups), add juice squeezed from one medium-sized lemon. You need to infuse the product for two days in a dark place, stirring it. It is worth consuming 200 ml of the composition per day.

    Lemon-based product that has a tonic effect and improves appetite

    Mix lemon juice (1 tsp) with vegetable oil (1 tbsp) and honey (1 tsp), mix everything. The composition should be taken before breakfast.

    Lemon peel tincture to increase appetite

    Grind the dried peel of the fruit in question (100 g) and pour in vodka (1 l), leave for 21 days in a dark place, shaking the container periodically. After straining the product through gauze, take it three times a day, 30 ml (before meals).

    Lemon based remedy for feelings of weakness and exhaustion

    Grind lemons with peel (4 pieces) through a meat grinder, add fresh lemon juice (200 ml), olive oil (200 g), pharmaceutical infusion of valerian and hawthorn (15 g each), camphor (1 g), oil peppermint(15 drops). After thoroughly mixing the composition, take it three times a day before meals.

    Lemon decoction used for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx and mouth

    Boil the juice of two lemons over low heat for 10-15 minutes (do not let the mixture boil), add honey or molasses (1 tbsp), stir until they are completely dissolved. After straining the product, drink it warm, a few tablespoons at a time, after rinsing your throat with the mixture. You should not drink anything for 45-60 minutes after this.

    Lemon based asthma remedy

    Add grated fresh horseradish (100 g) to the juice of 3 lemons and mix the mixture thoroughly. You should take it 2 times a day, 1/2 teaspoon. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after this. During treatment, dairy products must be excluded from the diet.

    Lemon juice remedy for influenza

    One medium fruit place in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then twist it through a meat grinder. Add butter (100 g), honey (2 tbsp.). The product should be spread on black bread and eaten 6-8 times a day.

    Lemon-based remedy for atherosclerosis

    Mix the lemon, twisted on a grater, with garlic (one head), pour boiling water (1 liter) into the mixture. Infuse the product for 2 days in a tightly closed container. You need to consume it three times a day, one tablespoon.

    Composition used for the prevention of stroke and hypertension

    Pour dried or fresh lemon peel (2 tablespoons) with water (400 ml), cook over low heat with the lid closed for half an hour, leave for 10-15 minutes. After straining, take the decoction three times a day, 100 ml (before meals).

    Lemon-based remedy used for cholecystitis, liver cirrhosis, jaundice

    Grind the lemons together with the peel (2 pcs.) and the same number of peeled lemons through a meat grinder. Add honey (1 kg), olive oil (200 ml) to the resulting pulp. The product should be stored in a cool, dark place. You should drink it 3 times a day before meals (30 minutes before) 1 tbsp.

    Lemon-based composition taken for sore throat

    Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 piece) pour hot chamomile infusion (250 ml), take 1 tbsp. before going to bed.

    Contraindications

    Due to the fact that lemon juice irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, products based on it should not be taken by people with stomach and duodenal ulcers, those with high acidity, acute nephritis, pancreatic diseases, as well as individual intolerance.

It is the fruit of an evergreen tree plant representing the genus Citrus, family Rutaceae. Among all the diversity citrus lemon is, if not the most popular, then, undoubtedly, one of the most useful and significant fruits in terms of medicinal properties, second only to orange in the vitamin rating. Word " lemon"according to one of the existing versions, borrowed from the Italian language (" lemon"), and the Italian name of the fruit, in turn, is the result of the assimilation of the Persian "limun" (which meant any citrus fruit among the Persians).

Story

It is difficult to reliably determine the homeland of lemons. There are suggestions that in ancient times they were grown in northeast India, northern Burma and China. Studies of the genetic code of lemon indicate that it is a hybrid of historically “earlier” citrus fruits: citron and bitter orange. Lemons first came to Europe (the south of modern Italy) back in the 2nd century AD. (although they became widespread much later) thanks to foreign trade activities Ancient Rome. In parallel with these events, lemon spread in Persia, Iraq, and Egypt. In a 10th century Arabic treatise on agriculture there is information about lemon, which was cultivated not only as a food product, but also as ornamental plant. In the 9th century, as a result of the conquests and aggressive policies of the Moors, lemons began to be grown in the south of Spain and Sicily. Thus, lemon conquered the Mediterranean and Arab regions. Lemon production began on a large scale in Genoa in the mid-15th century. Lemon came to America thanks to Columbus, where, centuries later, it took root well due to optimal climatic conditions in Florida and California.

Lemon arrived in Russia along with Dutch suppliers and merchants: in the second half of the 17th century, seedlings of lemon trees were delivered to the royal court. The citrus crop was recognized as so valuable and rare that a special position was even introduced at court - “caretaker of lemons.” The second wave of popularity of lemons swept the empire two centuries later, during the supply of Georgian lemons to Russia. ,

Varieties

The varietal variety of lemons is extremely large; the most popular and in demand varieties on the world market are:

  • “Novogruzinsky” is a remontant variety (the tree blooms and bears fruit all year round). A popular variety characterized by high yield and almost complete absence of seeds in the fruits.
  • “Pavlovsk” lemon is a variety that is perfectly suited for growing at home. Trees of this variety tolerate shade. The fruits are thin-skinned.
  • The 'Eureka' variety is also known as 'Four Seasons'. Lemons of this variety grow almost all year round and hold the market record for popularity and quantity.
  • The Meyer variety is a thin-skinned variety. More frost-resistant compared to other varieties, but also more demanding on transportation conditions. Not a common variety in the commercial sense. The variety was named after Frank Meyer (1908).
  • "Yen Ben" and "Bush" are Australian varieties. The Bush variety grows wild in the subtropical zone of the mainland. "Bush" is a thick-skinned variety popular in cooking.
  • “Sorrento” is an Italian variety whose zest is traditionally used to make limoncello.

