Lemons are packed with plentiful health-benefiting nutrients. The fruit is low in calories, only 29 calories per 100 grams, one of the lowest among the citrus group. Lemon contains no saturated fats or cholesterol but is wealthy in dietary fiber (7.36% of RDA). Its acidic taste is due to citric acid. Citric acid is present up to 8% in its juice. Citric acid is a natural preservative, aids, digestion.
Most of the studies found that citric acid is plentiful for helping to dissolve kidney stones. Lemons, like other citrus fruits, are an exceptional source of ascorbic acid and provide about 88% of DRI). Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is a powerful water-soluble natural anti-oxidant.
This vitamin is helpful in preventing scurvy. Besides, the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood. Lemons like oranges contain a diversity of phytochemicals. Hesperetin and naringenin are flavonoid glycosides commonly found in citrus fruits.
Naringenin is found to have a bioactive effect on human health as an antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This substance has also been shown to decrease oxidant injury to DNA in the cells in-vitro studies.
And also contain a diminutive level of vitamin A, and other flavonoid anti-oxidants such as α and ß-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the body protect itself from lung and oral cavity cancers.
The total ORAC value, which measures the antioxidant strength of 100 g of fresh lemon juice, is 1225 µmol TE (Trolex equivalents). They are also an excellent source of B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, and folates. These vitamins are vital in the sense that the body has needed them from external sources to replenish. Health Benefits of Lemon also contains a healthy amount of minerals, like iron, copper, potassium, and calcium. Potassium is a significant component of cells and body fluids that assist control of heart rate and blood pressure.
