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7 health benefits of eating lemon

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Lemons have been known as a health remedy for hundreds of years – most famously as a treatment for scurvy among sailors on the ships of early explorers. Most of us are not likely to get scurvy nowadays but lemons have a lot more to offer. Read on to find out what are the health benefits of eating lemons.

If you’ve ever fed a lemon slice to a baby (what, you haven’t? 57 million people agree that it’s hilarious) you’ll know that it’s hard to stomach. Lemons are known for their tart, acidic taste so they’re usually not eaten alone.

However, some sweeter varieties are coming into vogue such as the Meyer lemon, but it can be hard to find.
Lemon trees grow in warm, tropical climates. They have white flowers, for what it’s worth. The fruit is actually a type of berry with a tough rind.

1. Lemons Boost Your Vitamin C: We all know that citrus fruits are high in vitamin C and lemons are no exception. One Lemon contains more than 50% of our recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Of course nobody is going to eat a whole lemon plain but using it in recipes can go a long way towards meeting your daily requirements.

2. It May Lower Stroke Risk: Research from the American Heart Association has found that eating large amounts of citrus fruits – including lemons – may lower the risk of stroke in women. It’s possible that the risk could be reduced by up to 19%, depending on the quantity consumed

3. It May Prevent Asthma: Scientists are currently investigating the link between vitamin C consumption and asthma prevention. One study suggested that vitamin C can play a role in relaxing the airways and thus relieving asthma symptoms.

Read also: 10 tips for parents on cyber wellness

4. It Increases Iron Absorption: Iron deficiency (anaemia) is one of the most common deficiencies in developed countries. The main symptom of anaemia is a debilitating and constant feeling of exhaustion. Eating foods rich in vitamin C – such as lemons – helps your body absorb as much iron as possible from your food.

5. It Can Help Prevent Infection: Foods high in vitamin C help our immune system fight viruses and bacterial Most of us have heard of vitamin C to treat the common cold – the evidence is still insufficient to prove this but studies have shown efficacy against cholera and candida infections.

6. It Can Reduce Appetite: Lemon water is a favourite with dieters too. Many enthusiasts claim that it helps reduce hunger. Lemon, like most fruits, contains pectin – a type of fiber. Any type of fiber will fill out your stomach and help you feel fuller for longer.

7. It Protects Your Urinary System: Lemon is a diuretic, meaning that it increases production of urine. It also makes the pH of the urinary tract less favourable for bacteria. Both of these factors help prevent urinary tract infections.

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