Other well-known varieties: “Lisbon”, “Maikopsky”, “Verna”.

Lemons are also conventionally divided into sour varieties(real) sweet varieties(the flesh of which is sweet and juicy) and lemons " ponderosa"(thick-skinned, with a lot of seeds). Lemons with a thick rind are used to make candied fruits.

Based on the type of plant, lemons are divided into bushy(bushes up to 4 m high, fruits are formed at the ends of the branches) and tree-like(trees up to 6 m tall, with a dense crown, in the depths of which fruit formation occurs. ,


Features of cultivation

The area for planting lemon seedlings should be a well-lit place protected from the winds. Plant trees standard size It is recommended with an interval of 3.5 to 7.5 m (dwarf trees are planted with a smaller interval - up to 2 m). The optimal soil option is loamy soil.

To grow a lemon from a seed, you need to remove all the seeds from the fruit, soak them in water overnight, then plant them in moist soil in a pot to a depth of 1.2 cm. Wrap the pot in a plastic bag and leave in a warm, sunny place for the seeds to germinate.

A few weeks after planting the seedlings, you can begin fertilizing with a mixture of citrus fertilizers. Feeding is carried out further over several years. The watering schedule is systematic and slightly more than moderate. Mulching is not recommended when growing citrus fruits.

How to grow lemon at home? Meyer and Pavlovsky lemons are best suited for this. The lemon tree needs to be provided with sufficient lighting, warmth and good drainage. You should also protect the plant from drafts, humidify the air in the room where the lemon grows, and in the summer, place the pot with the tree in fresh air. In the cold season, you need to extend the daylight hours for the plant with the help of additional lighting. IN favorable conditions A lemon tree can bloom and bear fruit throughout the year.


How to choose and how to store

High-quality fruits are dense, with a smooth skin, there are no dents and dark spots. When warmed for a short time in warm hands, the lemon exudes an intense aroma unique to this citrus.

Lemons keep well in the refrigerator. Additional time to the shelf life is added by packing each fruit in clean paper and placing lemons wrapped in a plastic bag in a separate chamber for vegetables and fruits.

Long-term storage reduces the acidity of fruits, since a significant amount of citric acid is transformed into sugars over time.

The “life time” of lemons is extended by immersing them for seconds in moderately hot molten paraffin: this creates a protective layer covering the fruit. Lemons are stored well in boxes with sand, which is pre-calcined for disinfection.

Beneficial properties of lemon

Chemical composition and presence of nutrients

Main substances (mg/100 g): Fresh without peel In the peel Fresh Juice
Water 88,98 81,6 93,21
Carbohydrates 9,32 16 6,9
Alimentary fiber 2,8 10,6 0,3
Squirrels 1,1 1,5 0,35
Fats 0,3 0,3 0,24
Calories (Kcal) 29 47 22
Minerals
Potassium 138 160 103
Calcium 26 134 6
Phosphorus 16 12 8
Magnesium 8 15 6
Sodium 2 6 1
Iron 0,6 0,8 0,08
Zinc 0,06 0,25 0,05
Vitamins
Vitamin C 53 129 38,7
Vitamin E 0,15 0,25 0,15
Vitamin PP 0,1 0,4 0,091
Vitamin B6 0,08 0,172 0,046
Vitamin B1 0,04 0,06 0,024
Vitamin B2 0,02 0,08 0,015
Vitamin B9 0,011 0,013 0,02
Vitamin A 0,001 0,003 0,002

The pulp of lemon fruits contains citric and ascorbic acids, sugars, vitamins A, B1 and B2, flavonoids, coumarin derivatives, sesquiterpenes, pectins, potassium and copper salts. Lemon peel contains essential oil and flavonoids. The main components of the essential oil include the terpene limonene and the aldehyde citral.

Lemons contain 7.1% carbohydrates in the form of sugars. The latter are dominated by fructose and glucose, which are easily digestible. The amount of pectin in the peel is 16% of dry matter, and in the pulp - 11%. The predominant among fruit acids is citric acid. The acidity of fruits collected in late autumn increases to 8%, the acidity of fruits picked in spring (April) ranges from 4% to 5%. The essential oils contained in the peel have a powerful bactericidal effect. The content of mineral salts (especially potassium) in lemons is high. Vitamin C is contained in lemon fruits in a stable form, i.e. lemon juice, which is heated for 5 minutes to boiling point, practically does not lose the original amount of vitamin C (therefore, the benefits of lemon in combination even with very hot tea do not decrease).


