Benefits of Lemons

Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds.These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits.In fact, lemons may support heart health, weight control, and digestive health

1. Support Heart Health

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C.One lemon provides about 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of the reference daily intake (RDI).Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke

2. Help Control Weight

Lemons are often promoted as a weight loss food, and there are a few theories as to why this is.One common theory is that the soluble pectin fiber in them expands in your stomach, helping you feel full for longer.That said, not many people eat lemons whole. And because lemon juice contains no pectin, lemon juice drinks will not promote fullness in the same way.

3. Prevent Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small lumps that form when waste products crystallize and build up in your kidneys.They are quite common, and people who get them often get them repeatedly.Citric acid may help prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and increasing urine pH, creating a less favorable environment for kidney stone formation

4. Protect Against Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is quite common. It occurs when you don’t get enough iron from the foods you eat.Lemons contain some iron, but they primarily prevent anemia by improving your absorption of iron from plant foods (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source).Your gut absorbs iron from meat, chicken, and fish (known as heme iron) very easily, while iron from plant sources (non-heme iron) not as easily. However, this absorption can be improved by consuming vitamin C and citric acid.

5. Reduce Cancer Risk

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent some cancers (28Trusted Source).Some observational studies have found that people who eat the most citrus fruit have a lower risk of cancer, while other studies have found no effects (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source, 31Trusted Source).In test-tube studies, many compounds from lemons have killed cancer cells. However, they may not have the same effect on the human body