Food is Medicine, Medicine is Food
Plant Based Society
After seeing a FB post today, I have researched and added the “Science” behind the claims in the post and found some very interesting Benefits:
“Benefits of Lemon on health are overwhelming”:
- Prevent Cancer
- Kidney Stone Prevention
- Inflammation
- Chronic Pain
- Reduce Cholesterol
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Cold and Flu
- Protects Brain
- Appetite
- Weight-loss
- Look Younger
PREVENT CANCER
The use of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances mainly derived from natural origins is highly desirable in the treatment of malignant tumors.
NCBI
NCBI reviewed 90 Studies performed over the last decade – Confirming the impact Citrus Fruits have on preventing Cancer:
“It is clearly known that cancer development and chronic inflammation are strictly intertwined each other and that inflammatory cells and released cytokines increase growth and progression of malignancies as well as immunosuppression (Balkwill and Mantovani, 2001). Furthermore, the imbalance of redox and inflammatory pathways between the inside of tumor cells and their surrounding stroma is known to be important in tumorigenesis, invasion and consequent systemic diffusion (Crawford, 2014). Additionally, pathways related to inflammation are constitutive in the majority of cancers. Consequently, the use of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances mainly derived from natural origins is highly desirable in the treatment of malignant tumors. Although these substances are not entirely risk-free, they are generally safer than synthetic drugs.
Kidney Stones – Prevention
If you’ve ever had a kidney stone, then you know the excruciating pain that comes with trying to pass one. But if eating lemons is a regular part of your diet, you may not have to worry about it. Lemons have a high amount of citrate, which has been proven to naturally prevent the formation of kidney stones. A study published in Urology found that patients who received lemonade therapy (four ounces of lemon juice in two liters of water a day with little to no sugar) formed kidney stones at a slower rate than before they started treatment. It was so beneficial, the researchers recommend lemonade therapy as an alternative treatment for kidney stone removal. Speaking of staying healthy, read up on bad habits that make you sick and fat for more salt and sugar duos that you should steer clear of to avoid weight gain!
INFLAMMATION
CHRONIC PAIN
Although regular inflammation is important for your body’s immune response to fight off something like a cold, chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain, fatigue, digestive issues, mood swings, and even cancer—pretty nasty stuff. Luckily, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that have been proven to reduce inflammation, according to a study published in the Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry. vitamin C was found to be beneficial during inflammatory conditions, including protecting immune cells.
LEMON PAIN RELIEF
1. Grate the peel, being careful to only get the yellow layer and none of the white. Rub the peel directly onto the affected body part and wrap with a bandage. Keep in place for up to two hours.
2. Put the skin of two whole lemons in a jar, and fill it with extra virgin olive oil. Close the jar and let the mixture sit for two weeks. Rub the oil onto the affected area and wrap with gauze. Let sit overnight.
LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure can lead to scary stuff like kidney failure, a heart attack or a stroke. Luckily, eating lemons on the regular has been proven to help. People who ate at least half a lemon a day, coupled with walking about 7,000 steps, greatly increased their blood pressure levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. Although lemons shouldn’t be the sole treatment for something as serious as high blood pressure, it’s a promising health benefit; a lemon a day could keep the doctor away.
Appetite – Feel Fuller
You don’t need subscribe to a diet programme, drink more Lemon water-
Pectin found in the peel and pulp of citrus fruits like lemons, has been proven to help people feel fuller, longer. People who ate just 5 grams of pectin experienced more satiety, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Add pulpy lemon juice to your water throughout the day, freeze organic, wax free lemons, grate the skin on salads etc.
Weight-loss
Lemons are rich in polyphenols, which are naturally-occurring compounds that contain antioxidants. Although citrus fruits have their own combination of polyphenols, the ones found in lemons can have significant health benefits. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutritionfound that mice who were fed a high-fat diet and also lemon polyphenols experienced suppression of fat accumulation and weight gain, and an improvement in levels of blood sugar, leptin, and insulin. Although scientific results in mice don’t always translate to the same in humans, the researchers still recommend an intake in lemon polyphenols as a way to combat obesity.
Cold And Flus
Vitamin C has long been essential for staving off cold symptoms and boosting immunity. Although research on just how much vitamin C has an impact on the common cold is mixed, it did show some therapeutic benefits at the onset of symptoms, according to a review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. It also had positive respiratory health benefits, another bonus when fighting off a cold.
Cholesterol Improves
Lemons are chock-full of cholesterol-fighting ingredients, including vitamin C, which has been proven to lower levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, according to a study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. Lemons also contain flavonoids, which lowered the levels of LDL and triglycerides in participants of a study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. And the pectin in lemon peels was found to lower hamsters’ cholesterol in a European Journal of Nutrition study. Although hamsters aren’t humans, there’s enough strong evidence to add lemons to your daily diet for cholesterol-loweringbenefits.
Brain
People tend to focus on what’s healthiest for their body, but your brain needs nourishment and protection, too. Severe cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are common with age, but there could be some lifestyle changes that help combat their onset. Lemons could help stave off severe mental decline, according to a review published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Maintaining healthy vitamin C levels was shown to protect against age-related cognitive decline. So make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C now to protect your brain down the road.
You’ll Be More… Regular
If you can stomach eating an entire lemon (skin and all!) your digestive tract will thank you. Lemons are made up of mostly soluble fiber, which help healthy gut bacteria thrive and can lead to smooth and regular bowel movements. Lemons also contain citric acid, which may also help with digestion, although studies are conflicted if it really makes a difference in humans or not.
Look Younger
Don’t waste your money on expensive face creams or spa treatments; adding some lemon to your diet could be all you need to achieve a youthful glow. According to a study from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Lemon intake was associated with a lower likelihood to develop wrinkles and less skin dryness; two physical traits that can age you big time. Since one lemon contains about half of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C, stocking up on the citrus fruit will make you immortal… or at least, look like you are.
Drink more Water
There’s no denying that water by itself is pretty boring. Although drinking plenty of water is associated with such positive health benefits as losing weight, a faster metabolism and more energy, sipping on plain, flavorless liquid gets tiresome. Adding lemon juice water makes it more refreshing and palatable. Even the CDC recommends adding a fresh lemon squeeze to still or sparkling water in lieu of soda, which is terrible for you.
You’ll Have Fresher Breath
Nothing ruins the mood like bad breath. But if you’re out of gum or mints, reach for a lemon! Eating lemon is known to freshen up your home, and the same can be said for your mouth. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes odors, which helps combat nasty breath from things like garlic and onions.
Awakening369 