Use in medicine

The increased content of vitamins in fruits determines the healing properties of lemon. Lemons (in in kind, with tea, in the form of juice diluted with water) is prescribed for a lack of vitamins A and B, fever, disorders of mineral metabolism, kidney stone disease, gout and rheumatism. Externally, lemon juice diluted with water is used for rinsing during inflammatory processes in the oral cavity and throat. For nausea and vomiting that accompany pregnancy toxicosis, freshly cut lemon is applied to the cavity between the mammary glands, using it as a depressant. For comedones, wipe the face with a slice of fresh lemon (before this, take a steam bath for the face). Lemon essential oil is used to improve the taste and smell of many medicines. ,

Use of lemons in folk medicine

  • For seborrhea, use a face mask: one egg white beat with a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply evenly to the skin. Washed away warm water after half an hour. The frequency of use of this product is once or twice a week.
  • For hypoacid gastritis (which is characterized by low acidity), a recipe is useful: 250 g of yogurt is mixed with one grated lemon and an egg yolk. Take 3 tablespoons three times a day before meals. The course of treatment is no more than 5 days.
  • For constipation, combine the juice of one lemon with 400 ml of water and add honey to taste. Drink the drug daily on an empty stomach, about an hour before your first meal.
  • To improve intestinal motility and eliminate constipation, a decoction is also recommended: boil 300 g of figs in 4 liters of water until the amount of water is reduced to 3 liters. Add the lightly boiled and mashed zest of one lemon to the boiled mixture. Take the composition in an amount of approximately 200 ml several times a day, with a break of 3-4 hours.
  • In case of exacerbation of cholelithiasis, a “cocktail” helps: dilute the juice of one lemon with 200 ml of water and add half a teaspoon of soda. Drink it all in one go after eating.

  • For cholecystitis, the following course of treatment is recommended. Melt 0.3 kg of honey in a water bath and mix with two crushed lemons, from which the “seeds” have previously been removed. Leave the mixture in a dark place for 3 days. Take the composition on an empty stomach for 10 days, 3 tablespoons, diluting them in a glass of cold water.
  • For gout, grind 3 large lemons, peeled from seeds, in a meat grinder and mix with finely chopped garlic (2 small heads) and pour in 1.5 liters of boiling water. Boil the mixture for about 10 minutes and then leave for 3 days. Strain and take a tablespoon twice a day, after meals. The course of treatment is from one to two months.
  • For hypertension, the following composition is used: half a lemon and an orange (along with peel and seeds) are crushed using a meat grinder and mixed with a teaspoon granulated sugar. Store in the refrigerator and take 0.5 teaspoon four times a day after meals.
  • For arthritis, a course of treatment is prescribed for a month: peel the shells of 7 boiled eggs from the films and boil for 5 minutes, then crush. Combine eggshells with the juice of 7 lemons and infuse for a week. Strain and add 400 mg of honey and chopped garlic (5 heads) to the mixture. Leave the composition in a dark place for 7 days. Take once a day, in the middle of the day, after meals, dividing one dose of 4 teaspoons into 4 stages, each with a break of 10 minutes.
  • Proven help with tuberculosis folk remedy: 4 whole ones are placed in a glass jar raw eggs and fill them with the juice of one large lemon. The jar is closed, wrapped in paper and left for a week until the eggshell is completely dissolved. Then the egg-lemon mixture is poured with vodka (the jar is filled to the top). Take the infusion for a month, a tablespoon three times a day after each meal.
  • For bronchitis, the following recipe is used as an expectorant: bake 4 lemons in the oven at medium temperature until softened, let cool. Mash the lemons with a spoon, squeeze out the juice and mix the juice and pulp with 400 ml of boiling water, 3 tablespoons of red wine and 4 tablespoons of honey. Drink the composition in one go.
  • For hoarseness, debilitating cough and loss of voice, a decoction is useful: mix juice from 0.5 kg of carrots with a tablespoon of sugar and the zest of one lemon, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for an hour, boiling until the volume is reduced by half. Take 0.5 tablespoon every 2 hours throughout the day.
  • A sore throat is treated with a drink: 250 ml of hot milk is mixed with the juice of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of honey. Drink hot, in small sips.
  • A general tonic based on lemons, especially useful after suffering a debilitating flu: grate 10 large lemons along with the zest on a coarse grater, lightly mash the grated lemon mass with a spoon, add 5 cups of liquid honey and 10 small heads of chopped garlic. Mix all ingredients and leave in a warm place for 7 days. Take 4 teaspoons daily.

Externally:

  • For sweaty hands, use the following composition: glycerin, lemon juice and vodka are mixed in a ratio of 0.5: 0.25: 0.25. Lubricate your hands generously with this mixture after each wash. Lemon juice is also recommended for wiping the feet when sweating excessively.
  • Brittle nails are strengthened by systematic rubbing using a slice of lemon.
  • Rough skin on the heels is treated with compresses from the peel of squeezed lemon.
  • The top of a lemon, cut off with a small amount of pulp, is applied to the calluses on the feet (previously steamed in hot water). The lemon top is pressed tightly against the callus, secured with a bandage and left overnight. ,

Use in oriental medicine

Avicenna used freshly squeezed lemon juice to treat patients with heart disease. The healer also practiced using lemon for jaundice and toxicosis in pregnant women.

In ancient Chinese medicine, lemons were used to heal wounds, pneumonia and scurvy.

In the countries of Asia Minor and the Middle East, lemon was an indispensable ingredient in many dishes: in this way cholera was prevented.

In scientific research

Medicinal properties lemon described in his scientific works Armenian scientist, naturalist and doctor Amirdovlat Amasiatsi (15th century).

At the beginning of the 20th century, two large studies on treatment with lemon juice were simultaneously published by L. Gdansky and K. Drexler. The books were published in 1910 in Pskov and St. Petersburg, respectively.

Modern science remains interested in the medical potential of the famous citrus. The effect of daily consumption of lemons (towards improving indicators) on blood pressure is highlighted in the work of Japanese researchers Y. Kato, T. Domoto, M. Hiramitsu and others.

