Sunday, 24 February 2013

Numerous Health Benefits of Lemon Water


In spite of being the smallest of all citrus foods, lemons have more healthy nutrients when compared to other citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, etc. The health benefits of lemon water are numerous. Not only is it refreshing, but lemons are also full of nutrients, low in calories and do not contain cholesterol or saturated fats. They are loaded with dietary fiber and citric that helps with digestion and is also effective in dissolving kidney stones.

Lemons are an excellent source of ascorbic acid, which is a natural and powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C also helps to fight against infectious agents and eliminate harmful free radicals from the body.

Lemons contain a small quantity of vitamin A. This vitamin is important for healthy skin and good vision. Lemons also contain falvonoids such as beta-cryptoxanthin, B-carotenes, lutein, and zea-xanthing, all of which have antioxidant properties. Flavonoids are helpful in protecting the body from oral and lung cancers.

Lemons contain minerals like potassium, iron, copper and calcium. Potassium helps to maintain a good heart rate and maintain a healthy blood pressure.  The dietary fiber present in lemons helps to reduce the risk of arthritis, cancer, obesity, and coronary heart disease. 

Lemons that are bright yellow in color and have a fresh citrus fragrance are the ones you should opt for. Dark green ones should be avoided as they are not ripe. You can easily store lemons in the refrigerator for as long as a week.

Consuming lemons in large quantities can cause a burning feeling in your mouth and might also cause stomach ulcers. Therefore, you should be careful if its consumption.