The most popular citrus fruit is lemon. Previously, lemon grew as an independent wild plant. Over time, he was domesticated in South Asia, and began to breed. Today it is no longer possible to find a "wild" lemon. Citrus is cultivated in many countries. The leading positions in the cultivation of lemon are occupied by Mexico and India. Few people like lemon because it tastes too sour. But everyone knows about the beneficial properties of the fruit. It is the benefits of lemon that cover some of the disadvantages. What is the use of the product?
Lemon composition
The main components of healthy citrus include water-based citric acid. Thanks to its presence, lemon has such a sour taste. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The chemical composition and nutritional value of lemon represents a significant amount of useful substances of a very different chemical nature, among which the vitamins and mineral components of citrus hold the lead.
The main composition of lemon per 100g:
- proteins - 0.9 g,
- fats - 0.1 g,
- carbohydrates or sugars - 3.0 g,
- organic acids - 5.7 g,
- dietary fiber - 2.0 g
The fruit contains a significant amount of vitamins, each of which plays a specific role in the body and is necessary for its well-coordinated work. Lemon pulp is full of useful vitamins B, A, C, E, PP. The set of macro- and microelements in citrus is significant.
As examples, consider the role of some of the substances present in lemon:
- Potassium strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and due to this, blood pressure is normalized and the risk of heart pathologies is reduced.
- The tandem of calcium with magnesium normalizes the viscosity of the blood, thinning it, and stopping the formation of cholesterol plaques and atherosclerosis.
- The dietary fiber of citrus helps in the normal functioning of the intestines, improving its peristalsis.
- Organic citrus acids dissolve kidney and gallstones.
- Citric acid helps get rid of parasites.
Citrus peel is just as healthy as its pulp. It contains bioflavonoids, which are companions of ascorbic acid and help its absorption. They also belong to plant pigments, coloring citrus peels yellow. They represent a group of powerful antioxidants and perform other equally important functions.
Contraindications to use
With excessive use of such citrus in food, the benefits and harm to health can become equivalent, however, there are no special contraindications to the use of such a product. The main danger in this case is the excessive amount of active substances contained in lemon. A person may be allergic to some of them, therefore, before including lemon in your diet or consuming it regularly, you need to find out if there is an individual intolerance to this product. To do this, it is not necessary to visit a doctor: any discomfort, burning sensation and pain are already a sign that the use of lemon is contraindicated.
Contrary to popular belief that lemon helps with colds, it should not be consumed with a sore throat - this leads to burns in the larynx. Lemon juice should not be overused for teeth whitening: this is another common myth.Regular use of lemon juice as a whitening agent leads to thinning and destruction of the enamel. With pancreatitis, stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis, a large amount of lemon in the diet is contraindicated.
Read about nutrition for chronic pancreatitis.
Lemon in large quantities negatively affects the mucous membranes, therefore, when using citrus fruits as part of traditional medicine, it is necessary not only to observe the recipe, but also to determine the presence or absence of allergic reactions and intolerance.
It is not recommended to give lemon juice to children under three years old, regardless of its concentration and the type in which it is contained in food. And most importantly, lemon is not a 100% cure for disease. This is just an auxiliary, albeit very effective tool, and when using it, it is important not to overdo it with the amount.
Calorie content of lemon
The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in lemon is as follows:
- proteins - 4 kcal;
- fats - 0.1 kcal;
- carbohydrates - 12.0 kcal.
The energy ratio of BZHU is: 11% / 3% / 35%.
The calorie content of lemon with peel is 34 kcal per 100g, without peel this figure is slightly lower and equal to 29 kcal. If an average lemon weighs 130 g, then its calorie content corresponds to 44.2 kcal. There are few calories in lemon and therefore it belongs to dietary products. It is part of various diets, since citrus perfectly burns fats and restores harmony and a beautiful figure.
How to choose when buying
Choose heavy fruits with bright and beautiful colors. If the fruits are ripe, then the skin has a light lemon scent. Folds and sagging on the surface of the skin indicate that the fruit has a thick skin. Lemons with "navel" are usually not very juicy and with thick skin.
Green lemons, limes: they have less vitamin C - only 29 mg / 100 g, their juice is added to improve the taste in various drinks and dishes.
Vitamins
A set of lemon vitamins allows you to replenish their daily intake and maintain the state of the body at a high level. Citrus is a useful product, since vitamins from natural fruit are absorbed much better than their synthetic counterparts.
Everyone knows that citrus is healthy, but few people know what vitamins are contained in lemon. Their list is quite large:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and limonene fight free radicals to prevent cancer.
- Retinol (vitamin A) "controls" the functioning of the organs of vision, maintaining their normal state. Participates in the synthesis of a number of hormones.
- Tocopherol (vitamin E) acts as an antioxidant to prevent aging. Normalizes cholesterol balance, participates in the processes of tissue growth and regeneration.
- Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) restores the activity of the NS, has a positive effect on the digestive tract, protects and restores the work of the cardiovascular system, participates in the elimination of toxins, cleansing the body of accumulated harmful compounds.
- Phylloquinone (vitamin K) affects blood clotting, helps form and repair bone tissue.
