Lemons: The Sour Key to Some Sweet Health Benefits

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Here’s a confession: we’re always on the lookout for natural ways to improve our health. Sure, there are countless over-the-counter products out there, but it can feel icky and even dangerous to be putting too much of that into our bodies. On top of that, buying an endless stream of health supplements and other products can really hit your wallet, something few of us can afford while also buying necessities like groceries.

Here’s some good news, though: one of the best things you can consume for your health is very tasty, highly beneficial, and surprisingly affordable. We’re talking, of course, about the humble lemon, a food that you’ll soon be eating more of. 

Don’t believe it? Keep reading to discover how this sour food is the key to some very sweet health benefits!

Naturally beautiful skin

Sometimes, it can be painful to look at your favorite celebs’ beautiful skin on Instagram. Many of us end up asking the big question: “how can I make my skin look that healthy?” Unfortunately, many of the products that claim to give you great skin do nothing except dry out both your pores and your bank account.

Believe it or not, though, lemons can give you naturally healthier-looking skin. The citric acid in lemons may feel…well…acidic, but it helps to make your skin look brighter (and, therefore, younger). As an added bonus, lemon can help clear up acne. Now you know why lemon is present in so many facial scrubs!

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Shed unwanted pounds

Summer body, winter body…no matter the season, just about all of us are trying to lose weight. And the blunt truth is that simply eating less and exercising more isn’t as effective for some people as it is for others, especially because so many lower-calorie options taste so bad.

However, lemon can fix this particular issue and help you shed some unwanted pounds at the same time. Simple drinks like water with lemon serve as tasty alternatives to sugary sodas. By swapping out those calorie-bombs drinks for something naturally low in calories, you can lose weight without compromising on taste. 

Better digestion

Unrecognizable person pouring lemonade from jug into the glass

Some people want to improve their digestive health as part of their goal to lose as much weight as possible. Others, however, see a healthy digestive system as its own reward. Either way, you are better off consuming more lemons, either on their own or as part of your favorite drinks and dishes.

Why is that? Simple: lemon naturally improves your digestive system while also boosting your metabolism. The end result is a healthier gut and a slimmer body, one that can more easily wear some of those cute older clothes taking up room in your closet!

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Power up your immune system

The immune system is something that most of us take for granted, especially when we’re healthy. Once we get sick, though, it’s natural to wonder why our immune system betrayed us. The uncomfortable truth, however, is that many people betray their immune system each day by not taking any measures to strengthen it.

And you guessed it: consuming more lemons is an easy, tasty way to give your immune system a boost. They are full of Vitamin C, so each lemon you eat helps your body to ward off sickness that much easier. With a healthy immune system, you can stop hiding out at home and make the most out of life, one day at a time.

Reduce the risk of cancer

Do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer? Almost everyone who has will tell you the same thing: they were blindsided by the diagnosis. Sadly, there’s nothing we can do to guarantee that cancer won’t touch our lives. But there are certain things we can do to help minimize the risk.

Believe it or not, eating more lemons is one of the most reliable ways you can protect yourself from cancer. Some studies have found that eating more lemons reduces the risk of cancer, and other tests have determined that lemons are capable of killing cancer cells. Life obviously has no guarantees, but eating more lemons as part of your regular diet can provide peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to reduce the risk of cancer.

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The key to more energy

Board with cut lemons and zest on wooden table, closeup.

What’s the one thing besides money that all of us could use more of? Energy, of course! When your life is very busy and full of challenges, it can be difficult to summon the energy each day to fully take care of business.

Those needing a jolt of energy, though, can get it from simply drinking some lemon water. The potassium inside can make you more alert, and even just a good sniff of the citrus can reduce stress and boost your feel-good hormones. Let’s be honest…who wouldn’t want to start each day feeling great, with more energy and less stress?