While most committed lemon-water fanatics will be zapping up some lemon rind in their water, it is still likely nowhere close to the volume of mice in a recent study who were eating pure water. (Even if you’re dedicated to adding a few drops of lemon to your daily diet, some recent research shows that the natural acid found in a natural lemon-heavy food can seriously corrode the enamel on your teeth.) It’s true that lemon has a natural acid. In fact, its natural acidity may help protect us from heart disease, cancer and other life-threatening diseases by neutralizing harmful free radicals. This may explain why so many people who drink lots of fruit juices also have an abundance of the protective acid. But that doesn’t mean it can’t do you damage.Lemon has been used by many civilizations for hundreds of years as a medicine. In China, for instance, the skin of the lemon can cure many skin conditions including skin rashes, acne and psoriasis. It was also used by ancient Egyptians to treat burns and to ease nausea. Many health experts today continue to endorse the use of citrus juice as part of a healthy diet. Some doctors even recommend it to patients who’ve had to take antibiotics and other medications due to infection or allergies. There’s little evidence that any of these benefits are caused by the natural phytochemical that makes lemons such a good source of antioxidants. Studies show that they work best to prevent cancer when eaten in the context of other healthy foods like spinach, avocados, broccoli and cabbage. Still, lemon extract has several other health advantages that are more difficult to measure in isolation. It seems to support a healthy immune system and boost circulation, which may make the cold and flu easier to fight. open next page to continue reading.... It may also help to protect the body from harmful toxins by improving the elimination of the toxins that naturally occur in the body. The citric acid found in lemon extract can remove toxins by breaking them down in your body’s tissues. Since the kidneys are responsible for this process, using a high quality water filter with a carbon block in the water filtration is recommended to avoid mineral absorption. While the benefits of lemon and other citrus-based water softeners is clear, what about the disadvantages? While not much has been done yet to study the effect of the acidity of the peel itself, the health benefits of lemons and other citrus-based beverages have not been studied, but studies of other lemon uses indicate that some of its acidic properties, especially the pectin, may cause an upset stomach and indigestion. If you’re prone to indigestion, you might want to steer clear of lemon extract. Pectin is another chemical found in citrus fruits that has been linked to heartburn and other digestive troubles. There are no known health benefits to be had from drinking a glass of lemon juice after a meal. But the acid in the peel may help to break down fats and reduce blood pressure. Lemon is actually useful for the skin. Many people are skeptical about the ability of the acid in the peel to soften the skin. However, when applied to the skin, it actually does reduce wrinkles and improve texture. Other benefits of lemons include helping prevent acne and strengthening the immune system. Lemon water is a great alternative to tap water. You can buy bottled water that’s been treated with lemon extract, but it’s still better to use your own pitcher and filter. Be sure to check the ingredients label carefully to make sure you aren’t adding anything that’s toxic or dangerous.