- B vitamins play a significant role in the body: they participate in metabolic processes, with their help, hormones and hemoglobin are synthesized, help the nervous system, and stimulate the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is generally accepted that the content of vitamin C in lemon is higher than in other fruits. This is a false statement. For example, in kiwi, rose hips or parsley, the ascorbic content is much higher. And the sour taste of citrus is given by citric acid, not ascorbic acid.
How is lemon useful for men?
Lemon is no less useful for men's health. Even in ancient times, lemon was used to prepare special remedies for male infertility.Today it is known that the fruit enhances sperm motility, increases the number of living motile spermatozoa. Therefore, the product is recommended for use during pregnancy planning.
Sometimes, lemon extract is added to natural preparations for the treatment of various pathologies of the prostate gland. Important for men is the fact that fruits improve the state of blood vessels, their patency. With poor patency, blood flow to the genitals during arousal is impossible. As a result, sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction develop. But regular consumption of a small amount of citrus will help to avoid such complications. In addition, lemon has a positive effect on the nervous system, which also improves the quality of sexual life.
Lemon extract is found in many gels and aftershave lotions. Such a tool will prevent possible infection, irritation. Gels with citrus extract perfectly refresh the skin. For only the health benefits to be observed, it is important to consume the product in moderation. Otherwise, there will be only harm. Various allergic reactions and dermatitis may develop. And a large amount of acid that enters a man's body can negatively affect the quality characteristics of sperm.
Lemon cure
Lemon and its medicinal properties have been known since ancient times. Useful citrus refers to an adjuvant in the treatment of a number of ailments:
- with asthma, on the eve of a meal, drink 1 tbsp. juice;
- diluted citrus juice is useful for the liver in the morning;
- to strengthen the vessels, mix 6 lemons, 6 cloves of garlic and 200 g of honey, place the mixture in a 3-liter jar and dilute the contents with water, drink a healthy and medicinal drink three times 100 ml each;
- a slice of lemon is applied to the abscesses, from which pus gradually comes out;
- with arthritis, rheumatism, tissue moistened with citrus juice is applied to the sore spot until a feeling of weak heat is felt;
- lemon juice, drunk before meals in the amount of 2 tbsp, helps to work the heart. l ..
The benefits of lemon for immunity
During the off-season and "rampant" of infectious diseases, with weakened immunity, it is extremely rare to avoid the disease. To maintain your protective barrier at the proper level, you need a healthy yellow citrus. Lemon for health and boosting the immune system is known to many.
Tea, which contains lemon, honey and ginger, is useful. First, pieces of ginger are brewed, pouring boiling water over them and insisting for a while. Then add lemon sliced into circles and drink a bit of honey. Honey cannot be added to tea: it loses its beneficial properties in hot water.
If the disease is already "on the doorstep" and the throat begins to hurt, then 1 tbsp. l. lemon "elixir" is added to a glass of warm water and rinse. It is used for pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis. The same useful composition helps with stomatitis, periodontal disease, if they rinse the mouth.
For influenza, lemon water is effective, which is taken throughout the day. With its help, the action of bacteria is neutralized, they die and are excreted by the body.
History of appearance
It is not exactly established where the plant comes from. The Pacific Islands, India or the Celestial Empire gave the world a lemon to this day remains a mystery.
The famous commander Alexander the Great brought citrine to Europe. Europeans liked the exotic fruit for its taste and aroma, and the beneficial properties of lemon only increased its popularity.
The navigator Cook, famous for geographical discoveries, having discovered the antiscorbutic effect of lemon, saved sailors from scurvy. For which he received an award of the Royal Society - a medal of gold.
Lemon in cosmetology
Beauty and health always go “hand in hand”: this is the guarantee of good looks and excellent well-being.In cosmetology, the functions of citrus are reduced to two main ones: it removes fat content and whitens. Masks with lemon juice in the composition treat seborrhea, evening out the color of the skin epidermis and removing pigmentation.
Rinsing with citrus extract significantly improves the condition of the hair skin, removes oiliness, helps to get rid of dandruff and lightens strands, making them airy, smooth and giving a bright shine.
To get the desired effect, you need to choose a suitable mask, carry out up to 10 procedures no more than 1 time per week, since lemon pulp is somewhat "aggressive" due to the abundance of acids.
Rinsing your hair also requires a certain amount of regularity. The use of lemon brings a positive result, since it is the beneficial acids that work with the problems of fat content and pigmentation.
Lemon for weight loss
The benefits of lemon for losing those extra pounds have been confirmed and proven. An important component of the female image is the figure. There is a lemon diet that will help you lose 4-5 kg in 2 weeks. To do this, you do not need to eat lemons, but for 14 days drink a glass of lemon juice on an empty stomach, diluted in half with still water. Take the rest of the food as usual, limiting yourself in flour and fried dishes.
Citrus helps:
- break down fats;
- relieve hunger;
- speed up metabolic processes;
- remove toxic compounds.
Since citric acid can negatively affect tooth enamel, especially with prolonged consumption, after the juice, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with water and soda (1 teaspoon of soda in a glass of water).
Harm and contraindications
Lemon should not be consumed if you have allergic reactions to citrus fruits... During the period of exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract, it aggravates the condition. With high blood pressure, it is also better to refrain from using it.
For dental diseases (caries, periodontal disease), use only lemon water... They drink it through a cocktail tube, since the vitamin C contained in the fresh fruit destroys tooth enamel.
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