LEMON AND IT'S BENEFITS

Lemon which I love is one of my go-to fruit. I actually don’t see myself as a fruit person but one fruit you would likely see in my kitchen is this wonderful citrus fruit. There are so many reasons I use lemon but mostly because of its health benefits. So whenever I feel I haven’t taken fruits in a while and I need to get some vitamins to my system, lemon is always the first fruit that comes to my mind. Here are some reasons it should for you too;

1. They are excellent sources of vitamin C. Deficiency of vitamin C leads to scurvy (this is an illness I once had and would never want to experience again). Lemon can help prevent this illness.
2. They contain vitamin B complex, calcium, iron, magnesium, and fiber. They are also rich in potassium and are said to contain more potassium than apples and grapes. Potassium helps in the heart, brain, and nerve health.
3. They are rich in antioxidants flavonoids. Antioxidants help to remove free radicals that cause damage to cells in the body.
4. They aid digestion and promote elimination. I really do not know how this works but they actually work. They also help to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as bloating or burping.
5. It helps reduce inflammation in the body.
6. It helps to increase iron absorption in the body. We know that deficiency of iron in the body leads to anemia so, pairing food rich in iron with food that contains vitamin C can help to increase the absorption of iron to the body and it is best to pair these vitamin C rich foods with iron-rich foods than with iron supplements. So as to prevent gastrointestinal problems. Some foods which are high in iron are spinach, liver, animal meat such as beef, chicken, fish.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO TAKING LEMON?

Well yes, there is!

• Like the saying, “too much of anything is bad.” Drinking lemon juice in large amounts can cause a burning sensation in the stomach which can lead to acid reflux or heartburn
• Lemon also erodes the tooth enamel and can weaken the tooth and cause irritation of the gums. So lemon juice is best taken using a straw to prevent contacts with the tooth. 

HOW CAN I USE LEMON?

1. It can be added to baked foods to give flavor
2. It can be used as marinades for meat, fish or chicken
3. It can be added to salad
4. It can be taken as a drink
5. The simple recipe for this;

• Get a glass of water
• slice your lemon in half
• squeeze the juice into the water, preventing the seeds from entering (you can either use half or a whole lemon depending on the kind of taste and how concentrated you want it)
• the lemon slice can be added into the water for better infusion (this is not compulsory)
• your drink is ready

I personally do not take lemon everyday but whenever I take it, I find it really refreshing and deep down I feel really good. If you enjoyed reading this piece let us know how you feel in the comment section below and let's say YES TO STAYING HEALTHY.