14 Super Healthy Benefits of Lemon + Healthy Lemon Recipes

The lemon - a citrus fruit is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits. There are very few persons for whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.

Masoor, Beets, Zucchini , Peppers Lunch Salad, Healthy Veg One Dish Meal

You can squeeze lemon juice on different vegetable and fruit salads and various preparations like Masoor Beets, Zucchini, Pepper Lunch Salad and Paneer aur Hare Chane ka Salad. 

Paneer Aur Hare Chane ka Salad, Healthy Salads Recipe

1. Anti-bacterial
Results of a study suggest that citrus fruit juices of Lemon and lime are effective in preventing infection and thus have anti-bacterial activity ⁽¹⁾. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby preventing many gastro-intestinal tract infections.

2. Builds Immunity
Lemon is a very good source of Vitamin C and thus helps in the production of  white blood cells and antibodies in the blood which attacks invading microorganisms, prevents infection and builds immunity. Therefore, Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold. Try Warm Lemon with Turmeric - an Anti-inflammatory Drink.

Warm Lemon Water with Turmeric, Anti Inflammatory and Good for Cold
3. Anti-oxidant
Lemon contains antioxidants like Vitamin C and limonene which deactivates the free radicals, thus preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. You can be slightly innovative and use a handful of antioxidant rich seeds like flax seeds and sesame seeds and squeeze some lemon on them to make a completely healthy mouth freshener - Multiseed Mukhwas.

Multiseed Mukhwas ( Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fibre Rich Recipe )

4. Healthy Hair
Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightener and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions that usually occur with hair dyes.

It is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair. Rely on Rajma Salad to make up for hair care nutrients like protein, iron, folic acid, zinc and vitamin C. 

Rajma Salad Healthy Rajma Salad

5. Radiant Skin
The vitamon C in the lemon helps in collage synthesis, which gives elasticity to the skin and prevents wrinkles. Add it to a list of other nourishing ingredients and make your own lunch salad like Barley Feta and Spinach Salad. Lemon juice acts as a skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and bleaches. Lemon juice is said to give a natural glow to the skin. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with a little glycerin.

 Barley Feta and Spinach Salad, Healthy Salad

6. Aids Digestion
A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive system and purify the liver as well.

Try a glass of Honey Lemon Water daily in the morning on an empty stomach 

Honey Lemon Water

7. Oral Health
Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue, due to the Vitamin C content in it.

8. Enhances Iron Absorption
The ascorbic acid in lemon juice helps in absorption of iron from the food. So if you’re iron deficient or have anaemia squeeze a lemon on iron rich recipes like Power Poha or Halim Drink for enhancing iron absorption.

Halim Drink Recipe, Best Source Of Iron

9. Protective against Bladder Stones
A study conducted on rat models showed that Lemon juice has protective action against stone formation in the urinary bladder ⁽²⁾.

{ad5}

10. Blood Pressure Lowering Effects
Lemon has flavonoid Limonin which lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) ⁽³⁾.  Grilled Sweet Potato, which has restricted amount of salt, but all the required nutrients. You will love the interplay of flavours as well as the fabulous mouth-feel of the grilled sweet potatoes. 

Grilled Sweet Potato, Low Salt Recipe

11. Reduces Cholesterol
Lemon contains vitamin C which is involved in conversion of cholesterol to bile, thereby reducing the cholesterol levels ⁽⁴⁾. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning will help in reducing cholesterol levels and brings down your weight. Include it with Avocado (a healthy fat for healthy heart) in the form of Indian Avocado Salad.  Learn the recipe with step-by-step photos.

 Avocado Salad

12. Anti-inflammatory
The flavonoid limonene found in lemons have anti-inflammatory properties and may help in inflammatory conditions like allergy, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis ⁽⁵⁾.

{ad6}

13. Analgesic
The compound limonin found in citrus fruits such as lime and lemon have been studied for their analgesic properties. A recent study on limonin stated that they had a better analgesic effect than aspirin ⁽⁶⁾. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its pain. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.

14. Cancer Preventive
Lemon is found to be preventive against certain cancers such as cancers of digestive tract and upper respiratory tract ^{(7) (8)}. Lemon juice prevents faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to become carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the gut. On a winter day try the Lemony Quinoa and Baby Spinach Soup for a complete antioxidant boost to fight cancer. 

Lemony Quinoa and Baby Spinach Soup, Healthy and Weight Loss Soup

{ad7}

Have a Lemony Affair with Food!

The humble lemon is a beautiful ingredient that can be used for pickling, candying, seasoning and many more varieties of other uses. Lemon Green Beans is a zesty dish to enjoy due to its awesome flavour and goodness of lemons.

Lemon Green Beans with Sea Salt

Give a boost of antioxidants to your body with this Lemony Papaya Infused Water, it is simple to make and great for detoxification of the body.

{ad8}

Lemony Lettuce Drink is a unique drink with an unusual combination of fruits and vegetables, sip on it to revive yourself.

Lemony Lettuce Drink, Lemony Lettuce and Apple Juice

Love ice-creams? Love lemon flavour? Well, we have a Lemon Ice-Cream recipe which uses lemon as an ingredient, this recipe does not require cooking and is a simple one. Lemon Pickle is one recipe that is liked by one and all. Lemon Honey Water is great to be used as a home remedy for sore throat.

Lemon Ice- Cream

{ad9}

Happy Cooking!!!