Indian researchers have proposed data on the substance hesperidin (isolated from lemons), which restores liver function (2005). ,


The use of lemons in dietetics

How to use lemon for weight loss? Nutritionists offer a lot of recipes aimed at cleansing the body of toxins and accelerating metabolism: systematically drinking water with lemon juice, a honey-lemon diet, the aromatic effect of essential oils. lemon oil(according to Alan Hirsch's system). Back in the 19th century, Johann Schroth proposed a scheme for detoxifying the body with lemons (using fresh lemon juice).

Use in cooking

The pronounced taste and aroma of lemons are appreciated by chefs and gourmets. Lemon zest is added to baked goods, puddings, and pastry cream; marmalade, jam, ice cream, and candied fruits are prepared from lemons. Lemon juice is used as a marinade when cooking meat and fish; add juice to dressings for vegetable and fruit salads. Lemon-based sauces are prepared; salted lemons are one of the traditional national dishes of Moroccan cuisine. Fresh sliced ​​lemon is served as an appetizer to a number of alcoholic beverages.

The use of lemons in cosmetology

For cooking cosmetics based on lemon, use lemon peel, zest, pulp, lemon juice or lemon essential oil.

Lemon for face

  • Skin prone to comedones can be helped by rubbing with lemon juice. First you need to steam your face over a steam bath.
  • For oily skin with enlarged pores, wiping with the following composition is useful: combine beaten egg white, 100 ml of vodka and the juice of one lemon.
  • Mask for oily skin prone to acne: dilute 2 tablespoons of white clay (in powder) in 2 tablespoons of alcohol, add 15 drops of lemon juice. Leave the mask on your face for a quarter of an hour and rinse with cold water.
  • Prepared for normal or sensitive skin homemade lotion: the juice of half a lemon is mixed with a teaspoon of glycerin and a quarter glass of water.
  • Mask for whitening freckles for dry skin: mix lemon juice, cream and hydrogen peroxide (5%) in equal proportions. Apply to face cotton swab and rinse with warm water after half an hour.
  • Nourishing milk for dry skin: mix 200 ml of fresh cream, 1 beaten egg, 100 ml of vodka, juice of one lemon and a teaspoon of glycerin. Grind everything thoroughly and wipe the face and décolleté area with the mixture before going to bed.

  • Nourishing mask for dry skin: prepare flour from dried lemon zest by grinding the zest in a coffee grinder. Mix a teaspoon of lemon flour, egg yolk and sour cream. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, applying to the face and neck.
  • “Madame Pompadour” mask for dry skin: grate one lemon on a plastic grater, pour in 100 ml of alcohol, let stand, then strain and combine with a glass of sour cream or cream, one whipped egg white and a teaspoon of glycerin. Apply to the face for a quarter of an hour, and then carefully remove the remnants of the mask using a cotton pad.
  • Tonic for any skin type: mix 2 tablespoons of boiled water, a teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon. Wipe your face before going to bed.
  • Toning face mask: mix a tablespoon of oatmeal or wheat flour with a small amount of milk (bring to a paste) and add the juice of half a lemon. Apply the mixture to the skin of the face and neck and rinse after half an hour with warm water.

Lemon for hair

  • For oily skin and increased greasiness It is useful to rub a mixture of 2 parts lemon and one part carrot juice into the scalp before washing. Wrap your head in a towel and leave the mixture on your hair for at least an hour. Rinse your hair after washing with water and lemon juice (a tablespoon of juice per 1.5 liters of water).
  • If you have dandruff, rinse your hair after washing with the prepared decoction: boil the peels of 4 lemons for a quarter of an hour in a liter of water.
  • Mask for dry and split hair: mix egg yolk with a small amount of warm water, add a tablespoon of lemon juice and vegetable oil.

Combination with other products

The sourness of lemon favorably complements the taste of vegetable and fruit salads in which lemon juice is used as a dressing. Lemon goes well with fish and seafood: mussels, oysters, shrimp.

Drinks made from lemons

Lemon juice is used to make lemonade, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, liqueurs, traditional drink limoncello. Jelly is made from lemon zest and juice; in drinks, lemon juice works great paired with honey, cinnamon, mint, and sweet fruit juices.


How to make lemonade at home? Peel and seed lemons and squeeze out 600 ml of juice. Pour 300 g of powdered sugar into lemon juice and stir thoroughly until completely dissolved. Fill the glasses three-quarters full with crushed ice, add sweet lemon juice and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Other uses of lemons

  • Lemon is a natural stain remover. Rub a mixture of lemon juice and salt and wash stains on white linen before the main wash (after allowing the composition to dry). A slice of lemon generously seasoned with salt perfectly cleans copper and gives it shine. Use lemon juice to clean your hands from dirt and stains left after working in the kitchen.
  • From lemons, pieces copper wire and galvanized nails, you can assemble a lemon battery, the “power” of which is quite enough to operate a standard watch. The principle of operation of such a battery is a chemical reaction resulting from the contact of the acid contained in lemon juice, copper and zinc.
  • Lemon can be used to clean your microwave quickly and easily. The zest of one lemon is poured into 500 ml of water and left in the microwave for 2 minutes, turning it on at full power. After this, all that remains is to thoroughly wipe the inside of the microwave with a damp sponge: lemon essential oil seems to “dissolve” even the most stubborn dirt.
  • You can get rid of yellow teeth caused by long-term smoking by using lemon juice. Apply a small amount to a damp toothbrush. baking soda and 3 drops of lemon juice and massage your teeth with this mixture.
  • Will serve as good protection against mosquito bites next way: open areas The body should be wiped with lemon juice. This will reduce irritation from bites and prevent new ones from appearing.
  • Lemon essential oil is an effective aromatherapy product characterized by tonic, antiseptic and other properties.

