* Lemons are packed with numerous health benefiting nutrients. The fruit is low in
calories, 29 calories per 100 g, one of the lowest among citrus group.It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol,
but is ric
calories, 29 calories per 100 g, one of the lowest among citrus group.It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol,
but is ric
h in dietary fiber (7.36% of RDA).
* Its acidic taste is due to citric acid . Citricacid is present up to 8% in its juice. Citric acid is a natural preservative, aids
digestion. Studies found that citric acid help dissolve kidney stones.
* Lemons, like other citrus fruits, are excellent source of ascorbic acid (provides
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, consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body
develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood.
* Lemons like oranges contain a variety of phytochemicals. Hesperetin and naringenin are flavonoid glycosides
commonly found in citrus fruits.
* Naringenin is found to have a bio-active effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and
immune system modulator.
* This substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA in the cells in-vitro studies.
* They also contain small level of vitamin A,and other flavonoid anti-oxidants such as α and ß-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-
xanthin 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 body
to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
* Total ORAC value, which measures the anti-oxidant strength of 100 g of fresh lemon juice is 1225 µmol TE (Trolex equivalents).They also a good source of B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid,pyridoxine, and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.
* They contain healthy amount of minerals
like iron, copper, potassium, and calcium.Potassium in an important component of
cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pr