Importance, Benefits and Uses of Lemon in Our Daily Life

The lemon is both a small evergreen tree (Citrus × limon, often given as C. limon) native to Asia and the tree’s oval yellow fruit. The fruit is used for culinary and nonculinary purposes throughout the world – primarily for its juice, though the pulp and rind (zest) are also used, mainly in cooking and baking. Lemon juice is about 5% to 6% (approximately 0.3 M) citric acid, which gives lemons a sour taste, and a pH of 2 to 3. This makes lemon juice an inexpensive, readily available acid for use in educational science experiments. Many lemon-flavored drinks and candies are available, including lemonade and sherbet lemons. The distinctive sour taste that lemon juice gives makes it a key ingredient in many dishes across the world.
Nutritional Facts of Lemon:
Lemon, Raw (without peel)
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy 121 kJ (29 kcal)
Carbohydrates 9.32 g
Sugars 2.50 g
Dietary fiber 2.8 g
Fat 0.30 g
Protein 1.10 g
Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.040 mg (3%)
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.020 mg (1%)
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.100 mg (1%)
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.190 mg (4%)
Vitamin B6 0.080 mg (6%)
Folate (Vit. B9) 11 ?g (3%)
Vitamin C 53.0 mg (88%)
Calcium 26 mg (3%)
Iron 0.60 mg (5%)
Magnesium 8 mg (2%)
Phosphorus 16 mg (2%)
Potassium 138 mg (3%)
Zinc 0.06 mg (1%)
Source: USDA Nutrient database

Culinary Uses of Lemon:
Lemon juice, rind, and zest are used in a wide variety of culinary applications:
Lemon juice is used to make lemonade, in soft drinks, and as a marinade for both fish, where its acid neutralizes amines in fish by converting them into nonvolatile ammonium salts, and meat, where the acid partially hydrolyzes tough collagen fibers tenderizing the meat.
Lemon juice is also used as a short-term preservative on certain foods that tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced, such as apples, bananas and avocados, where its acid denatures the enzymes which cause browning and degradation. Lemon juice and rind are used to make marmalade and lemon liqueur. Lemon slices and lemon rind are used a garnish for both food and drinks.
Lemon zest, the grated rind of the fruit, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice and other dishes. Pickled lemons are a Moroccan delicacy.
Non-culinary uses of Lemon:
Citric acid – Lemons were the primary commercial source of this substance prior to the development of fermentation-based processes.
Lemon battery – A popular science experiment in schools involves attaching electrodes to a lemon and using it as a battery to produce electricity. Although very low power, several lemons used in this way can power a small digital watch. These experiments also work with other fruits and vegetables.
Sanitary kitchen deodorizer – deodorize, remove grease, bleach stains, and disinfect; when mixed with baking soda, lemon juice can remove stains from plastic food storage containers. Insecticide – The d-limonene in lemon oil is used as a non-toxic insecticide treatment. Antibacterial uses because it has a low pH.
Wood treatment – lemon oil is used in both wood cleaner and polish, where the solvent property of d-limonene is employed to dissolve old wax, fingerprints, and grime. A halved lemon is used as a finger moistener for those counting large amounts of bills such as tellers and cashiers.
Aromatherapy – In one of the most comprehensive scientific investigations done yet, researchers at The Ohio State University reveal that lemon oil aroma does not influence the human immune system but may enhance mood.
A halved lemon dipped in salt or baking powder can be used to brighten copper cookware. The acid cuts through the tarnish and the abrasives assist the cleaning.

Benefits of Lemon:
1. Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It helps in Production of White Blood Cells and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection. 2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing Many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good Cholesterol) . 4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lowers the rates of colon, Prostate and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, Which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the Formation of nitrous amines in the gut. 5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.
6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the Digestive system and purify liver as well.
7. The skin of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder Can be applied to the hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves Head ache and cools the body.
8. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from Getting more.
9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lighter and skin bleach which Reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic Reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.
10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and Inflammation of the tongue.
11. Lemon juice is used to prevent common cold.
12. Lemon juice is given to prevent/treat urinary tract infection and Gonorrhea.
13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain Insects to relieve its poison and pain.
14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.
15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin.
16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and Other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastric-intestinal Tract infections.
17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers Cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.
18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case Of diarrhea.
19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens The teeth and strengthens the enamel.
20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.
21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.
22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a Treatment for diphtheria. 23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.
24. Lemon juice, applied over the face, removes wrinkles and keeps you young.
25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.
26. Ginger is applied as a paste to the temples to relieve headache, and consumed when suffering from the common cold. Ginger with lemon and black salt is also used for nausea.
27. Drinking hot water with added lemon and honey helps in reducing weight. Its a famous traditional way for rapid weight loss. The obvious benefits of Drinking hot water with added lemon are hydration, warming, vitamin C, and clearing the throat before singing.
28. Lemons are very good for your body. These sourpusses help your whole body, if you can manage the pucker.

29. Romans thought they were so powerful that they could cure poison.
30. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which everyone needs for their daily diet.
31. Lemons can lower a fever, prevent invections, help to heal wounds, and can help prevent sore throat, tonsilitis and asthma.
32. Lemons can help strenghten blood vessels and will help you with High Blood Pressure.
33. Lemons can also help increase Metabolism.
34. It is also an old wives tale that if you mix lemon juice with water, it will kill a cold.

JAZBAPOST GALLERY