Every year on the French coast, in Menton, a colorful and unique lemon festival is held. According to tradition, the time of the holiday is the end of winter or the beginning of March. During this period, the city, the surrounding area of ​​which has long been famous for its lemon and other citrus plantations, attracts tens of thousands of tourists. The first official lemon festival was held in 1934. The theme of the festival changes every year: music, Broadway, China, the fairy-tale world of Charles Perrault, Italian cinema, etc. According to the chosen theme of the holiday, huge exhibitions and installations are designed, the material for the creation of which is the fruits of lemons and oranges.

“Through the Lemon Groves to the Nobel Prize”: The 1975 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to the Italian poet Eugenio Montale. A unique manifesto of Montale, representing the so-called Hermetic poetry, was the poem “Lemons (Lemon Trees).”

Lemon is one of the most popular citrus fruits among artists: the fruit was incredibly “in demand” in classic Dutch still life painting. The bitterness and sour taste of lemons symbolized the deceptive attractiveness of earthly beauty. Later, Edouard Manet (“Lemon”, 1880), Vincent Van Gogh (“Still Life with a Decanter and Lemons on a Plate”, 1887), and Henri Matisse (“Lemons and Peltiphyllum”, 1943) turned to the “lemon theme”.


Lemon monuments

  1. 1 One of the most massive monuments to lemon is a monumental sculpture installed in the San Diego suburb of Lemon Grove, California, in 1928. The author of the structure is Alberto Treganza. The weight of the giant lemon, located on a concrete base, reaches 1 ton and 300 kilograms, length – 3 m, width – 1.8 m.
  2. 2 The monument to Pavlovsk lemon in the city of Pavlovo (Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia) is an elegant and picturesque sculptural composition erected in 2005. Its authorship belongs to a team of teachers and students of the Pavlovsk Art College. Citrus culture is one of the official symbols of the city, in which lemons were grown both on a domestic and industrial scale (in the first half of the 20th century, the famous Pavlovsk lemonarium functioned). ,
  3. 3 Monument to the legendary lemon seller - a woman named Johanna Henrietta Maria Müller, who lived in Hamburg in the 19th century. The sculpture depicting a middle-aged woman holding a basket of lemons was created by H. J. Wagner and installed in 1986 near the Church of St. Mikhail.

Dangerous properties of lemon and contraindications

Considering the significant amount of citric acid contained in fruits, lemons should be limited or completely excluded from the diet for diseases of the stomach, liver, intestinal tract, gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreas (acute or chronic pancreatitis), and gastroesophageal reflux.

Lemon applications during cosmetic procedures outdoors in direct sunlight can cause a painful burn (this applies to a greater extent to people with fair complexions). sensitive skin). In some cases, after using lemon-based products, an acute allergic reaction may occur. ,

Lemon contains antioxidants called bioflavonoids. Researchers believe that these bioflavonoids are what give lemon a huge amount useful properties. The benefits of lemon are due to the presence of alkaline elements, mineral and nitrogenous substances, organic acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, P, C, copper, potassium salts, and phytoncides. Lemon is not just useful, because often in skillful hands it turns into a real cure for diseases. To treat with lemon, use its pulp, juice, peel, seeds and even essential oil, which is obtained from its zest.

Beneficial properties of lemon

1. Lemons alkalize the body.: Despite the acidic nature of lemon, this citrus fruit is an excellent alkalizer, helping to restore the body's pH balance.

2. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids: These beneficial substances help us fight various types of infections such as flu and colds.

3. Your liver loves lemons: Lemon is an excellent stimulant for the liver. It dissolves uric acid and other poisons, and also dilutes bile. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a powerful liver detoxifier.

4. Cleanses the intestines: Lemons increase intestinal motility, helping to create bowel movement, thus eliminating waste and helping to have regular stool. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink in the morning on an empty stomach (see Is it possible to drink water with lemon on an empty stomach).

5. Gallstones and kidney stones: The citric acid in lemon juice helps dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits and kidney stones.

6. Free radicals: Vitamin C in lemons helps neutralize free radicals that cause early aging body and cancer.

7. Brain diseases: Lemon zest contains the powerful phytonutrient tangeretin, which has been shown to improve health in people with brain diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

10. Lack of oxygen: When a person has a lack of oxygen and difficulty breathing (for example, during mountaineering), lemons are very useful.

11. Lemons have powerful antibacterial properties: Experiments have shown that lemon juice destroys the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhus and other deadly diseases.

12. Strengthens and cleanses blood vessels: Thanks to the vitamin P present in lemon, consuming this citrus fruit prevents internal bleeding. Additionally, this makes it also useful in treating high blood pressure (hypertension). If you need a natural cleansing of blood vessels, we recommend that you try this remedy with lemon - Cleansing blood vessels with lemon and garlic - recipe.

13. Improves the condition of eye diseases: including for diabetic retinopathy, thanks to the rutin present in its composition (a glycoside of the flavonoid quercetin).

15. Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds: including naturally occurring limonene, a compound found in many types of essential oils that slows or stops growth cancerous tumors in animals; and flavone glycosides, which stop cell division in cancer cells.

16. Energy of body cells: In accordance with The Reams Biological Ionization Theory (RBTI), lemon is the only anionic (ion with negative charge) food product in the world. All other products are cationic (the ion has a positive charge). This makes lemon an extremely healthy product, since the interaction of anions and cations ultimately provides all the energy to the cell.

