British sailors in the 19th century carried Mediterranean sweet lemons to prevent scurvy, according to Purdue University, despite the seamen's famous nickname, "limies." English law required seamen to drink 1 oz. of lemon juice each day. While scurvy is rare these days, lemons hold special health benefits for the modern consumer. Americans have been eager to reap the benefits of California lemons since the gold rush, and the United States has since become a major lemon producer, sharing the health benefits with consumers across the globe.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Lemons contain twice as much vitamin C as oranges. Vitamin C is important for healthy connective tissue and immune system. Vitamin C also helps your body heal from wounds and maintains healthy bones and teeth. Lemon oil and pectin fiber, made from lemon peel, pulp and seeds, contains powerful antioxidants which prevent the production of unhealthy free radicals and protect your body from damage inflicted by existing free radicals in your system. Lemons are a good source of potassium, vital for a healthy cardiovascular system, muscular strength, metabolism and the prevention of certain diseases, like heart and kidney disorders.
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
Lemon and hot water calms stomach problems, like hiccups, nausea and heartburn. Drink lemon water in the morning to stimulate bile production. Lemon juice and honey relieve symptoms of the common cold. Lemon also relieves constipation. This citrus fruit is an effective treatment for gingivitis, a type of gum disease, and tongue inflammation. Lemon juice is a diuretic, able to reduce water weight. Infuse lemon tree bark or lemon peel into fluid to treat colic. People in Cuba use lemon root to treat fever, and West Africans use lemon root to treat gonorrhea. Lemons also fight fungal infections, like athlete's foot and ringworm.
Lemon juice immobilizes sperm so, according to Drugs.com, scientists are investigating lemon's potential for vaginal contraceptive use. Drugs.com also says that special substances in lemons may even affect the growth of some types of cancers.
COSMETIC
Lemons lighten freckles and some cosmetic companies add lemon to facial cleansing cream. Some shampoos and soaps contain lemon peel oil. Lemon peel oil is also important in blending perfume and cologne. Lemon juice helps reduce acne and warts. Relieve sunburn with lemon juice.
WEIGHT LOSS
Lemons are a great weight-loss tool. A 100-g serving of lemon product, whether it is fresh or frozen lemon, whole fruit or juice, has 22 to 27 calories. Replace high-fat, high-calorie salad dressings with a squirt of lemon juice for a low calorie side dish. Add lemon to fish and chicken dishes instead of heavy cream sauces to save calories.