Lemon Wedge
From lemonade on a hot summer day to a hearty herb chicken, there are many ways to enjoy this versatile fruit. It can be made sweet, sour, or savory depending on how it’s cooked. Lemon is often used as an acid in cooking but can also be made into health drinks such as the ginger shot, high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Vitamin C has a long list of health benefits which include helping the heart, skin, and blood. It also contains household and beauty benefits, which will be discussed below.
Natural Habitat and Growth Requirements
Lemon Tree
Lemon is an incredibly common citrus but it is more acclimated to warmer and more humid locations. They are native to Asia and were located in areas such as India and China. Lemons tend to like sunny areas with no standing water and protection from the wind. Fun fact, lemon trees produce their first fruit when they reach three to six years old! Despite these growth conditions many people still keep lemon trees in their house, even if they experience brutal winters. With the proper care, lemon trees can grow and even flourish indoors.
Vitamins and Nutrients
Lemon Harvest
Lemons are known to be high in vitamin C, which is essential for your immune system and is known to aid in the growth and repair of tissue. This is why you will see lemon in some skin care products. Historically, lemons and other citrus would be stockpiled on ships to prevent scurvy amongst the crew. Vitamin B6 is also found in lemons, which can support brain and nervous system functions. They can also contain potassium which aids the heart and manages blood pressure. They also contain plenty of antioxidants.
Health Benefits
Lemons in a Bamboo Bowl
According to Medical News Today studies have shown that lemons can help lower risk of stroke in women by 19%. Lemons contain potassium which has been shown to lower blood pressure when combined with daily walking. The antioxidants also help fight cancer cells in the body and help prevent damage to the skin due to the collagen producing vitamin C.
Vitamin C is also taken to help with colds, as it helps clear and open up the airways. Heart health is also linked to vitamin C by reducing heart disease risk and cholesterol levels. If you are anemic, you can take lemon to help increase the iron absorption in the body, just another benefit of Vitamin C. Some claim that drinking lemon water can aid in weight loss, but this has not been proven as of yet. With all these health benefits, it’s also important to note that the acid in lemon can damage enamel if eaten in excess.
Household and Beauty Uses
Sliced Lemon
Lemon is a powerful and common cleaning agent and stain remover. Even store bought chemical cleaners contain lemon oil as a fresh scent. Lemon can be used as a degreaser, a surface cleaner, a brightener, or to eliminate funky odors. Vitamin C has been claimed to help prevent wrinkles by maintaining skin elasticity and although this hasn’t been proven there are still many products containing Vitamin C for this purpose. Lemon is also supposed to even out skin tone and help eliminate dark spots on places such as the face and elbows. The antimicrobial properties may help with inflammatory acne and smooth the skin out. Lemon can irritate more sensitives skin types, so use products in small quantities at first.
Lemon can make a delicious sweet treat and is common in the kitchen as a flavor boost for a variety of dishes. This sour citrus can do so much for your body besides fuel it. It is very high in vitamin C, which can help with blood pressure, heart health, stroke prevention and much more. It is essential in a homemade cleaner, and is very common in skin care products as well.