The lemon is perhaps the most popular citrus fruit, despite its sour taste. Its aroma pleasantly complements tea and coffee, while the pulp, juice, and zest are widely used in cooking. Traditional medicine considers this citrus the best natural antiseptic. In cosmetics, its ability to lighten pigmentation and freckles is highly valued. For women's health, the benefits of this fruit lie in its rich vitamin and mineral composition.
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Chemical Composition and Properties of Lemon
Citrus fruits have a rich array of beneficial nutrients. Lemon holds the record for vitamin content. In 100 g of this fruit, you’ll find nearly half the daily requirement of vitamin C, along with a long list of micro- and macronutrients.
Nutritional content per 100 g (mg):
- B vitamins – 9.5;
- ascorbic acid – 182;
- vitamin E – 0.4;
- nicotinic acid (PP) – 0.5;
- potassium – 298;
- calcium – 160;
- magnesium – 23;
- sodium – 8;
- sulfur – 10;
- phosphorus – 28.
Additionally, lemons contain aluminium, boron, iron, iodine, manganese, copper, and many other beneficial trace elements.
Note. Most of the nutrients are found not in the juice or pulp but in the zest.
Caloric Content and Macronutrients
The glycemic index of lemon is only 25 units, making it safe for people with diabetes.
Its caloric content is also low: 29 kcal per 100 g of pulp and 47 kcal in the peel and zest. This makes lemon not only safe for women watching their weight but also beneficial for weight loss.
Nutritional value per 100 g:
- protein – 2.6 g;
- fats – 0.3 g;
- carbohydrates – 25.3 g.
The pulp is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the zest contains phytosterols, fibre, and pectin.
How Lemon Benefits Women's Health
Lemon is well known for boosting immunity and fighting colds. It supports heart and vascular health, improves digestion, and aids in treating joint conditions.
For women, lemon helps manage inflammatory conditions of the urinary and reproductive systems – such as cystitis, vaginitis, and painful menstruation.
Therapeutic Benefits for Various Conditions
What can lemon help with? During flu or cold outbreaks, it strengthens the immune system. For colds, consuming 2-3 slices daily speeds up recovery thanks to its vitamin and mineral content.
For gout, lemon helps break down and remove excess salts, reducing swelling and pain.
Its antibacterial properties make it effective against sore throats. Juice from half a lemon, diluted in a glass of warm water, is enough for 2-3 gargles. Repeat hourly for three days.
Important! Due to its low glycemic index and minimal sugar content, lemon helps regulate blood glucose and cholesterol levels, supporting weight loss. However, diabetics should consume it only under medical supervision and in moderation.
Potential Harm and Contraindications
Lemon should be avoided by those allergic to citrus fruits. During flare-ups of digestive disorders, it may worsen symptoms. People with high blood pressure should also consume it cautiously.
For dental issues (cavities, gum disease), only lemon water should be used. Drink it through a straw, as the vitamin C in fresh lemon can erode tooth enamel.
Lemon During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
During pregnancy, lemon alleviates nausea from morning sickness. It also helps reduce swelling, particularly in the later stages. It protects expectant mothers from colds, which can harm fetal development.
Nausea during pregnancy can be distressing. Eating a couple of lemon slices stimulates gastric juice and pancreatic enzyme production, easing nausea within minutes.
While breastfeeding, lemon enriches the body with essential nutrients and boosts energy—provided the baby has no allergies. Start with one slice and, if no rashes appear, gradually include it in your diet. Weak lemon tea is especially beneficial—it improves lactation, digestion, and immunity.
Beauty Benefits of Lemon
Lemon doesn’t just support internal health—it also enhances skin, hair, and nails. Warm baths with lemon juice strengthen nails and soften cuticles.
For Hair
Rinsing hair with lemon water after washing eliminates the need for conditioner. Both curls and straight hair become voluminous, shiny, and easy to comb.
A mask of one lemon’s juice and 4 tbsp of yoghurt, applied for 10-15 minutes, effectively combats dandruff and scalp itchiness.
For Skin
Homemade masks with lemon lighten freckles and pigmentation. A mix of lemon juice and water cleanses and disinfects skin, preventing breakouts.
Freezing lemon water into ice cubes creates a refreshing toner. Rubbing these on the face after cleansing leaves skin smooth, firm, and radiant.
For acne, rubbing a lemon slice on the face daily helps. This method also evens out tan lines.
For Weight Loss
Lemon aids weight loss by breaking down excess carbs and sugars, preventing their absorption. It normalizes digestion—curbing appetite and cleansing the intestines. Lemon water is a staple in many diets.
Important! Avoid lemon-based weight loss during digestive flare-ups or severe obesity.
Use in Cosmetics
Lemon-based products treat acne, brighten, and cleanse skin. Scrubs with citrus acids exfoliate dead skin cells. Lemon-infused toners cleanse, refresh, and reduce redness.
Most cosmetic products target oily and problem-prone skin. They have antiseptic effects, speed up acne healing, and tighten pores.
Anti-ageing products restore skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Body lotions, creams, and scrubs help combat cellulite and stretch marks.
How to Choose, Store, and Consume Properly
Picking a good lemon is simple: look for firm, smooth skin, bright yellow colour, and a fresh citrus scent. If the lemon leaves sticky residue, it hasn’t been chemically treated.
Lemons stay fresh for 1.5-2 months in a cool, dark place. Wash and dry them before storing in an airtight container. Wrapping each fruit in paper extends shelf life. Ideal storage temperature: +6…+8°C.
Recommended Intake and Forms
The optimal daily amount is 1-2 lemons. The best way to consume it is lemon water—mix half a lemon’s juice with a glass of water and drink on an empty stomach.
Add zest, pulp, or juice to meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. It enhances salads, baked goods, and beverages.
Important! Excessive lemon consumption may cause heartburn, skin irritation, or high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Lemon is highly beneficial for women’s health. It aids in treating urinary and reproductive issues, colds, and bacterial infections. It supports weight loss and enhances skin, nails, and hair through masks, creams, and scrubs. However, those with acute digestive inflammation should avoid excessive intake.