Lemon: properties, benefits and uses in the kitchen

Lemon, a fruit native to Asia

He lemon is the fruit of the lemon tree (Citrus limonum), a tree barely 4 meters high, with a thick trunk, grayish bark and an open, rounded crown. Purifying, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic, it is undoubtedly one of the fruits with the greatest healing properties.

Botanists believe that lemon is native to Southeast Asiabetween the Himalayas and China. In the thirteenth century came to Europe by the hand of the Arab peoples. In fact, the word “lemon” comes from the Arabic term “laymún”. Its cultivation quickly spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, especially in the Levante area, where today a large part of the production of lemons consumed in Spain continues to be concentrated.

During the 18th century, lemon became famous among sailors, who used to consume it in abundance during their long voyages because they knew that it would protected against scurvy. The reason for this is your rich in vitamin Cwhich was discovered in 1932.

World production is currently led by Mexico, India, Argentina and Iran. In fifth position is Spain, the main supplier of lemons to the rest of the European countries.

Varieties of lemon that you can find in the market

There are many different varieties of lemon, but basically two are consumed in our country:

table lemon or “waiter”, with thinner skin, pale yellow flesh and more juice.bern lemona much more widespread variety, with thick skin, a very intense yellow color and an oval shape.

Nutritional values ​​of lemon

How many calories does a lemon have?

Lemon is a very nutritionally rich fruit, since it provides a multitude of vitamins and minerals to the body (such as potassium, selenium, iron and magnesium) with hardly any calories or fat. For every 100 grams of lemon:

calories: 27.6 caloriesproteins: 0.69gFats: 0.3gcarbohydrates: 3.2gFiber: 4.7g

The properties of lemon

The multitude of health benefits of lemon make it an essential food. Among them, it is worth noting:

It is rich in vitamin C. One of the main properties of lemon is that 100 ml of homemade juice provides 62% of the daily need for vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for the good condition of blood vessels and is very beneficial for the health of bones, teeth and the skin. Lemon vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen, which contributes to the good condition of the skin and cartilage and to the good healing of wounds. It also favors iron absorption that we can eat with breakfast. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the immune system, which prevents infections and many other diseases. Lemon is loaded with phytochemicals that protect the cells and tissues of the body. These substances are terpenes that multiply the antioxidant activity of vitamin C and together they fight free radicals that damage cells. In this way the lemon prevents premature aging and all kinds of diseases, including cancer. One of the most studied molecules in lemon is limonenethe terpene that gives the characteristic smell of citrus fruits and that has a great capacity to reduce the risk of degenerative diseaseshypertension, cataracts, heart attacks and various types of cancer. Lemon is a magnificent preventive against the action of viruses and bacteria, by increasing the body’s defenses with the activation of white blood cells. It is highly recommended for states of weakness, anemia and convalescence from a recent illness. It also reduces fever and relieves muscle pain typical of flu episodes, colds and respiratory infections. Lemon pectin also gives it great digestive benefits. It has an antidiarrheal effect, stimulates gastric secretions, relieves heartburn and vomiting and dizziness, as well as gastric and urinary infections. Furthermore, another of its properties is that lemon purifies the blood and is vasoprotective, reducing capillary permeability and increases its resistance.

Natural remedies with lemon and its health benefits

The simplest and most effective way to take advantage of the properties of lemon is to drink a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon or a whole one as soon as you get up. In this way, the action of vitamin C, terpenes and organic acids of lemon is used at the most appropriate time of day.

It purifies, alkalizes and hydrates you

This morning glass of water stimulates the purifying processes of the organism and favors its alkalinity, that is, the opposite of acidity, which favors all kinds of disorders, including cancer.

It is also the best way to hydrate after having subjected your body to an 8-hour drought. Taking the lemon with water is the most appropriate, also, because the lemon alone is too aggressive with the dental enamel. In fact, to protect it, you can drink your glass of water with lemon through a straw.

To increase the cleansing and healthy power of your glass of lemon juice, you can add a bit of the grating of your skinbecause it is in this where the highest concentration of limonene and other terpenes is found.

Improve your mood by drinking a juice without rushing

A little-known property of lemon (and also due to limonene and other terpenoids) is that it favors a good mood, since reduces stress levels and the agitation.

There is a belief that lemon juice should be consumed right after squeezing it so that it does not lose vitamin C. The truth is that this vitamin is preserved in the squeezed juice quite well for several hours at room temperature.

He ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is quickly transformed into dehydroascorbic acid, a compound that until a few years ago was thought to have no activity as vitamin C, but today it is known that it retains its properties. That’s why you can entertain yourself a bit by drinking your lemon juice.

After a few hours, dehydroascorbic acid degrades to diketogulonic acid, without vitamin activity. It must be taken into account that, when heating the juice, the transition to diketogulonic acid is accelerated, so vitamin C is lost.

Antioxidant power with green tea

Another of the benefits of lemon is that its organic acids also contribute to enhance the beneficial properties of other foods. In a study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Researchin which the antioxidant capacity of green tea was studied, it was shown that, after adding a small amount of lemon juice to the drink, its antioxidant power greatly increased.

Lemon cure with maple syrup

It cannot be guaranteed that lemon by itself is effective for losing weight, but it is a low calorie food (contains less sugar than other fruits), is cleansing and has a place in some slimming cures.

For example, in the cure with maple syrup, two tablespoons of this food are combined with the juice of half a lemon and optionally a pinch of cayenne.

herbal formulas

Remedy to cure angina. To relieve tonsillitis and end foci of pus and pain when swallowing, the juice of a roasted lemon is recommended. Cut the lemon in half and prick with a fork. On the part of the skin, it is browned on the fire and when it starts to boil, it is squeezed. It should be taken once a day, in small sips.cough remedy. Hot lemon juice with chopped garlic and a pinch of honey is an excellent reliever against coughs and to reduce fever in case of flu and cold.Tea to stimulate blood circulation. This masterful formula, which combines lemon peel with witch hazel and red vine leaves in equal parts, is especially effective in stimulating blood circulation. A tablespoon of the mixture is poured per glass of water. Boil for 1 minute, leave to rest for another 10 and filter. Two glasses are taken a day, the first one on an empty stomach, when you get up, and the last one, shortly before dinner. lemon essential oil When vaporized, it stimulates concentration and is equally useful against bad odors and to disinfect closed spaces.

Take care of your skin with lemon

Eliminates skin blemishes

apply one oatmeal and lemon mask to gradually lighten the spots that appear on the skin -especially on the face and hands- over the years.

For its preparation, mix a tablespoon of oatmeal with half a lemon juice to form a homogeneous paste. It is then applied to the spots and left to act for about twenty minutes before removing it with lukewarm water. You have to apply the mask three times a week until you see results.

Simple acne treatment

The astringent and disinfectant properties lemon are useful for treating acne. You just have to dilute it in a little water and apply it on your face after washing it well. Let it act all night and wash off in the morning.

The same idea works to treat the greasy hair.

The uses of lemon in the kitchen

It is difficult to imagine what the gastronomy of a large part of the planet would be like, especially in the Mediterranean area, without the presence of this citrus in the recipes.

In many recipes the lemon flavor is not appreciated in the final result, but it is used with good sense because enhances the aromas of food to which it accompanies and offers an exquisite acid counterpoint. In addition, lemon juice is very practical, because prevents many fresh fruits and vegetables from browning. For this reason it is ideal for seasoning any dish with cabbages, green leafy vegetables, avocados, artichokes or mushrooms.

Dressings and marinades with lemon

The preparation of dressings and marinades is one of the best ways to take advantage of the properties of lemon.

For example, prepare a delicious and light dressing by mixing lemon juice and a little apple or pineapple juice, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some herbs – such as basil, parsley or dill. With this dressing you can flavor rich salads and all kinds of dishes.

You can also combine lemon with cumin and cilantro, very aromatic.

In vegan cooking, lemon is used, among other things, in the vegan cheese making based on nut creams (cashew nuts, for example), nutritional yeast and other natural flavoring ingredients.

A perfect marinade for tofu

Another option is to prepare a mixture with a glass of lemon juice, 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, half a teaspoon of cumin, a little sweet paprika, oregano and salt. Marinate the tofu in this juice for a minimum of 6 hours and you will get an exquisite dish.

Take the lemon out of the fridge, please.

Do not squeeze the lemon that you just took out of the fridge, because you will get less juice and it will not be as aromatic. Take it out a few hours before and, before squeezing it, knead it with your hands. You will get much more juice!

Don’t throw away the shell, use it

As for the lemon peel, it can be used to flavor broths and soupseither…