Lemons: National Lemon Month is celebrated in June every year to honour the vibrant and versatile citrus fruit that has become a staple in kitchens and cultures worldwide. Lemons, with their bright yellow hue and tangy flavour, symbolise freshness and vitality, making them a favourite ingredient in culinary creations, beverages, and even household cleaners.
The day also highlights the historical and cultural significance of lemons. Native to Asia, lemons have travelled the globe, influencing cuisines from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and folklore, symbolising cleansing and purification.
In modern times, the popularity of lemons has extended into various aspects of lifestyle, inspiring everything from fragrances to home décor. Their bright colour and fresh scent evoke feelings of happiness and energy, making them a favourite motif in summer-themed decorations and events.
Patriot spoke to two health experts – Dr Javaid Iqbal Khan, a Physician and Haematologist in Khyber Hospital, Srinagar, and Delhi-based dietician Nandini Chopra to understand the benefits of consuming lemons.
Rich in Vitamin C: Lemons are packed with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system. Adequate intake of vitamin C can reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu, as well as protect against other immune system deficiencies.
Anti-Ageing Factors: Lemons contain collagen, a protein that naturally breaks down with age, potentially resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen helps slow the ageing process of cells and tissues and aids in the quick recovery of wounds and injuries.
Skin Brightening: Lemon juice is often used in skincare for its potential to brighten the skin and reduce dark spots due to its citric acid content. However, direct application of lemon juice on the skin should be done cautiously, as it can cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
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Helps Weight Loss: Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning can help in detoxification and weight loss. Lemons are an effective food source for immediate weight loss.
Antioxidants: Besides vitamin C, lemons contain other antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage, such as sun exposure and pollution.
Enhances Iron Absorption: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which improves the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in plant-based foods) in the digestive tract. While non-heme iron is less readily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron (found in animal products), vitamin C can significantly improve its bioavailability, protecting against iron deficiency anaemia.
Fighting Cancer: Lemons contain flavonoids, such as hesperidin and diosmin, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. These compounds can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain types of cancer. Additionally, lemons help in maintaining high blood pressure and can alleviate constipation and gout.
