13 things that happen to your body when you eat a lemon (2023)

At least that's what the old saying goesit shouldto go. Of course, lemons are astringent, bitter and very sour. they are not a very attractive snack on their own. But they're also packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making them one of the healthiest fruits on the planet.

While citrus tastes much better paired with water and a ton of sugar, lemonade isn't very good for you (sorry, Beyoncé). luckily there issinHealthier ways to enjoy its bright yellow beauty: Squeeze one into a glass of hot or cold water, add fresh lemon juice to salad dressings, or grate the peel for fresh lemon zest. All fruit, from skin to pulp, is good for you, which is why our editors atEat this, not that!find out exactly what happens when you eat one. And to discover more belly fat loss tips, check them outThe best ways to speed up your metabolism.!

Don't waste money on expensive face creams or spa treatments. Adding some lemon to your diet could be all you need to achieve a youthful glow. According to his studyAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition,high vitamin C contentIntake was associated with less likelihood of wrinkles and less dry skin. Two physical characteristics that can greatly age you. Since one lemon contains about half of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, stocking up on citrus will make you immortal...or at least make you look like you are.

High blood pressure can lead to scary conditions like kidney failure, heart attack or stroke. Fortunately, eating lemons regularly has been shown to help. People who ate at least half a lemon a day, in addition to walking about 7,000 steps, significantly increased their blood pressure levels, according to research published in the journalJournal of Nutrition and Metabolism. While lemon shouldn't be the only cure for something as serious as high blood pressure, it does promise health benefits. a lemon a day could keep the doctor away.

If overeating is a problem for you, lemons could be the solution. Pectin, found in the peel and pulp of citrus fruits like lemons, has been shown to help people feel fuller for longer. People who ate just 5 grams of pectin felt fuller, according to a study published in the journalJournal of the American College of Nutrition. Although it will take several lemons to reach 5 grams, add lemon juice and pulp to the water throughout the day.

Lemon is rich in polyphenols, natural compounds that contain antioxidants. Although citrus fruits have their own mix of polyphenols, those found in lemons may have significant health benefits. A study published inJournal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutritionfound that mice fed a high-fat diet and also lemon polyphenols showed suppression of fat storage and weight gain and improvements in blood sugar, leptin and insulin levels. Although scientific results in mice do not always translate to the same results in humans, researchers still recommend consuming lemon polyphenols as a way to fight obesity.

While regular inflammation is important for the body's immune response to fight something like the common cold, chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain, fatigue, digestive problems, mood swings, and even cancer — all pretty nasty. Fortunately, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that have been shown to reduce inflammation, according to a study published in the journalIndian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry. Vitamin C has been found to be beneficial during inflammatory conditions, including protecting immune cells. For more antioxidant-rich foods, check out our listfoods that fight inflammation.

There's a reason your mom told you to stock up on orange juice if you have a cold. Vitamin C has long been essential for preventing cold symptoms andstrengthening immunity. Although research on the effect of vitamin C on the common cold is conflicting, it has shown some therapeutic benefits at the onset of symptoms, according to a review published in the journalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. It also had positive benefits for respiratory health, which is another plus when it comes to fighting a nasty cold.

There's no doubt that water itself is pretty boring. Although drinking plenty of water is associated with positive health benefits, such as weight loss, a faster dietmetabolismand more energy, drinking plain and tasteless liquid is exhausting. Adding water with lemon juice makes it refreshing and tastier. EvenThe CDC recommendsAdding fresh lemon to plain or sparkling water instead of soda, which is terrible for you.

Nothing puts a damper on the mood like bad breath. But if you don't have bubble gum or peppermint, get a lemon! Lemon is known to freshen the house, and the same can be said for the mouth. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes odors, which help fight bad breath caused by things like garlic and onions.

But don't overdo it with the lemon juice. Lemons are very acidic, which can wear away tooth enamel. Once tooth enamel is gone, there is no way to get it back, and enamel erosion can lead to excessive tooth discoloration and sensitivity. Lemon can have amazing health benefits, but it's best enjoyed in moderation (like everything else).

If you've ever had a kidney stone, then you're familiar with the excruciating pain that comes with trying to pass it. But if eating lemons is a regular part of your diet, you may not need to worry about it. Lemons are rich in citrate, which has been shown to naturally prevent kidney stones. A study published inUrologyfound that patients treated with lemonade (four ounces of lemon juice in two liters of water daily with little or no sugar) formed kidney stones at a slower rate than before treatment began. It was so beneficial that researchers recommend lemonade therapy as an alternative treatment for kidney stones. Speaking of staying healthy, read about itbad habits that make you sick and fatFor more salt and sugar to avoid to avoid weight gain!

Lemons are packed with cholesterol-fighting ingredients, including vitamin C, which has been shown to lower levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, according to a study published inJournal of Chiropractic Medicine. Lemons also contain flavonoids that lowered LDL and triglyceride levels in participants in a study published inAlternative therapies in health and medicine.And pectin in lemon peel was found to lower cholesterol in hamstersEuropean Journal of Nutritionstudy. Although hamsters are not humans, there is enough evidence to add lemon to their daily dietlower cholesteroluses.

People tend to focus on what is healthiest for their bodies, but their brains also need nourishment and protection. Serious cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, are common with age, but there may be some lifestyle changes that can help combat their onset. Lemon may help prevent severe mental decline, according to a review published in the journalJournal of Alzheimer's Disease. Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin C has been shown to protect against age-related cognitive decline. So get enough vitamin C now to protect your brain in the future.

If you can stomach a whole lemon (peel and all!), your digestive system will thank you. Lemon mainly consists of soluble fiber, which helpshealthy gut bacteriaprogress and can lead to smooth, regular bowel movements. Lemons also contain citric acid, which can also aid digestion, although studies disagree on whether it actually makes a difference in humans.