We have all heard of beauty hacks from our pantry. While it’s nothing new, there’s a reason why this type of content has always been on your timeline—it works. For this case, it’s lemon juice, and there’s a whole lot of benefits to it.
Lemons are great for adding a sour note to your favourite dishes, baked goods, and, of course, drinks. The incredible power of lemons, however, is not limited to the kitchen. Lemons may be beneficial to your skin, hair, and overall health as well.
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Benefits of lemon juice for skin
Lemons can completely transform your skincare game by treating acne, lightening dark spots, and providing tighter, plumper skin. Lemons are wonderful for your skin because they are high in Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and a brightening agent. While drinking lemon water can give you glowing skin, using a face mask with a few drops of lemon juice will remove excess oil from your skin and reduce acne. Here are the skin benefits of lemon juice:
Eliminates tan and lightens dark spots
In the summer, even a few minutes in the sun can result in a tan and sunburn. As a result, dark spots and uneven skin tone develop. Lemon has lightening effects that perform wonderfully on tanned skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Face blemishes are unattractive and difficult to remove. Lemon juice, fortunately, contains citric acid, which may gradually eliminate blemishes and even out skin tone. Lemon juice can sting if it gets in any open cuts or scratches on your face, so use carefully!
Treats acne
Because of its acidic content, lemon juice has astringent properties. Lemons, for example, have a low pH and can help reduce inflammation and oil production, both of which can contribute to acne. Lemons also contain citric acid, an AHA that aids in the breakdown of dead skin cells that cause acne.
Increases collagen production
Citrus fruit is also said to be a natural way to boost collagen in the face. Collagen is a protein that naturally dissolves with age, generating fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, may help to reduce free radical damage to collagen, resulting in smoother skin.
Prevents oily skin
Oily skin is a common and inconvenient beauty problem. Many other techniques have been tried and failed to eliminate the shine on the foreheads, noses, and chins. Applying diluted lemon juice to your face can help quickly and efficiently reduce excess oil. Before going to bed, try this method. First thing in the morning, wash your face. This procedure will protect your skin from becoming too oily.
Benefits of lemon juice for hair
Lemon is a natural hair saviour which can help you get the hair of your dreams: long and beautiful locks that are healthy. Lemon, a vitamin C powerhouse, helps cleanse the scalp, improves hair follicles, and promotes overall hair health. Let’s look at the ways lemons may benefit your hair and how you can use them to make your hair look fabulous.
Promotes hair growth
If excessive hair fall is your concern, you can trust lemon juice to help you get long and voluminous hair. Lemons are high in vitamin C, which can help to boost collagen production. As a consequence, hair growth is assured. Furthermore, the acidic nature of lemon unclogs and activates dormant hair follicles. Overall, lemon juice may be useful in preventing hair loss. However, in addition to using lemon to treat hair loss, you need also address the underlying reasons of hair loss.
Treats dandruff and itchy scalp
Treating your hair and scalp with lemon promotes healthy, non-oily hair and, as a result, a dandruff-free mane. Lemon’s anti-fungal and cleansing characteristics help eliminate buildup and oil from your scalp, allowing you to control oil production and maintain scalp health. Using a light scrub made of lemon juice and olive oil on your scalps before washing your hair will help you get rid of oil, dirt, and itchiness, as well as eliminate dandruff for good.
Renew your strands
If your hair is always rough or curly, lemon may be of assistance. Lemons contain limonene, which helps renew dry, frizzy, and rough hair. Lemon juice contains antioxidants and other nutrients that help to keep your hair smooth and healthy. Lemon juice is high in folic acid and vitamin C. Moreover, it can help to reduce oiliness and make your hair lengths shiny and silky.
Benefits of lemon juice for health
Lemon is a versatile fruit that provides several health benefits. Lemons help in the control and prevention of a variety of diseases.
Supports heart health
Lemons are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. According to research, these two nutrients are beneficial to heart health and can help prevent heart disease and stroke. However, some of the fibres found in lemon can considerably reduce several risk factors for heart disease.
A few studies have suggested that drinking lemon juice can help lower blood pressure. Lemon can help in the primary therapy of high blood pressure. Lemon includes two plant components known to reduce cholesterol, hesperidin and diosmin.
Boosts immunity
Lemon is well-known for its immunity-boosting properties due to its high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants. It aids in the immune system’s defence against viruses that cause the common cold and flu. Coughs and colds can be relieved by drinking a glass of hot water with lemon juice and a large spoonful of honey.
