Rich in micronutrients and antioxidants, alkalizing, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, low in calories ... lemon is a food with multiple virtues! Whether through its juice, its pulp, or its zest, this citrus fruit is to be consumed without moderation! Whether yellow or green, let's discover the virtues of this very special fruit.
Lemon, an acidic but alkalizing food!
Due to the acidity of this citrus fruit, biting into a lemon or consuming its pulp is not a pleasure. Generally, we prefer to drink its juice diluted with water. With a pH of 2.5, the lemon fruit could thus be classified as an acidifying food. As a reminder, a pH below 7 is said to be acidic, a pH greater than 7 is said to be alkaline (or basic) and a pH equal to 7 is said to be neutral. To function properly your body must have a neutral pH.
However, appearances are sometimes misleading. Although it tastes acidic due to its high content of citric acid, lemon has an alkalizing effect on our body. Indeed, during digestion, our body will oxidize the acids contained in this fruit and thus give it its alkaline power. A real boost to help our body find a good acid-base balance and fight against the effects of a modern diet too acidic.
You should know that dairy products, animal proteins, sweets or even refined cereals tend to acidify our organism and disturb the acid-base balance. Eating too many acidifying foods would disturb our blood pH and increase the risk of inflammation of all kinds, such as tendonitis, an injury well known to athletes.
Consuming lemon regularly, for example by drinking a glass of lemon water upon waking, therefore helps to reduce the acidity of the body, which is beneficial for your general health. Ideally, dilute your lemon juice with lukewarm water (room temperature) to preserve its virtues while promoting your digestion.
Lemon for weight loss?
Lemon is sometimes put forward in certain diets or slimming cures, and this for several reasons:
1= This citrus fruit has absolutely no calories. Count about 39 Calories per 100 grams of fresh pulp ( source ). So, if you are a fan of sodas and industrial fruit juices (rich in sugars and calories), replacing these drinks with lemon water will have a real impact on your figure.
2= It is a natural appetite suppressant thanks to its pectin content, a fiber that swells in the stomach on contact with water. Your feeling of satiety is thus stimulated and you eat less. In addition, this soluble fiber has the effect of slowing the passage of fats and sugars in the body. Note that pectin is particularly present in the skin of the lemon (rind and white membrane around the flesh). So think of consuming lemon zest (organic)!
3= It is rich in vitamin C (51 mg / 100 g), a vitamin that is involved in the synthesis of norepinephrine, a substance secreted by the adrenal gland, which limits the storage of fat.
It is a detox food that helps cleanse our digestive system and eliminate toxins from our body. By improving our transit and making our liver work better, our bodies are therefore in better conditions to oxidize fats.
Consuming lemon would prevent certain cancers
According to numerous scientific studies (read for example here ), consuming lemon regularly would prevent the appearance of certain cancers as well as slow their proliferation thanks to the presence of flavonoids. We are thinking in particular of colon, stomach or esophageal cancer.
To go further, a Japanese study has shown that this effect is amplified when lemon juice is associated with the consumption of green tea. This, therefore, reinforces the idea that certain drinks, as simple as they are, have a beneficial effect on our health.
Benefits of the cardiovascular system
Certain flavonoids, including those found in citrus fruits, have a positive impact on the prevention of cardiovascular disease. They can thus have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels (LDL), the risk of stroke, or even high blood pressure.
In addition, due to their antioxidant role, flavonoids neutralize free radicals, which affects our body in general with, for example, effective prevention of chronic diseases.
One more reason to consume lemon juice or a green (lime) juice every day!
An ally to digest better
Thanks to its citric acid content, lemon stimulates bile secretion. For this reason, it is often used in the preparation of detox drinks. In fact, the lemon-induced secretion of bile will help you digest better and avoid stomach upset.
The fattier a meal, the more bile you will need to help you digest. Therefore, the consider drinking of lemon juice after a rich and the fatty meal.
Beauty virtues!
Finally, in the world of beauty and cosmetics, lemon is used to cleanse your skin or take care of your hair. Its antioxidant properties help to reduce tasks and fight against free radicals, responsible for accelerated aging of the skin.
Last tip: favor lemons from organic farming, especially if you want to consume the pectin-rich rind.
Health = Healthy food + Adapted sports activity
If a good diet is an essential pillar to get in shape, the practice of a sporting activity should not be neglected. We are at your disposal if you wish to benefit from a tailor-made program. Discover our services
No comments:
Post a Comment