Lemon is a peculiar citrus fruit. Did you know that lemons are actually a hybrid fruit? This means that they do not occur naturally in nature and are in fact a result of genetic crossing between orange and citron fruit. Fun fact: even oranges do not occur naturally in the wild and are a man-made hybrid. However, many of the hybrid fruits and vegetables created by man are nutritious and have significant health benefits. The lemon falls in this category too. Apart from making all of our dishes sour and zesty, this citrus fruit is helpful in helping us boost our immunity. Not just that, lemon can also improve heart health. From teas to tarts, the lemon has made its presence felt everywhere. Let us look at a few health benefits of this tangy ingredient:
1) Strengthens Digestive Health
This fibrous fruit is made of a soluble fiber called pectin which is an ally to human health. Pectin improves gut health and slows down the digestion of sugar and starches. This helps to reduce blood sugar levels. In order to reap the benefit of pectin, one needs to eat the lemon pulp. Merely drinking the juice as a sweetened beverage sans the fiber present in the pulp will lead to no significant gut health benefits.
2) Helps Maintain A Healthy Complexion
Lemon is rich in Vitamin C. This vitamin plays a very important role in the formation of collagen which is like a support system for our skin. The damage to skin and hair that comes about from sun exposure, pollution, stress and age can be prevented by making sure that you consume vitamin C in a sufficient quantity. Lemon can also enable our tissues and cells to repair faster, thereby boosting our body’s healing.
Lemon helps to reduce weight. Credit: Pexels
