The HUMBLE Lemon

  

Lemon is an oval shape citrus fruit commonly used as a beverage and a flavor-enhancer for some dishes. Citric acid gives it its acidity taste.  This acidic component becomes a weak acid and the other components become alkaline upon entering the stomach. In pH term the acid base of 3 is pushed up to 9 (shares the high alkalinity as watermelon). Compared it with most fruits and vegetables within the range of 6.5 to 7.

NUTRITIVE Values of Lemon : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin B : Thiamine .04 mg;
• Riboflavin : Trace;
• Vitamin C : 50 mg;
• Calcium : 40 mg;
• Phosphorus : 22 mg;
• Carbohydrates : 8.7 gm;
• Protein : .9 gm;
• Calories : 32

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Vitamin C

Lemon is especially appreciated for its high Vitamin C content. When Vasco da Gama made his voyage round the Cape of Good Hope, nearly two-thirds of his crew died of scurvy.  In the present era, the recurrence of such a disaster is no longer possible with the wide spread of fruits available. Innumerable boatmen moving in sea have saved their lives by bringing lemon along their trips.

Vitamin C plays a vital role in the synthesis of collagen in the tissues, cartilages and bones and being anti-inflammatory. For weight management purpose it can accelerate the burning of fat. As it does not limit the coagulation of blood in case of injuries, the blood flow is more fluid and can expedite recovery.


Other benefits:

• As a natural antiseptic, it destroys harmful bacteria found in the cuts and infected area by activating the white cells and strengthening the body’s immunity.
• For toothache, apply fresh lemon juice on the painful area to reduce infection.
• For skin problems like acne and eczema, leave some lemon juice on the skin and allowed to dry for 15 minutes and then remove with water and olive oil added. This can be applied for the removal of blackheads, freckles and wrinkles too.
• When applied to hair after rinsing, it gives shine and volume to your hair as blood circulation is intensified.
• Helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.  Even in pregnancy, it will help to build bone in the child.
• Helps to prevent diabetes and other renal problems. As a diuretic, it gives relief in kidney and bladder disorders.
• Helps in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Potassium in lemon (more than grape and apple) nourishes the brain and nerve cells, strengthens the blood vessels and prevents hemorrhage especially for patients with high blood pressure and other cardiac problems.  
• It provides a natural strengthening agent to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute. Also, more enzymes can be made out of fresh lemon juice than any other food element. When the liver removes uric acid and other toxins from the bloodstream, it converts them to free radicals and its antioxidant properties (eg. flavonoid, ascorbic acid) can act as the neutralising agent.
• The ascorbic acid also prevents stomach cancer or damage to the stomach lining even for those who are suffering from peptic ulcers. Calcium carbonate - synthesized from lemon juice in the stomach helps in neutralizing the acid. Other contents like pectin and fiber ameliorate the pain and inflammation in the esophagus.  

Note: However, in patients suffering from acid reflux, the acidic contents of the stomach which contains inactive pepsin can get push up to the esophagus and the throat. Coming into contact with lemon's acidic contents there, it gets activated and breaks down the protein present in the tissues of the esophagus and the throat to cause damages.

• The bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently thus controlling constipation and diarrhea.
• After barbecuing your seafood and meat, remember to spray some lemon juice to eliminate as much as 70% of carcinogenic content.  Squeezing lemon juice on meat, potatoes, beans and even rice adds an acidic burst of flavor, and an extra shot of vitamin C to enable higher absorption of iron in these foods.

Application -

Instead of having tasteless tap water, enhance with lemon for a refreshing flavor and health purpose. Though lemon water can be drunk at any time, it is advisable to drink this preparation 20 minutes before your meals to prevent any reactions that can be caused by the contents of your food. Though it can be diluted according to taste, the guideline is as follows:

+  If you are in good health and weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze the juice of one half a lemon (one ounce) into a glass of purified water and drink this mixture twice a day. (one whole lemon a day)

+  If you weigh over 150 pounds, squeeze the juice out of an entire lemon (two ounces) into a glass of purified water and drink this mixture twice a day. (two whole lemons a day)
Warning: One should note take concentrated lemon juice to avoid injuries to the enamel of teeth. It is recommended to drink it using a straw to prevent such damage. 


More comments

Lemon has been proven to be a blessing for mountaineers when there is a lack of oxygen and coping with breathing difficulties. The first man to set foot on Mt Everest - Edmund Hillary admitted that his victory was much attributed to this lifesaver. Do not forget to bring along this humble friend on your next mountain trek.