One of the best known citrus fruits is the lemon. In its cultivated form, it has been grown for about 700 years after Christ. First mentions of this unique power fruit can be found as early as the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551 – 479 BC) around 500 years BC.
Occurrence and cultivation of lemons
The vitamin C of lemons helped sailors of earlier centuries to prevent scurvy. Probably, this yellow, well-formed fruit is originally native to the eastern area of the Himalayas. Nowadays, the lemon is grown mainly in Mediterranean countries, North America and South Africa. The rapid discovery of the healing and preventive properties of lemons is ultimately due to the first circumnavigators of the world. The sailors of earlier centuries were often afflicted by scurvy. Ultimately, this disease is due to a deficiency of the protective vitamin C, which is found in increased amounts in citrus fruits – such as lemons.
Application and use
Hardly any other food is so clearly assigned to the flavor “sour”, as the lemon. Lemons are also very juicy from the fruit texture and thus wonderfully suitable for squeezing. In addition to their use as a fruity food and – usually diluted or mixed – drink, the juice or pulp of this citrus fruit gives other dishes and drinks the right fruity-sour flavor. In addition, lemons are used as a healing and preventive agent. The most important active ingredient of lemon is its vitamin C. Vitamin C, called ascorbic acid by food chemists, is one of the water-soluble vitamins and is particularly sensitive. Since the citrus fruit also has a high proportion of so-called secondary plant substances, the flavonoids found in the pulp in particular protect the vitamin C from oxidative processes. This means that, advantageously, no reactions with oxygen from the air can take place. Flavonoids are a subgroup of polyphenols. These in turn are one of the most important ten groups of secondary plant substances known to date. To date, extensive research is still being carried out in the field of secondary plant compounds. Almost 100,000 individual substances have been discovered worldwide. All of them can support natural healing processes in the human body. In addition to vitamin C and secondary plant substances, the acidity of the lemon also has a positive effect on the human body. It leads to stimulation processes in the gastric mucosa during the digestive process. This stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid and pepsin. Pepsin belongs to the group of protein-splitting enzymes. Not only is digestion in the stomach improved, but proteins, iron and calcium can be better utilized. This increases the vitality of the body enormously. Thus, the ingredients of lemon are incredibly beneficial to health.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention
Certainly the best-known home remedy for cold symptoms, coughs, colds, hoarseness and sore throats is the “hot lemon”: lemon juice, freshly squeezed infused with hot water and enjoyed warm. Moreover, this combination is most effective when one to two spoonfuls of liquid honey per cup are added to the drink. Even though the citrus fruit tastes sour, it is one of the foods that have an alkalizing effect on the organism. This means that it prevents hyperacidity of the body. Acidosis can cause headaches and even migraines, for example. In therapy, in addition to its positive effect on the immune system and its general alkaline effect, lemon can also be used to stimulate appetite, promote blood circulation, cleanse the blood and disinfect. There are a variety of physical ailments that the power fruit can alleviate. In addition to the aforementioned strengthening of the immune system and relief from respiratory diseases, hyperacidity and headaches, it can also be helpful for oily skin, acne and bad breath. Rheumatic phenomena, inflammation of joints, frostbite, connective tissue weaknesses and varicose veins can be alleviated with lemon. Citrus fruits also promote cell growth, have a rejuvenating effect, make athletes more efficient and release fats during metabolism. Thus, lemons support weight loss.For cosmetic purposes, lemon juice is very useful, for example, in the form of hair conditioners. Lemon oils can be used to increase concentration. The oils are also very refreshing, activating and cheer up the mood. In summary, lemons are a true all-rounder as a life and healing remedy.
