Not only are lemons high in vitamin C, they also contain fiber and various plant compounds. Lemon juice is a staple for me. I use it instead of salad dressing, I add it to my water, and I stir it into my matcha tea for an extra kick. Here are 6 reasons to add this citrus fruit to your diet.
HEART HEALTH
One lemon has about 31 mg of vitamin C. That's more than half of the recommended daily amount. Studies show a diet rich in vitamin C reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke.
PREVENTING KIDNEY STONES
Citric acid may increase urine volume and urine pH, which could help prevent kidney stones. Just 4 ounces of lemon juice per day may provide enough citric acid to help prevent stone formation in people who have already had them.
PREVENTING ANEMIA
Lemons contain a little bit of iron, but they primarily prevent anemia by helping you absorb iron from plant foods! Who knew?
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The pectin in lemons is a soluble fiber that can improve gut health and slow the digestion of sugars and starches. This could reduce blood sugar levels. Of course, you need to eat the pulp to get the benefits.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Studies show that plant compounds in lemon extracts may help prevent or reduce weight gain in several ways. More research is needed, but one theory suggests the soluble pectin fiber in lemons helps you feel fuller longer. Of course, you would have to eat the pulp and/or peel. Another theory suggests drinking hot water with lemon helps burn calories, but drinking water does that too, so it might just be the H2O that's doing the work.
PREVENTING CANCER
Some studies found that people who eat the most citrus fruit have a lower risk of cancer; however, other studies have found no effects. Worth a shot though, right?
Click here for more on the health benefits of lemons.
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