Flu Season in TX: 6 Benefits of Lemons Could Help You Stay Well

I usually steer clear of things like sour candies and bitter foods. In fact, on burgers and dogs, I'll usually pass on both mustard and pickles. The tart and sour taste is just hard for me to handle. But I've heard that one of the most sour foods of all has healing properties.

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I know several people who swear by lemons. They absolutely love them. Not only will they cook with lemons and squeeze lemon juice into their drinks, but they'll even eat the lemon straight-up by itself. Am I in the minority? What's the big deal with consuming lemons? I discovered they help with quite a few things. Keep reading to find out all the benefits of eating lemons.

These 6 Health Benefits of Lemons Could Help You Stay Well

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Improve Your Digestive Health

As it turns out, lemons are loaded with soluble fibers that aid digestion. This fiber is found in the pulp, and helps slow the process of digesting starches. I guess it's time for me to pucker up and give lemons a try.

Protects Against Anemia

Do you have an iron deficiency? Try eating lemons. Anemia can occur when you don't get enough iron in your diet. It's not that lemons are high in iron, but they do help absorb the mineral from other foods you eat.

Helps Control Weight

There is more than one theory here. One is that the pectin (soluble fiber) in lemons expands in the stomach to make you feel full; this only applies if you eat the lemon. Another is drinking water with lemon. Since drinking water alone can increase the calories you burn, this one is a tough call.

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Reduces Cancer Risk

There have been some studies that have shown folks who consume higher amounts of citrus fruits have a lower risk of cancer. Some scientists even think there are compounds in lemons that could have anti-cancer properties.

Help Prevent Kidney Stones

Yikes, anyone who has had a kidney stone knows they're zero fun. Try some lemons in your diet. It's all about the citric acid in lemons. Taking in lemon juice every day could aid in preventing the formation of stones.

Support Heart Health

Heart health is a big deal to a lot of people. The role lemons play is pretty simple. Lemons are great for Vitamin C. It's been shown that consuming food and vegetables high in Vitamin C reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease.

For those who love the sour taste, try incorporating lemons at some point in your diet. With the above advantages, it's certainly worth a try. There are plenty of recipes that you can make, from sour to savory.

Another healing food is ginger. For a great ginger tea recipe crafted by another Abilenian, click here. Here's to great health.