Helps in weight loss
For many, a fully squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water with a spoonful of honey may be a magical drink that helps in weight loss. Pectin is a compound found in lemons. It is a fibre that expands after consumption, helping you feel fuller sooner and for a longer period of time. It will keep you from munching on unhealthy foods that will cause you to gain weight. Lemon pulp contains pectin, thus eating the whole lemon is essential. According to several studies, the antioxidants found in lemons help with weight control.
May help in oral disorders
We all know that vitamin C is essential for healthy teeth and gums. As a result of its high vitamin C content, lemon is beneficial for dental health. Lemon is quite effective in treating scurvy, an oral condition. Scurvy is a condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which causes swollen gums, bleeding gums, and other signs. When administered topically to toothache areas, lemon juice may have painkilling properties. It may also aid in the reduction of inflammation.
May improve digestion
Lemon has a high concentration of soluble fibres, which help with regular bowel motions and digestion. Lemon’s main fibre, pectin, improves gut health by improving the rate of starch and sugar digestion.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, drinking a glass of water with lemon juice and pulp in the morning will help kick-start your digestion process. It also contributes to a healthy digestive system.
Lemon juice detox water recipes
These lemon juice detox water recipes make it simple to drink more water, lose weight, and boost your immune system. They’re easy to prepare and delicious!
Benefits of lemon juice detox water
Promotes hydration: We should drink 8-ounce glasses of water each day; adding lemon to your water enhances the flavour and, in principle, encourages you to drink more water.
Aids weight loss: Drinking more water will help you feel fuller. This, paired with the health benefits of lemon, particularly the polyphenol antioxidants, aids in weight loss.
Offers a good source of vitamin C: Citrus fruits in general are high in Vitamin C, and adding lemon to your water provides you an added boost. Add orange or grapefruit for more Vitamin C power.
Helps with digestion: Some people use lemon water to help avoid constipation. Drinking warm or hot lemon water when you wake up in the morning may assist your digestive system begin working.
Add these lemon juice detox water recipes to your routine for better skin and health
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemon rather than artificial lemon juice. More than one wedge or slice will be required to have an effect; 3-4 slices of fresh lemon added to your water is a good place to start. You will notice a considerable change if you drink this lemon water frequently during the week. To make the drink as healthy as possible, you may want to use filtered water and organic lemons.
Lemon Mint Water
Ingredients:
3–4 slices of lemon
3 sprigs of mint
8 oz of water
Directions:
Step 1: Combine fresh lemon slices, mint, and water in a big glass. (If you want to really taste the mint flavour, muddle it a little)
Step 2: Sit back and relax with your drink.
Cucumber Lemon Water
Ingredients:
3–4 slices of lemon
4 slices of cucumber
8 oz water
Directions:
Step 1: To a large glass add fresh lemons slices, cucumber and water.
Step 2: Enjoy your drink.
Lemon Detox Water
Ingredients:
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
A pinch of salt
1 lemon
2 cups of water
Directions:
Step 1: Zest the lemon, cut it, and squeeze the juice into a basin.
Step 2: Add in the apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt to taste. Mix well.
Step 3: Pour in 2 cups of water and thoroughly stir.
Step 4: The detox water is ready to be consumed or stored in the refrigerator and used as required.
Detox Lemonade Cleanse
Ingredients:
1 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
4 cups hot water
Directions:
Step 1: Combine the lemon juice, honey, and spices in a cup. Stir well to combine as much as possible.
Step 2: Pour 1 cup of boiling water into each of four separate glasses.
Step 3: Top each drink with 1/4 of the lemon mixture, for a total of 4 drinks. If you’re only making one drink, refer to the ingredient list above.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Side effects of consuming excess lemon juice
May lead to tooth decay or enamel erosion
Lemons are citrus fruits that are quite acidic. Because of the acidic nature of lemon, regular and excessive consumption of lemon juice may result in dentinal hypersensitivity and tooth decay. Using a straw to avoid direct contact with lemon on teeth, avoiding brushing teeth after ingesting lemon juice, and drinking plenty of water alongside lemon juice are all ways to halt the progress of tooth decay.
May cause migraines
Citrus fruits are frequently associated with migraines and headaches. This might be due to the fact that lemons contain tyramine, a natural monoamine that frequently causes headaches. It is suggested that you limit your intake of lemon juice if you suffer from severe headaches. There is no confirmed correlation, however studies have shown a link between citrus fruit consumption and migraines.
May aggravate stomach problems and heartburn
People who consume an excessive amount of citrus fruits frequently have gastrointestinal issues, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor before drinking lemon water. Lemon juice should be avoided by people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
May worsen canker sores
Canker sores or mouth ulcers are small, painful lesions that develop in the mouth. Citrus fruits have been linked to mouth ulcers. It is recommended to wait for mouth ulcers to completely heal before consuming lemon juice.
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