Lemons are a highly nutritious fruit, with a bright orange-yellow color and a fragrant aroma. They are rich in citric acid, earning them the nickname "citric acid warehouse." In addition to sugars, lemons are also a significant source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2, C, and niacin. These nutrients have various beneficial effects. Let's take a look at what they can do!
The Benefits of Eating Lemons in the Autumn
1. Boosting Immunity
Lemons contain abundant vitamin C, which has several effects such as antibacterial properties, immune system enhancement, and assisting in collagen production. Drinking lemon water regularly can help replenish vitamin C. When suffering from a cold, drinking 500 to 1000 milliliters of lemon water per day can alleviate runny nose and help recover from the cold faster, especially in the early stages. In addition to its antibacterial and immune-boosting properties, lemons also have the ability to stimulate appetite, aid digestion, quench thirst, and relieve heat.
2. Preventing and Treating Cardiovascular Diseases
Drinking lemon water can also help prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. Lemon water can alleviate the coagulation of blood caused by calcium ions, thus preventing and assisting in the treatment of hypertension and myocardial infarction.
3. Preventing and Treating Kidney Stones
Lemon water contains a large amount of citrate, which can inhibit the crystallization of calcium salts, thus preventing the formation of kidney stones and even reducing and decreasing the number of kidney stones in some chronic kidney stone patients. Research presented at the American Urological Association annual meeting also suggests that regularly consuming beverages with lemon juice can increase the levels of citrate in the urine, a chemical that can prevent the formation of mineral crystals, namely kidney stones.
4. Expectorant
In fact, lemons have expectorant properties, and their expectorant effects are even stronger than those of oranges and tangerines. The specific method is to mix lemon juice with warm water and salt, which can help expel thick phlegm accumulated in the throat. When experiencing the early stages of a cold, it is recommended to drink lemon water with honey to relieve sore throat and reduce throat dryness.
