Lemon: Benefits And Recipes To Lose Weight Quickly

Lemon is a very versatile product that can be used both as a spice in various dishes of meat or fish, as in the preparation of desserts or rich in vitamin C juices . 100 grams of lemon have only 26 calories, and its benefits can be obtained by using its juice and zest, rich in essential oils .

Composition and benefits of lemon

Lemon helps improve immunity and is therefore a great ally to fight colds and flu, especially when used in the preparation of tea with honey, for example. Plus, it has other benefits, including:

• Helps treat constipation , as it stimulates the intestine, especially if taken with warm water on an empty stomach immediately after waking up;
• Detoxifies the body , helps to lose weight and improves the appearance of the skin;
• It protects the organs from degenerative diseases and infections such as candidiasis, since it reduces the acidity of the blood.
• Accelerates the healing process , being rich in vitamin C; look at the ranking of the 50 foods with the most Vitamin C
• Decreases swelling and blood pressure due to its diuretic properties;
• Relieves pain from gout or rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties;
• Prevents premature aging as it is rich in antioxidants; learn with our article how to prevent premature aging
• It helps in the prevention of some types of cancer , since it has functional elements in its composition known as limonoids;
• It is used to treat anemia , since it increases the absorption of iron from plant foods when consumed during meals;
• Contains vitamin B1, B2, B3 , provitamin A (mainly in the rind) and vitamin A (in the fresh juice and pulp);
• It is rich in vitamin C (40 to 50 mg per 100 g of the fruit), which has a very valuable role in the oxidation-reduction phenomena, improving the performance of the endocrine glands. For this reason, it is essential for its daily consumption;
• It has vitamin B3, which acts by protecting and toning the vascular system , and vitamin B1, which is a preventive against pneumonia ;
• It contains large amounts of mineral salts and trace elements such as iron, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, copper, magnesium and iodine;
• It has a high concentration of citric and malic acids and small amounts of acetic acid, formic acid, and sodium and potassium citrates;
• It is a carrier of directly assimilable glucose and fructose, as well as sucrose;
• Contains gum, mucilage and some, albumin.

In its composition, lemon has d-limonene, which has anti-cancer properties and dissolves stones that block arteries. Another great advantage is its function of “decongesting” the liver after ingestion of alcohol or foods high in fat.

Japanese research has shown that terpinene, in turn, is capable of inhibiting the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL) and thereby preventing atherosclerosis or heart attack. Geraniol is effective in inhibiting the reproduction of cancer cells.

Lemon is also rich in vitamin P (bioflavonoids), which improves the effectiveness of vitamin C and acts to strengthen capillaries and connective tissue, preventing bleeding; It also helps in the healing process and in the treatment of edema; activates circulation and cholesterol levels, and increases resistance to infections and viruses, contributing to cold and flu relief.

Vitamin P (bioflavonoids) is not produced by the body, so it must be obtained from food. In lemon, it is found in the white skin (bast) and the film involving sections of the fruit.

The lemon rind and pulp, as well as other citrus fruits that are rich in pectin ( a soluble fiber = facilitates digestion and regulates the absorption of sugars , which reduces the feeling of hunger and the storage of fat). Therefore, to prepare lemon juice and other citrus fruits, it is recommended not to strain the pulp or the tow. The more “fuzzy” the drink is, the more it will contain pectin.

Lemon nutritional information

The best way to get all the benefits of lemon is by using its juice or pulp. You should also use its grated peel, which is where the essential oils of this fruit are concentrated.

Lemon is versatile and has other less common uses. It can be used to remove grease from the sink, kitchen and countertops , and also to prevent the growth of microorganisms, due to its acidity.

The best way to drink it: Lemon water

The simple act of drinking a glass of warm lemon water helps a lot in cleansing the body . When this is done in the fasted state, the effect is maximized. Lemon improves the production of liver enzymes and facilitates the functioning of the intestine, and has a diuretic effect. All this favors the expulsion of toxins from the body.

Benefits of lemon water

• Lemons and limes are rich in potassium. Potassium is an important mineral that works with sodium to transmit electrical energy to the brain and nervous system. Depression, anxiety, and forgetfulness can be attributed to low potassium in the blood. The nervous system itself needs potassium to ensure constant signals to the heart. Therefore, our heart health benefits as well.
• The liver produces more enzymes from lemon water than from any other food.
• The atomic composition of lemon water is similar to saliva and hydrochloric acid in digestive juices.
• Helps purify and stimulate the liver.
• Calcium and magnesium are abundant in lemon water. Magnesium is important for heart health and calcium prevents rickets.
• Lowers blood pressure .
• It has an alkalizing effect on the body. Some people may find that because of the bitter taste of lemon, this food can acidify the body; But make no mistake, the lemon, as soon as it reaches the stomach, is combined with alkalizing minerals, which help us keep the body’s pH in balance.
• Helps dilute uric acid that builds up in the body.
• Reduces phlegm in the body.

Common Questions: Is lemon bad for the stomach?

Due to its strong acidic taste, lemon has always been seen as a main villain for the stomach. But this is not true. Lemon is not harmful to our intestines, since its therapeutic properties contribute a lot to good digestion.

After being ingested, the lemon presents its acidic property as citric acid, and when it comes into contact with the cells within our body it oxidizes, acting as a base. Added to this, when it is metabolized, it stimulates the production of alkaline substances in the body and helps to neutralize acidity.

The alkaline properties of lemon within our body help in the regeneration of the mucous membranes of the organs of the digestive system, which guarantees their proper functioning. On the other hand, lemon intake can help stomach ulcers heal and even prevent their formation. The lemon also fights the fermentations in the intestine and the formation of gases; It is useful for relieving stomach pain and helps to increase the production of glands in the mouth and stomach and controls excess bile, which benefits the liver.

