Rich in vitamin C, lemons can give a powerful boost to your immune system.

Though they are extremely acidic, lemons are rapidly converted to an alkaline pH in the digestive tract. As such, the fruit makes a powerful healing agent for those whose diets are rather acidic.

Some Ayurvedics believe that lemons help stimulate the digestive ‘fire’ and are both cleansing and nourishing. Drinking lemon juice in the morning is believed to cleanse the liver.

Lemons are rich in vitamin B6, potassium, and folic acid. Potassium in lemons can help regulate your blood pressure and can offset potassium loss from the use of blood pressure medication.

The pith of this fruit (i.e. the white part beneath the yellow peel) contains phytochemicals limonin and limonene, which are found to have cancer-fighting properties. Lemons have also been shown to be helpful in preventing stomach cancer.

The lemon pith and peel also contain high levels of bioflavonoids that help strengthen capillaries. As such, lemon peels are sometimes recommended for those with collapsed veins (e.g. varicose veins or spider veins).

As lemon peels are high in oxalates, lemon peels and zest should be avoided by those suffering from gout or kidney stones.

References
[1] Collins, Elise Marie. An A-Z Guide to Healing Foods: A Shopper’s Companion. San Francisco, California: Conari Press, 2009. Print.

Cindy L. TJOL is trained in Psychology, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has several years of experience writing on natural health on the internet. Follow her on her blog and read her other articles at Insights On Health.com.