Lemon against viruses and bacteria

Lemon has pronounced antiviral and antibacterial properties. Of the many fruits, it copes best with the Influenza virus. Lemon juice is the best remedy in the fight against viruses and is what should be used first. Thanks to excellent antibacterial properties lemon can destroy up to 20 different types of bacteria known to us. By creating a weak solution of citric acid (1:2000) and placing the pathogen there, it dies after a short time. Citric acid can suppress the pathogens of cholera, paratyphoid and dysentery.

Scientists have proven that pneumococcus dies from lemon oil vapor in 3 to 12 hours, and in 15 minutes. meningococcus dies in 60 minutes. Typhoid bacteria die. Using lemon essential oil, you can destroy the diphtheria bacillus in 20 minutes, staphylococcus and typhoid bacteria in 15 minutes. From here we can draw a self-evident conclusion - lemon essential oil has pronounced, powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which in its strength can sometimes be compared with tea tree essential oil.

Lemon for immunity, cleansing the body and more

Lemon has the excellent property of dissolving toxins in the body and strengthening the immune system. Lemon works great with putrefactive processes in the intestines and liver, and lemon juice is able to actively remove toxins and waste from the body. It is useful for people of all ages, regardless of whether they are sick or not, because first of all, lemon is a food product, a tropical fruit.

There is a misconception about the acidity of lemon - people with high acidity gastric juice They believe that by consuming this fruit they will strengthen it, which can lead to undesirable consequences. Everything happens the other way around. When drinking lemon juice, the human body begins to produce potassium carbonate, which neutralizes excess acid and brings its amount to normal both in the gastrointestinal tract and in the blood plasma, i.e. Lemon is alkalizing. Increased acidity of the body is one of the common causes of cancer, and lemon actively counteracts this.

Lemon during pregnancy

Lemon for cough

Due to the fact that lemon contains a large amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and has antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is recognized as a product that helps eliminate symptoms such as cough. If you suffer from a cough, you can make your own natural lemon-based remedy that can relieve your condition. Here is the simplest recipe for making a cough remedy with lemon:

  • take one cup of honey
  • heat the honey in a water bath over very low heat for 10 minutes
  • then add 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the honey
  • add 1/4 cup water to the mixture
  • Stir the mixture constantly while continuing to heat it in a water bath.
  • cool the mixture
  • Take 1-2 tablespoons when coughing

Lemon essential oil

This one is valuable and extremely useful product obtained from lemon peel by cold pressing or distillation (in the first case, lemon oil is much healthier). This essential oil has many beneficial properties. It helps:

  • eliminate inflammation in the body
  • suppress pathogenic microorganisms
  • stimulate immunity
  • improve blood circulation
  • lower blood pressure
  • treat bronchitis, flu, colds
  • eliminate heartburn
  • treat pimples and acne (see Lemon for acne: getting rid of acne and acne)
  • and much more

Uses and beneficial effects of lemon

  • Lemon juice speeds up recovery elevated temperature body and feverish conditions. It tastes good and is easy to drink.
  • Lemon is used for vitamin deficiencies in the winter and spring. It is rich in vitamin C and is an excellent therapeutic and prophylactic agent for acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections.
  • Lemon is used in complex treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.
  • Lemon is used for diabetes mellitus to normalize metabolic processes.
  • Lemon removes heavy metals accumulated throughout life from the human body.
  • Lemon peel can cope with problems such as flatulence.
  • Lemon peel improves digestion and eliminates toxins from the intestines and liver.
  • Eating lemon reduces the acidity of the blood and cleanses it.
  • An alcoholic tincture of lemon zest can relieve nausea and vomiting, and also helps to get out of a pre-fainting state.
  • Lemon helps improve appetite and relieve nervous tension.

In medicine, lemon is used to treat the following diseases and pathological conditions:

  • Meniere's disease. There are some reports that Chemical substance in lemon, a glycoside called eriodictyol, may improve hearing and reduce dizziness, nausea, and vomiting in some people with Meniere's disease.
  • Stones in the kidneys. Lack of citrate in urine increases the risk of developing urolithiasis. There is some evidence that drinking 2 liters of natural lemonade throughout the day can significantly increase urinary citrate levels. This may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
  • Treatment of scurvy. Scurvy is a disease that occurs as a result of chronic lack of vitamin C from food. Since lemon is rich in this vitamin, it is an excellent remedy for the treatment and prevention of this disease.
  • Colds and flu. Lemon has long been used in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases(ARD) caused by pathogenic bacteria and viruses.
  • Reduces swelling.
  • Increases the amount of urine.
  • Other diseases.
  • During the European Renaissance, fashionable ladies used lemon juice as a means to redden their lips.
  • Lemon is a small evergreen tree native to Asia that produces the fruit we all know.
  • The lemon is believed to have originated in the Indus Valley (a Bronze Age civilization in South Asia), as it was in that area that a lemon-shaped earring dating back to around 2500 BC was found by archaeologists.
  • Lemons have been cultivated in the Mediterranean region since the first century AD.
  • Lemon trees bear fruit all year round. One tree can produce 225 to 270 kg of lemons per year.
  • Once upon a time, lemons were presented as gifts to kings, since these fruits were extremely rare.
Lemon - beneficial properties, uses and contraindications

Chemical composition of lemon

The following tables will give you an idea of ​​the nutritional value of lemons.

