This week, it’s Lemon Health Benefits from Kat’s Kitchen.
Lemons are famous in cookery all over the world with many varieties . However, for me, the lemons from Amalfi are something special. They are big, bold and their flavour is amazing. No surprise that Limoncello is made from them!
Lemons have a characteristic sour odour and an acidic, tart taste. This can be refreshing for some and not so great for others! I’m a big fan of a cup of hot water with a squeeze of lemon every morning – either fresh or from a bottle. I don’t mind. I’ve been drinking this for more years than I can remember.
Lemon Health Benefits
Here’s are a few reasons to include lemons and their juice in your diet:
- Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C. The primary function of Vitamin C is collagen production, which is the main protein in the body. This means Vitamin C is essential in maintaining healthy gums, healing wounds and prevents easy bruising to the skin.
- Lemons contain the phytochemical limonene which is currently being studied in conjunction with dissolving gallstones and its anti-cancer properties. The highest content of limonene is in the white spongy inner parts of a lemon.
- The element potassium is also found in lemons. A deficiency of potassium is characterised by mental confusion, irritability, problems in nerve conduction and muscle contraction. The amount of potassium lost in sweat during exercise can be quite significant so it’s important if you exercise a lot to maintain your potassium levels.