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Originating from India and China, the innate taste and healing properties of lemons have seen the fruit travel throughout the world allowing people the opportunity to discover its many health benefits. When it comes to a cold or sore throat, your grandmother probably extolled the benefits of lemon juice and honey.
These home cures may have been considered folklore, yet a generation later, the veracity of the treatment still holds and studies are showing the humble lemon is a powerhouse of goodness with an abundance of previously unknown benefits. For instance, a glass of lemon juice, or, more widely recognised, half a lemon in boiled water may help support the following:
Skincare
Because lemons are high in vitamin C, a primary antioxidant that helps protect cells from damaging free radicals, it has the potential of reducing dry skin, wrinkles and sun damage.
There is anecdotal evidence lemon water supports weight loss – however, it is not clear if this is because it creates a full feeling and simply satisfies the appetite.
Digestion
Drinking warm or hot lemon water not only helps to wake you up, but it can also help get your digestive system moving. Some people use an early morning cup of lemon water as a laxative to avoid constipation. Ayurvedic medicine says the sour lemon taste helps stimulate your Agni (a Sanskrit word meaning fire and connotes the fire god of Hinduism). A strong Agni is thought to kick-start the digestive system.
Helps your body heal
Our body needs vitamin C to make collagen, a vital protein that forms part of the connective tissue we need to heal wounds.
Supports your immune system
Vitamin C can help fend off illness-causing viruses and bacteria.
Improves iron absorption
Iron is essential for the cells in your body to survive and grow and a glass of lemon water at mealtimes can enhance iron absorption.
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