When it comes to the most popular citrus fruit, the name that pops up in the mind is lemon. You can’t eat lemons alone or as a fruit because they have a sour taste. Most often, you can garnish lemons with meals, and their juice has a sour flavour. Lemons possess various plant compounds, essential oils, vitamin C, fibre and minerals. Lemons have various health benefits as they can reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney stones, and cancer. Despite this, you will also come to know in lemon which acid is present and to know more about lemons, keep reading.
What is Citric Acid?
Natural citric acid is found in all citrus fruits. Individuals can make artificial citric acid from a fungus known as Aspergillus Niger. This is because it possesses a sour, tart taste. Citric acid is used as a flavouring agent in food additives and processed foods like candies and soft drinks. Thus, if you are looking for an answer to which acid is present in lemon and orange, then its answer is ‘citric acid’.
What are the Health Benefits of Lemon?
Lemons are a good source of flavonoids and vitamin C. Antioxidants present in lemons help eliminate free radicals that are responsible for damaging cells in the body. These nutrients help boost overall well-being and prevent diseases. The following are some amazing health benefits of lemons:
Promote Heart Health
The death rate increases because of heart attack and stroke. Thus, the consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C can help lower the risk of heart problems. If in the blood, low levels of vitamin C are found, then it can increase the risk of stroke, especially for those who are overweight. It has been seen that when you consume isolated fibres from citrus fruits, then it can reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Cancer Prevention
Lemon juice and lemons are good sources of vitamin C antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging cells that can lead to cancer. However, how exactly antioxidants can prevent cancer is still unclear.
Enhance Iron Absorption
A person facing iron deficiency can suffer from anemia. Thus, it is essential to include foods high in vitamin C and iron-rich food to increase the body’s ability to absorb iron. However, make sure not to consume vitamin C in excess because it can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
Help in Weight Loss
When you drink lemon water by squeezing lemon into lukewarm water by adding a tablespoon of honey, then it can help you in weight loss. Lemon has a compound known as pectin, a fibre that expands when you consume it and make you feel full. It will prevent you from overeating which will lead to weight gain. Pectin is present in the pulp of lemon, so consuming lemon in the form of a drink would be beneficial.
Effective for Skin
Lemons have vitamin C, which is important to produce collagen. Collagen provides skin with a youthful look and helps to minimize the fine lines on the face. The size of a lemon is small but it contains plenty of nutrients. Consuming lemon juice can make your diet more healthful and nutritious.
Good for Hair
Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which improves hair growth and boosts collagen. If you are experiencing a hair loss problem, then you can add two tablespoons of lemon juice and aloe vera gel and mix them well. Apply this mixture to your scalp 30 minutes before you take bath, and then rinse it with a hair cleanser.
Prevent Kidney Stones
Do you know which acid is present in lemon juice? Well, citric acid is present in lemon juice which helps prevent kidney stones. Citrate which is a component of citric acid makes urine less acidic and can help break down small stones. Lemon juice has citric acid, but make sure not to consume it in excess because it can lead to high urine pH levels.
Help in Digestion
If you drink lemon water before meals, then it may help improve digestion. And it is because of citric acid present in lemon. According to a study, lemon water boosts gastric acid secretion, which is a digestive fluid generated in the stomach that allows your body to digest food.
Side Effects of Consuming Lemon
If you consume lemons in excess, then it can cause some severe health problems, such as:
- It can cause gastroesophageal reflux disease
- It can increase canker sores symptoms
- Fruits with citric acid can cause frequent migraines
Conclusion
Lemons are crucial in our life, but you need to consume them in the right way because excess use can cause severe side effects. Now, you know in lemon which acid is present. Despite this, you also know the possible health benefits and side effects of lemons.
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