Lemon is a fruit that is cultivated across Vietnam and is available year-round at affordable prices, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 VND per kilogram. According to Oriental medicine practitioner Bui Dac Sang from the Academy of Science and Technology, all parts of the lemon, including the fruit, peel, and seeds, possess medicinal properties. Lemon juice, in particular, boasts a sour taste and cooling properties, offering benefits such as heat reduction, anti-nausea effects, disinfection, improved eyesight, cough relief, and enhanced digestion.
Research indicates that lemon juice is abundant in vitamin C and citric acid, contributing to its antioxidant properties and positive impact on metabolism. Drinking lemon water aids in liver detoxification and enhances the regenerative capacity of liver cells.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and offer a plethora of health benefits.
Practitioner Sang recommends a morning drink consisting of lemon, honey, and warm water for optimal liver health. “Honey serves as both a food and a medicine, widely used in daily life and medical practices. It has a sweet taste, neutral properties, and non-toxic qualities, offering detoxification, lung-moisturizing, and medicinal regulatory effects,” he explains. “A mixture of fresh lemon juice, honey, and warm water in the morning is highly beneficial for health, cleansing the liver, detoxifying the body, improving digestion, and preventing constipation.”
To prepare this drink, juice half a fresh lemon and mix it with 1-2 teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water. Alternatively, you can wash the lemon, soak it in salted water for 30 minutes, dry it, and then slice it thinly. Layer the lemon slices with honey and a pinch of salt in a jar. Each morning, take out 3-4 teaspoons of this mixture and combine it with warm water to drink. For best results, practitioner Sang recommends including the lemon peel in the mixture.
It is advisable to drink this lemon-honey concoction before brushing your teeth. When purchasing honey, ensure that you buy pure honey to avoid any adverse effects from adulterated products.
A morning drink of lemon, honey, and warm water offers a host of health benefits, especially for the liver.
In addition to its positive effects on the liver, regular consumption of lemon water confers the following general health benefits:
Improved Skin
Rich in vitamin C, lemons promote collagen synthesis, resulting in smoother and brighter skin. Erin Palinski-Wade, an American nutritionist, highlights that vitamin C protects cells from damage, aids in collagen production, enhances iron absorption, and bolsters the immune system.
Reduced Risk of Kidney Stones
Daily lemon water intake can increase citrate levels in urine, inhibiting the formation of kidney stones. According to Palinski-Wade, the citric acid in lemons is a powerful tool in preventing kidney stones.
Enhanced Iron Absorption
Insufficient iron levels can lead to lower-than-average red blood cell counts and anemia. Research shows that lemons, being rich in vitamin C, facilitate iron absorption, particularly plant-based iron.
Antioxidant Properties
A 2022 study published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal revealed that lemons are packed with flavonoids, which strengthen the immune system and promote overall health. Palinski-Wade explains that flavonoids act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
Regular lemon water consumption contributes to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of kidney stones, among other health benefits.
Lower Blood Pressure
A 2023 study published in the Nutrients journal found that lemons can help reduce blood pressure. The potassium in lemons helps balance sodium levels, while flavonoids support heart health.
Precautions When Using Lemons
While lemons offer numerous health advantages, moderation is key. A 2018 study in the Pan African Medical Journal revealed that citric acid in lemons can erode tooth enamel, negatively impacting oral health with excessive and frequent consumption.
Palinski-Wade cautions that individuals with acid reflux may experience heartburn when consuming large amounts of lemon, especially on an empty stomach. Those allergic to citrus fruits may also be allergic to lemons.
Additionally, citrus juices, including lemon juice, can irritate and exacerbate mouth ulcers.
The Fruits of Summer: A Tasty Treat with a Cautious Twist.
Although a seemingly harmless fruit, its consumption requires utmost caution as it can pose serious health risks, and even turn fatal if not addressed promptly.
“Heaven’s Gift” Lies Beneath: A Rainy Delicacy with a Unique Flavor and Digestive Benefits, Priced at 500,000 VND per kg.
The rainy season transforms the mountainous regions as locals venture into the forests to collect wild mushrooms, with the prized egg-yolk mushroom being a sought-after delicacy. With its exquisite flavor and exceptional nutritional value, this unique fungus promises a lucrative income for those who find it.
The Two Types of Fatty Liver That You Should Be Aware Of; The Second is Common in Vietnamese Countryside but Often Underutilized.
“Dr. Hoang Khanh Toan emphasizes the benefits of regularly consuming green tea and lotus leaf tea as a natural way to protect yourself from fatty liver disease. Incorporating these herbal infusions into your daily routine can be a powerful step towards maintaining a healthy liver.”
“The Great Garlic Debate: Unraveling the Mystery of Purple and White Bulbs”
When it comes to choosing garlic, there is often a dilemma between opting for the purple-skinned or white-skinned variety. Let’s delve into the differences between these two types and explore why one might be preferred over the other.
“The Ultimate Guide to Preserving White Garlic: Avoiding the Green Tint”
Preserved pickled garlic often turns green, which can be off-putting and lead people to discard it. But is this green garlic safe to consume? Let’s hear what health experts have to say about this intriguing phenomenon.