Lemon (Citrus Limon), fresh, without peel: the nutritional value per 100 grams

Nutrients in Lemons

Nutrients The nutritional value
Energy 29 Kcal 1,5%
Carbohydrates 9.32 g 7%
Protein 1.10 g 2%
Fats 0.30 g 1%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Cellulose 2.80 g 7%

Vitamins in lemons

Vitamins The nutritional value Percentage of Recommended Daily Value
Folic acid (vitamin B9) 11 mcg 3%
Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP orB 3) 0.100 mg 1%
Pantothenic acid (vitaminB5) 0.190 mg 4%
Pyridoxine (a form of vitamin B 6) 0.080 mg 6%
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) 0.020 mg 1,5%
Thiamine(vitaminB1) 0.040 mg 3,5%
Vitamin C 53 mg 88%
Vitamin A 22 IU 1%
Vitamin E 0.15 mg 1%
Vitamin K 0 mcg 0%

Electrolytes in lemons

Electrolytes The nutritional value Percentage of Recommended Daily Value
Sodium 2 mg 0%
Potassium 138 mg 3%

Micro- and macroelements in lemons

Microelements The nutritional value Percentage of Recommended Daily Value
Calcium 26 mg 3%
Copper 37 mcg 4%
Iron 0.60 mg 7,5%
Magnesium 8 mg 2%
Manganese 0.030 mg 1%
Zinc 0.06 mg 0,5%

Phytonutrients in Lemons

Phytonutrients The nutritional value Percentage of Recommended Daily Value
Beta carotene 3 mcg -
Alpha carotene 1 mcg -
Beta-cryptoxanthin 20 mcg -
Lutein-zeaxanthin 11 mcg -

How to choose a good lemon

  • Heavier lemons contain the most minerals and sugar. Thick-skinned lemons are lighter in weight than thin-skinned ones and contain less sweetness and minerals.
  • The texture of the peel of juicier lemons is fine-grained.
  • Lemons should be completely yellow, as the fruits with green tints are not fully ripe and will be very sour.
  • Overripe lemons have a faded appearance, wrinkles, and soft or hard spots on the peel.
  • Lemons stay fresh when stored at room temperature (not in sunlight) for about 7 to 10 days; or when stored in the bottom container of the refrigerator for approximately 4 to 5 weeks.

How to use lemons

  • « When life gives you a lemon... squeeze it, mix with 200 ml of water and drink twice a day" - Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden. Read more about the beneficial properties of lemon water here - 14 beneficial properties of lemon water.
  • A bowl of fresh lemons will add scent and color to your room for days.
  • Alkalinize your water with lemon.
  • To reduce your sodium intake, squeeze fresh lemon into salads, steamed vegetables, soups and stews.
  • Lemon juice can be stored for later use by placing it in an ice cube container, then freezing it and storing it frozen until next use.
  • Dried lemon zest should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight glass container.
  • Fresh lemon zest is a great addition to cakes, cookies and vegetables.

Lemon is a plant whose fruits, juice and zest are used to make medicines and are used in folk medicine. Lemon is used to treat scurvy, a disease resulting from insufficient vitamin C intake from food. Lemon is also used to treat colds and flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, tinnitus, Meniere's disease and kidney stones. It is also used to improve digestion, reduce pain and swelling (inflammation), improve blood vessel function, and increase urine production to reduce fluid retention in the body. In addition, lemon is added to food products as a flavoring ingredient.

Lemon contains antioxidants called bioflavonoids. Researchers believe that these bioflavonoids give lemon a huge number of beneficial properties.

Side effects

Lemon is safe when consumed in adequate quantities as a food and may be safe when taken in increased quantities for medicinal purposes. Side effects of consuming lemon large quantities are not known.

Applying lemon juice to the skin may increase the likelihood of sunburn, especially in fair-skinned people.

Contraindications and precautions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Lemon is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as part of a normal diet. But it is not known whether its use as a medicine in large quantities during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Dental health: Pure lemon juice contains acid, which is harmful to tooth enamel. Always dilute lemon juice with water before drinking it. In addition, it is recommended to drink lemon juice through a straw.

Pathogenic bacteria: If you do not wash lemons properly, they may harbor potentially harmful microorganisms.

How much lemons can you consume?

Using lemon for medicinal purposes must take into account several factors, such as a person’s age, state of health and a number of other conditions. There is currently insufficient scientific information to determine the appropriate dosage range for medicinal use of lemon. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages may be important. Be sure to follow appropriate directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care professional before use.

The above beneficial properties give us the right to say that the benefits of lemon are truly enormous. Eat this affordable tropical fruit often and you will feel good.

According to yogis, lemon is a unique fruit rich in mass useful substances. Experts in oriental arts say that a person should eat at least one lemon a day in order to be healthy and maintain wellness. What is unique about this sunny fruit? How can lemon help a person? The benefits and harms of the yellow fruit will be discussed in detail in this article.

Lemon composition

In the spring and with the arrival of autumn, when nature does not pamper you with an abundance of greens and fresh vegetables, you need to carefully monitor your diet. The body requires extra vitamins, which will help support the immune system and maintain a good mood. It is during this period that the famous “yellow friend” - lemon - comes to the rescue. The benefits and harms of the citrus fruit have an equal ratio: it can both help strengthen the body and harm it. But first it should be said that lemon contains a lot of useful substances: proteins, organic acids, carbohydrates, dietary fiber. “Yellow Friend” includes minerals and vitamins important for humans (C, PP, E, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, sulfur, boron). Not every fruit can boast of such a mineral composition.

