What are the health benefits of lemon?

Lemon is a citrus fruit known for its sour taste and specific bright yellow color. Lemons are used in small quantities to add flavor to desserts, sauces, marinades, drinks, and alike, but it is rarely consumed on its own because of its strong sour taste. Lemons are extremely rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fibers, and other healthy plant compounds. Some studies suggest that they can help with lowering the risk of heart disease as well as some forms of cancer.

We will list some of the health benefits of consuming lemon:

It helps cardiovascular health – one lemon contains more than 30% of the recommended daily intake dose of vitamin C, which helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The fiber provided by lemon also helps in reducing risk factors when heart disease is concerned. Studies also suggest it helps lower blood pressure.

It helps with cancer prevention – as a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, lemon helps in the battle against free radicals in the body, which can cause cell damage which can lead to cancer. Still, the specific mechanisms by which antioxidants help prevent cancer still aren’t clear and some studies suggest that the effect of citrus fruits on cancer risk is not significant.

Helps prevent kidney stones – kidney stones are made from the mineral deposits that accumulate in the urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common occurrence, and it is estimated that around 10% of the population has dealt with this problem. Increasing the level of citric acid in the body can help prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and the pH value of the urine, which creates less favorable conditions for the development of kidney stones. Only half a glass (~125ml) of lemon juice a day can help provide enough citrate for a significant preventive effect. More research is required, in case you are suffering from kidney stones you should consult a doctor regarding adequate prevention and treatment measures.

It betters iron absorption – iron sufficiency is the leading cause of anemia. Pairing foods rich in vitamin C with foods rich in iron maximizes the absorption of iron in the body. A high intake of vitamin C paired with iron supplements can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract, so it is recommended to get iron from natural, dietary sources in this case.

It betters skin health – vitamin C plays a large role in the formation of collagen, which is key in skin health. Exposure to sun or pollution, as well as aging and other factors, contribute to skin health and damage. Studies suggest that increased intake of vitamin C can significantly help with these kinds of skin damage.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from the site:https://unsplash.com/photos/bunch-of-lemons-on-wooden-rack-7woHBtwCgTQ

Clinic, C. (2025, January 8). Is starting your day with lemon water healthy? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-lemon-water

LD, M. W. R. (2023, July 24). How can lemons benefit your health? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283476#benefits