We've been hearing about the health benefits of lemon for years, in this post we'll recap the top 5 benefits of this simple citrus, how to enjoy it, and how to keep it from damaging your teeth.
Benefits of lemon
Immune booster
Vitamin C is important for the function of a strong immune system. Your immune system's purpose is to protect you from illness, so eating and drinking foods with vitamin C may help your body fight viruses, colds, flus, and even chronic ear infections.
Promotes weight loss
Lemon water replaces sugary drinks, helps you stay hydrated, helps you feel full, and lemon may boost your body's metabolism.
Improves digestion
Mix the juice and pulp into a lemon vinaigrette dressing for improved digestion. The lemon helps your stomach break down food. This gives your body time to absorb more nutrients, and it decreases symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and bloating.
Supports a healthy heart
Lemons are high in heart-healthy vitamin C and several beneficial plant compounds that may lower cholesterol.
According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, a simple daily combination of lemon and walking is effective in reducing high blood pressure.
Cancer fighter
Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps the body fight certain types of cancer by binding free radicals. Free radicals are chemical compounds that bounce around in your body and can damage cells. Antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals. Lemons and limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most vital antioxidants in nature.
Ways to eat and drink lemon
Use when cooking protein: Place thinly sliced lemons, peel and all, underneath and around tempeh or tofu or your favorite protein before cooking. Baking or broiling will soften the slices so that they can be eaten along with the tempeh. Salad dressing: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, agave, minced garlic, salt and pepper to make a simple lemon vinaigrette. Make lemonade: Pour freshly squeezed lemon juice, sweetener of choice and either plain or sparkling water to make lemonade. Add to tea: Add a squeeze to warm, herbal tea
Water and lemon: squeeze fresh lemon in warm water and drink before breakfast (with a straw!)
Snack: Squeeze some lemon juice onto an avocado quarter and enjoy!
How to enjoy lemons without hurting your teeth
(Dr Sollee and dental hygienist, Pam, this is for you!)
Lemons have high amounts of citric acid that can damage your teeth over long periods of time. Here are some ways to get the health benefits of lemons without the dental impacts!
Use a straw. Straws cut down on the contact between the lemon juice and your teeth.
Drink quickly. Drink your lemon juice at one time, don’t sip it all day.
Drink straight water. Water, with a neutral pH of 7 (or as close as you can get) is a great way to flush your mouth after drinking lemon water.
Wait before brushing. Drink some water first, and then don’t immediately brush your teeth after eating acidic foods because your tooth enamel may be softened.
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