Health Benefits of Lemons

Health Benefits of Lemons

Restore pH Balance

One of the most amazing health benefits of lemon juice is its ability to balance pH. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity on a scale of 0 -14.  0 is the most acidic and 14 is the most alkaline. 7 is neutral, and your body’s ideal pH is around 7.4.

Lemon juice has a pH of 2.3 (very acidic).  However,  after being ingested it alkalizes the blood and body tissues. Many people think that because lemon juice has an acidic pH it is acid forming in the body, but it actually alkalizes in the body.

Many people are too acidic from eating too many meats, refined foods, and sugars. pH imbalance manifests itself through aches, pains, arthritis, or gout. Most fruits and vegetables have an alkalizing effect on the body and lemon juice is one of the best.  Those who have a balanced pH are more able to fight off the cold, flu, and even cancer.

Aid In Digestion

Lemons can also relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, bloating, gas and cramping. Drinking lemon water regularly will help cleanse the bowels, which in turn helps eliminate constipation and diarrhea.

Weight Loss

Lemons contain choline, a nutrient that is lipotropic, meaning it helps your body break down fats.  Lemons can also slow down the absorption of sugar in the body.

Detoxification

As mentioned in the weight loss section, the choline in lemons helps to remove fats in the liver, thus serving as a great liver detoxifier.  It also helps cleanse the kidneys and digestive track.

Anxiety

Lemon oil has a calming effect and therefore may help you to fight anxiety, nervousness, and tension.

Fight Fatigue

Lemon oil stimulates brain activity.  Whenever you are feeling a bit run down, diffuse some lemon oil or drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.

Repel Bugs

Mix 20 drops of lemon oil and 1 cup of water and spray it into the air.  Not only does it repel insects, it also smells great!

Lower Cholesterol Levels

A little less than 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice per pound of body weight per day significantly lowers the blood cholesterol levels.  One study suggests that this cholesterol-lowering effect of lemon juice is due to its antioxidant activity.  The essential oils in lemons also have the ability to dissolve cholesterol and other fats in the body and promote its elimination from the body. 

Control Blood Sugar Levels

Lemons contain a compound called hesperidin, which can positively alter the function of enzymes in the body that affect blood sugar levels. This action helps lower blood sugar levels, protects the body from the early stages of diabetes and helps prevent complications from diabetes if high blood sugar is already present.

Varicose Veins

Lemon oil has vessel-strengthening properties that can help fight varicose and spider veins.

For spider veins, combine 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil with jojoba, avocado, almond, or coconut oil and massage it into the affected area.

For varicose veins add 6 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 1/2 ounces of wheat germ oil.  Add 2 drops of juniper essential oil and 2 drops of cypress essential oil.  Massage daily into the legs, working from the bottom to the top toward the heart.

Nutrients in Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, Folic acid, Potassium, Vitamin A, and Choline.

How Much Lemon Juice Should You Drink?

If you weigh less than 150 pounds and are in good health, squeeze half a fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons) in 12 to 16 ounces of filtered water first thing in the morning for the best benefits.

If you weigh over 150 pounds, squeeze a whole lemon (about 4 tablespoons) into clean water and drink it twice daily. However, if this is too strong, dilute it to taste.

Drinking it once a day is beneficial, but twice a day is even better. If you drink more than that, it is best to add it gradually over time since the lemon juice will accelerate body detoxification.

Too much lemon water too quickly can cause uncomfortable detoxification symptoms such as headaches, bowel changes, or fatigue.

It is best to drink it about 30 minutes before a meal to help your body get the most energy and nutrients from the food you eat

*Disclaimer* Please be aware that information on this blog is provided to supplement the care provided by your health care provider. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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