Healthy lemon: first aid for colds

Lemons are real all-rounders: A hot lemon is said to help with colds and a sore throat due to its high vitamin C content. In addition, lemon juice should also be good for the hair and help against pimples. But what's the point of all the claims? We reveal why lemons are so healthy and with which ailments they actually have a positive effect. 

Healthy lemon: first aid for colds

Healthy fruit with a lot of vitamin C.

Lemons are extremely healthy. This is mainly because they contain large amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and can, therefore, prevent the development of colds. In addition, the vitamin also acts as a radical scavenger in the body: it traps free radicals and thus ensures improved cell protection. 

There can be up to 50 milligrams of vitamin C in 100 grams of lemon pulp. This already covers half of the daily requirement for vitamin C. Only a few types of fruit contain more vitamin C - including acerola cherries, guavas, papayas and black currants.

In addition to vitamin C, lemons also contain significant amounts of potassium , magnesium and calcium. 

Hot lemon for colds and sore throats

Especially in winter, a hot lemon is a popular drink to prevent colds and sore throats. Vitamin C is particularly effective when it is taken preventively. But even if the infection has already broken out, you can still make yourself a hot lemon. The infection does not necessarily heal faster, but the immune system still benefits. 

Prepare the hot lemon properly

If you are preparing a hot lemon fresh, you should never pour boiling water over the lemon juice. Vitamin C is very sensitive to heat and may otherwise break before it gets into the body.

Sweeten the hot drink with a little honey instead of sugar, because honey is also said to have a positive effect on colds - especially sore throats. 

Lemon as an anti-aging agent

Lemons are often used not only for colds but also for skincare. Since the vitamin C it contains traps free radicals, the acidic fruits are said to have an anti-aging effect.

Effective against pimples?

Lemons should not only keep the skin young but also help against unsightly pimples. Despite their disinfectant effect, the use of lemons against pimples is not recommended, since the juice can cause severe skin irritation, especially on sensitive skin.

Lighten hair with lemon?

Lemon juice is not only used for pimples, but also for lightening the hair. It is enough to add a little lemon juice to damp hair, spread it out and then blow dry it.

However, the juice is relatively aggressive and the acid can dry out the hair. Therefore, it is better not to use this hair lightening method.

Lose weight with lemon juice

Lemons are also often used as a means of losing weight. A mixture of lukewarm water and freshly squeezed lemon juice is said to stimulate digestion. Radical supporters of the lemon juice diet completely forego solid food for a few days and only eat lemons.

However, this is a very extreme method that is not healthy in the long term. The one-sided nature of the diet threatens negative health consequences: For example, a shortage of fiber, proteins, and fats can quickly develop.

Since there is also no change in diet, a yo-yo effect can also be expected after the end of the diet. Therefore, only use lemon juice in a well-dosed manner and as a supplementary measure for losing weight. 

What other lemons can do

In addition to the effects already mentioned, lemons are said to be able to help with a number of other problems. It is best to try it out yourself whether the sour fruit is helpful for you in the following situations: 

• First aid for headaches: A freshly brewed coffee with a splash of lemon is an effective home remedy for headaches.
• First aid for lack of concentration: According to a Japanese study, the lemon has a positive effect on mental performance: its smell is said to have an invigorating effect and combat concentration disorders. 
• First aid for cornea: Put plenty of lemon juice on a small cloth and then place it on the area affected by the cornea. Then the cornea can be carefully removed with a pumice stone. Finally, generously rub the area with a fatty cream.
  
  More on the topic: https://www.gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittel/obst/gesunde-zitrone-erste-hilfe-bei-erkaeltung

More on the topic: https://www.gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittel/obst/gesunde-zitrone-erste-hilfe-bei-erkaeltung

More on the topic: https://www.gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittel/obst/gesunde-zitrone-erste-hilfe-bei-erkaeltung

More on the topic: https://www.gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittel/obst/gesunde-zitrone-erste-hilfe-bei-erkaeltung

More on the topic: https://www.gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittel/obst/gesunde-zitrone-erste-hilfe-bei-erkaeltung