Nutrition, health benefits and more
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There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that consuming boiled lemons can boost immunity, improve skin, and even help people lose weight.
However, scientific studies on the nutritional values ââand health benefits of boiled lemons in particular are scarce.
Lemons are naturally high in vitamin C and several other vitamins and minerals, but boiling them can actually reduce the amount of nutrients they contain.
Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional benefits of lemons when boiled or mixed with boiled water.
There are several health benefits associated with boiling lemons. The following sections examine some of them in more detail.
Improves the appearance of the skin
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects skin cells from free radical damage, thereby reducing the signs of aging.
Lowers blood pressure
Lemons are good sources of minerals that can help lower blood pressure, such as calcium and potassium. Experts recommend getting these key nutrients
A 2014 study from Japan suggests that daily consumption of lemon juice may lower blood pressure in middle-aged women. However, the study was complicated by the fact that the participants also took daily walks, which may have had more of an impact on blood pressure than lemon juice.
One earlier 2012 study in the effects of lemon juice on blood pressure saw no significant difference in blood pressure readings after 2 weeks. However, the authors recommend further research, given the anecdotal evidence from people with high blood pressure suggesting that drinking lemon juice can help lower blood pressure immediately.
Strengthens immunity
The vitamin C contained in lemons can help strengthen the body’s immune system, protecting it against respiratory infections.
For example, a
The same review suggests that people most at risk for vitamin C deficiency, such as the elderly, should make sure they get enough vitamin C in their daily diet. A drink with hot water and lemon can be a way to increase a person’s vitamin C levels.
Helps in weight loss
Although there is no strong evidence to suggest that lemon water is more effective than regular water in helping people lose weight, it is still a very low calorie drink.
People who tend to prefer fruit juices and carbonated drinks over plain water may find that drinking lemon water instead of these drinks will help them lose weight faster.
Lemon water can also help with hydration, which can
Improves digestion
People with indigestion often report symptoms like bloating and heartburn that get better after drinking a glass of warm water and lemon. However, there isn’t a lot of evidence to support the idea that lemon is the ingredient that does all the work.
That said, there is some evidence to suggest that drinking hot water may have a calming effect on the gut. A
It should be noted that the soluble fiber in the fruit can help in slow down digestion of sugars and starches. However, this would involve eating the pulp of the lemon, not drinking the juice.
Most people prefer adding lemon slices to hot water or boiling lemon in water to create a lemon drink. However, more and more people are discovering that whole boiled lemons can replace candied lemons, adding flavor and texture to dishes.
Here are three alternative ways to make a boiled water lemon drink.
Method 1
- Cut a fresh lemon in half.
- Squeeze the lemon or use a juicer to remove the juice and discard any zest or seeds.
- Add the filtered lemon juice to a glass of freshly boiled water and let it cool before drinking.
Method 2
- Cut a lemon into slices or quarters.
- Add a piece of lemon to a cup of freshly boiled water.
- Let cool before drinking.
Method 3
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
- Cut a fresh, washed lemon into quarters and add it to the water.
- Boil for about 3 minutes.
- Let cool before drinking.
People who find lemon water too bitter to drink can add a spoonful of honey to sweeten the taste.
People who prefer to use boiled lemon as an added ingredient to dishes may prefer to boil the lemon longer. This can take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on its size.
One 58 gram (g) raw lemon (without zest)
- 16.8 calories
- 1.62 g of fiber
- 30.7 mg of vitamin C
- 15.1 mg of calcium
- 0.35 mg iron
- 4.64 mg of magnesium
- 9.28 mg of phosphorus
- 80 mg of potassium
Lemons also contain the following vitamins and minerals in small amounts:
- thiamine
- vitamin B6
- pantothenic acid
- zinc
- the copper
- manganese
- riboflavin
The
Lemons are likely to have less nutritional value when cooked. Cooking certain fruits or vegetables can break down vitamins and minerals, which can seep into the cooking water.
People who boil lemons to eat the lemons whole may want to save the cooking water for use as an additional drink.
Learn more about the health benefits of lemons here.
Many of the possible health benefits associated with drinking hot water and lemon tend to be trivial.
However, there is good evidence to suggest that the vitamins and minerals in lemons can have a positive effect on the immunity and appearance of the skin. There is also limited evidence to support better digestion.
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