Therefore, contrary to the logic of popular wisdom, lemon is actually a holy remedy for indigestion, nausea, heartburn, stomach pain, and other gastric disorders.

Lemon benefits for beauty

In addition to bringing many health benefits, lemon also contributes to our beauty.

But first of all, remember something very important: lemon can stain the skin in contact with sunlight . Therefore, always rinse off any splashes well and, if possible, use the lemon beauty tips only at night.

Tones the skin

The acidic pH of lemon is a good ingredient to tone and soften the skin . Mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with one tablespoon of filtered water and a piece of cotton. Apply to face and rinse with cold water. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator so you can use it again.

Provides shine to hair

Lemon is one of the best tricks to get shine on your hair . Squeeze a lemon into a cup and add ½ cup of honey and olive oil . Mix to form a smooth cream. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Apply to freshly washed hair. Then shampoo and rinse well.

Helps relieve elbows

The elbows are often with a dark appearance, as if they are dirty, even after bathing. Lemon is a trick that will help lighten the skin on the elbow . Cut a lemon in half and put it on your elbow for 10 minutes, then rinse your arm. Repeat every day until you notice that the skin is lighter. Do you really want to know what works to lighten skin blemishes?

Fight bad breath

Want to have a refreshing puff without resorting to mint? Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice on your tongue and rinse your mouth well. Lemon lowers the pH level in the mouth and kills the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Softens feet

Fill a bowl with warm water and add a cup of lemon juice, ¼ cup of milk and a few tablespoons of olive oil. Shake well to mix the ingredients and soak your feet in the bowl for 15 minutes. When you’re done, rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat this procedure once a week.

Recipes with lemon and lemon juice to lose weight, and a sweet!

There are people who like it, but not all approve of its strong, tangy taste. With a number of benefits, lemon is also used for weight loss. Rich in acids, vitamins and fiber, the fruit is a strong ally in the elimination of impurities and also helps to regulate the metabolism. Lemon has vitamin C , B1 and B2, manganese and potassium, which contribute to health, improve body performance and is anti-inflammatory for cold, flu and throat problems.

Due to the presence of various antioxidants in the fruit, lemon has the ability to assist in the prevention of wrinkles, and it can also act as a natural medicine. In the midst of so many advantages, there is room for the slimming action that lemon provides. Long live the lemonade every day!

Lemon has a diuretic action, improves our digestion to promote the production of stomach acid, and acts in the elimination of toxins and fats. Due to citric acid, lemon is alkalizing, which makes the pH of the blood and other body fluids less acidic, helping the metabolism to function. This motivates your body to reduce and preserve weight.

An important component of lemon, but one that is almost always discarded, is the peel. The lemon peel contains 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the juice itself. The peel has a high concentration of vitamin C, which stimulates the production of collagen in the body , the substance responsible for the elasticity and youth of the skin. It prevents osteoporosis, reduces stress, helps against cancer, among many other benefits …

Now that we better understand how lemon works, enjoy these recipes:

1 lemon juice with ginger

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lemons, peeled
• 500 ml of water
• 1 tablespoon (soup) of ginger in pieces or grated
• mint leaves (if you prefer)

PREPARATION MODE

Beat all the ingredients in a mixer. Strain, if you prefer. Add a few mint leaves, if desired. Drink this juice before meals, at least twice a day.

Lemon is thermogenic and diuretic (reduces bloating) , detoxifies the body, prevents the accumulation of fat and reduces hunger. Ginger improves the functioning of the intestine, reduces the accumulation of abdominal fat and increases the feeling of fullness. In other words, the two are powerful allies in weight loss.

2 Detox lemon juice

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lemon
• 1 apple
• 1/4 carrot
• 2 cabbage leaves
• 200 ml of coconut water

PREPARATION MODE

Beat everything in a blender and strain. Drink during the day before meals.

3. Lemon juice with watermelon

INGREDIENTS

• 300 g of watermelon (with seeds)
• 2 apples with peel
• Juice of 1 lemon

PREPARATION MODE

Beat all the ingredients in a mixer. Strain, if you prefer. Take it immediately.

This juice is an excellent diuretic, antioxidant, digestive and thermogenic. It also contributes to weight maintenance by inhibiting hunger and generating satiety for longer.

4. Lemon and pear juice

This juice stimulates digestion and has a laxative effect that helps in the treatment of constipation, which also helps to purify and detoxify the body.

INGREDIENTS:

• The juice of 1 lemon;
• 1 pear, diced;
• 2.5 cm of fresh ginger root;
• Half of a cucumber cut into cubes.

PREPARATION METHOD:

Beat all the ingredients in a blender and serve with some ice cubes. This can be drunk all day and preferably in the morning, on an empty stomach.

5. Lemon mousse

This recipe is very easy to prepare and is the ideal dessert for a Sunday lunch.

INGREDIENTS:

• Half a cup of lemon juice;
• Zest of 1 lemon;
• 8 pots of natural yogurt (without sugar);
• 2 cans of condensed milk.

PREPARATION METHOD:

Beat all the ingredients in a blender, except the peel, and freeze for 3-4 hours. Then sprinkle with the lemon zest and serve cold.

If you like a more consistent mousse, after mixing the ingredients in the blender, try adding 1 sachet of colorless unflavored gelatin (diluted in a little water), mix well and freeze.

In addition, lemon prevents the oxidation of other fruits. It can be added to other fruits such as apple, pear, banana or avocado, or even to a fruit salad, to prevent oxidation.