Here are more reasons to enjoy the zesty pleasure of lemons:
- Fewer kidney stones Lemons are loaded with citric acid, a chemical that reduces calcium excretion and helps to prevent the formation of these painful little stones. Two liters (31/2 pints) of lemonade daily, made with fresh lemon juice – with as little added sugar as possible – are as effective as citrate medications.
- Stronger veins Lemon zest is rich in a bioflavonoid (a group of antioxidant pant chemicals) called rutin, which strengthens the walls of veins and capillaries and reduces the pain- and even the occurrence – of varicose veins.
- Breast protection Another chemical, found in lemon peel and the white membrane beneath it, is limonene. Experiments suggest that limonene has significant anti-tumour activity. Researchers are now investigating limonene for its potential application as a cancer treatment and preservative, especially breast cancer. Scientists tested the substance – the laboratory – on human breast cancer cells and found that it inhibited their growth. Limonene also causes oestrogen to break down into a weaker form in the body, which is important because raised oestrogen levels are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer. Limonene also boosts the liver’s ability to remove potential carcinogens from the blood.
- Beauty benefits If applied often enough to age spots, lemon juice will eventually fade these marks of maturity. You can also dab it onto acne for faster healing.
- Lemon tea reduces skin cancer risk A study of 450 people found that those who regularly drink black tea, and especially those who usually add lemon to their tea, have a reduced risk of certain types of skin cancer. It may be that lemon works by boosting the activity of an enzyme (called glutathione S-transferase), which detoxifies cancer-causing compounds.
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