Lemon Juice – is it a healthy drink
option?
Lemons
- inviting bright yellow,
waxy surface, alluring aroma and promises of an exciting and
exhilarating taste
sensation. These little citrus fruits have been the centre of numerous
discussions around coffee tables, health groups and beauty
therapists’ rooms
for many years. But are lemons and lemon juice really healthy for you
or is it
all just myths? Let us take a closer look at what makes up a lemon to
help us discover
the truth about these little legends…
Vitamin C
The
body very easily absorbs the
vitamin C that is found in lemons and therefore it is great in helping
to
prevent illness and boost our immune systems. Vitamin C is also a
highly
effective antioxidant, which helps to deactivate free radicals thereby
preventing
protein, lipid and DNA damage.
Potassium
The
main mineral that is available in lemons is potassium. It helps to
ensure that
our muscles contract and function correctly and it helps the nerve
pulses to
the muscles to transmit properly. Potassium is also an extremely
important
element in our body’s water-acid balance.
Fibre
The
type of fibre in lemons is associated with assisting in the reduction
of
cholesterol in the blood. Lemons contain about 2.8g/100g fibre. (The
daily
dietary recommendation for fibre in a healthy diet is 25 –
30g/day.)
Other
vitamins and minerals
Lemons
also contain small amounts of Vitamin A – for cell growth and
eye development;
Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 – for energy production and a
healthy nervous
system; Calcium and phosphorous– for healthy bones and teeth;
Iron – for
healthy, happy red blood cells and the transport of oxygen; and Zinc
– which
helps with wound healing and cell growth.
Due
to its large abundance of vitamins and minerals in its small, striking
contours,
lemons have been linked to the fight against numerous disease
conditions. Its
strong anti-oxidant power helps to ward off cancer. Its content of both
soluble
and insoluble fibre assists with intestinal health and reduction of
cholesterol
and it has also been found to help with the metabolism of fat in the
body thus
assisting with the decrease of obesity risk.
So,
yes, this little citrus does live up to its big reputation.
With
all of this in mind I would recommend a healthy balanced diet, rich in
grains,
legumes, vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits and juices. Go
ahead
and grab that glass of water with a splash of delicious lemon.
Article
written by Chantal
Walsh ((RD) SA - Dieticians
at work