Benefits of fruit

Lemon is recognized as the champion among fruits in terms of vitamin C content, which has positive influence on the human immune system. The lack of this substance is reflected in the skin and hair: the face takes on a pale gray tint, and the hair becomes brittle. Therefore, if there is a lack of vitamins, doctors recommend consuming up to 3 lemons per day. But this is not the only thing lemon is famous for. The beneficial properties and harm of the “yellow friend” must be well known in order to correctly include it in daily menu. Eating citrus fruit every day helps saturate the body with vitamins and nutrients. In addition, it acts as a barrier to development serious illnesses, such as:


Lemon relieves nervous tension and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and lemon juice has an antiseptic and antimicrobial effect. Doctors recommend that pregnant women consume the yellow fruit. The fact is that its components are actively involved in the formation of the nervous system, bone tissue fetus And drinking water with lemon juice helps get rid of vitamin deficiency.

Harm

Yellow citrus belongs to the category of the most beneficial fruits recommended for humans. Still, you should use lemon with caution. The benefits and harms of a fruit directly depend on its correct application. This fact especially needs to be taken into account by people who have chronic diseases. Eating yellow fruit is contraindicated in case of stomach (duodenal) ulcers or gastritis (its hypericidal form). The thing is that lemon juice increases the secretion of gastric juice, and this, in turn, can provoke cramps, heartburn and severe pain. People with blood pressure problems should use lemon with caution. And if you always use citrus fruit in its pure form, this can negatively affect tooth enamel due to the effect of fruit acids on it.

Lemon and the fight against excess weight

Many women choose fruit diets to lose extra pounds. And this is correct, because fruits contain a lot of useful substances, important vitamins, minerals necessary for the functioning of the body, and do not contain many calories. The benefits of lemon for weight loss are also obvious. Thanks to it, the food eaten is digested faster, so waste does not accumulate in the stomach (intestines), and toxins are removed from the liver. People with overweight It is recommended to drink a mug of water with lemon every day on an empty stomach (½ hour before meals). Lemon also has diuretic properties, which helps excess liquid do not linger in the body. But for people who suffer from high acidity, the lemon diet is contraindicated: the juice of the citrus fruit can cause heartburn, severe pain and ulcers.

Tea with lemon

Before drinking tea, many people add lemon to it. The benefits and harms of such a drink are not known to everyone. High-quality teas contain extractive substances that have an invigorating effect. When tea enters the body with lemon, a triple positive effect is observed. Firstly, it gives a hot drink an incomparable aroma, secondly, it improves the process of digesting food, and thirdly, it relieves fatigue and invigorates. For better effect Doctors recommend waiting 30 minutes between the end of lunch and the start of tea.

Lemon water

Drinking water with lemon juice is recommended for those who cannot consume the fruit in its pure form. The resulting drink retains all the beneficial properties of the citrus fruit. Lemon water can be used to prevent colds. The benefits of lemon juice mixed with water are as follows:

  • digestion and metabolism improves;
  • weight loss;
  • general well-being improves.

A glass of lemon water has an invigorating effect and energizes you for the whole day. In addition, lemon water can help with toothache. To do this you need to moisten cotton swab in liquid and apply it to the gum or aching tooth. This procedure will help relieve pain, stop bleeding, eliminate bad smell. But if the victim has increased sensitivity to citrus fruits, it is better not to use this method, but to consult a dentist.

Lemon in the treatment of skin problems

Women who care about their facial skin should know how to use lemon peel. The benefits and harms of using lemon peel directly depend on its correct use in cosmetic procedures. To make your face look radiant and your skin smooth, you need to consume at least 100 grams per day. citrus juice. This is the first rule. Second: you need to pamper your face with masks made from honey and lemon juice or peel. This mask improves complexion, slows down the aging process of the skin and helps eliminate acne.

For last case It is better to use lemon juice dissolved in water. They need to wipe the inflamed skin in the morning and evening. But before you start cosmetic procedures with the addition of lemon, you need to make sure there is no allergy to the citrus fruit. To do this, you can apply a few drops of lemon juice to the crook of your elbow and wait 5 minutes. If the skin reacts normally and does not develop hives or irritation, then the yellow fruit can be safely used to maintain beauty.

Lemon juice for hair

Lemon treatment is often used to restore hair. Benefits and harms lemon masks not known to everyone. In fact, lemon helps keep your hair fresh. A mask with lemon juice helps eliminate oily hair. To prepare it, you need to take 1 lemon, extract all the juice from it and add to it equal amount water. It is recommended to pour the resulting liquid into a spray bottle and sprinkle it on washed hair. Regular use lemon mixture allows you to keep your hair clean and fresh for a long time. By the way, this method is widely used by show business stars who, due to their workload, cannot always wash their hair before their next performance.

Healthy lemon recipes

Lemon zest is often used in cooking, the benefits and harms of which are described above. Lemon peel is widely used in Food Industry and confectionery industry. In small doses it cannot cause harm to health, unless the person has allergic reactions for citrus fruits. At home, you can make a vitamin compote from lemon peel. It is prepared from several lemons. First, remove the zest from the fruit and boil it for three minutes in a small amount of water. Next, the preserved lemon juice, sugar and two more liters of water are added to the boiling liquid. After the compote boils, you need to wait 3 minutes, now you can remove it from the stove. Delicious vitamin drink ready.

You can make “Sassi” water from lemon, which is actively used by nutritionists around the world. To do this you need to take 1 lemon, a tablespoon grated ginger, two liters of water, peeled and chopped cucumber, 10 mint leaves. It is necessary to thoroughly mix all the ingredients and fill them with water. The resulting drink should be infused in a cool place. You need to drink Sassi water throughout the day.