Benefits and Side Effects of Lemon

Lemon Overview

The lemon tree is an evergreen tree that grows to a height of more than six meters, and unlike other citrus species, it produces lemon fruits permanently. It is usually grown in the Mediterranean climate, and subtropical regions around the world, and its leaves are distinguished by their shape.

Lemon benefits

Rich source of vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients and an antioxidant that is important for the health of the body. It is also a necessary element that helps the body absorb iron and not consuming it in sufficient quantities can cause a decrease in its levels, which increases the risk of scurvy. This usually affects people who do not consume a varied and balanced diet, and symptoms of the disease can begin within one month of not consuming vitamin C.

Good source of potassium

A diet rich in potassium can help lower blood pressure and can have a beneficial effect on heart health.

A good source of vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is known as one of the B group of vitamins, which is involved in the process of converting food into energy.

A good source of beneficial plant compounds

They are bioactive substances that have many health benefits, including the following;

• Citric acid – Citric acid is the most abundant organic acid in lemons, which can help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• Hesperidin – It is an antioxidant that may strengthen blood vessels, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and the accumulation of fatty deposits inside them.
• Diosmin – It is an antioxidant used in some medications that affect blood circulation, improves muscle movement, and relieves chronic inflammation in blood vessels.
• Ereoestrin – Its an antioxidant found in lemon peel and juice.
• D-limonene which is mainly found in lemon peel, is the main component of lemon essential oils, and is responsible for its distinctive aroma, and separately from other lemon components, this compound can help relieve heartburn and acid reflux.

Reducing the possibility of kidney stones

Not having enough citrate in the urine can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, and there is some evidence that drinking an amount of lemon juice during the day can raise citrate levels in the urine significantly. Notably, which may help reduce the risk of kidney stones in people who do not have enough citrate.

The nutritional value of lemon

The following table shows the nutrients contained in a peeled lemon weighing approximately 58 grams;

Lemon side effects

Lemon damage to teeth

Eating large amounts of citrus fruits or drinking their juices can increase the risk of tooth decay, because the acid in citrus fruits erodes tooth enamel, and this risk increases especially when drinking lemon juice frequently throughout the day, but it is worth noting Some compounds in citrus peels may reduce the bacteria that cause tooth , but more research is needed on this effect

What are the benefits of lemon oil?

It is believed that lemon essential oil extracted from lemon peel has a number of health benefits, such as its effect on weight loss, but there are no scientific studies proving this effect, and it is worth noting that this lemon oil is usually used externally.

What are the benefits of lemon leaves?

They help improve the condition of people with coronary heart disease, terpenoids, which have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties, and saponins, which have antibiotic properties, and are used to reduce high cholesterol, as well as to alkaloids, caffeine, theobromine, anthocyanins, and coumarins.