Is Lemon Paleo?

Short Answer:

Yes, Lemon is Paleo!

When Life Gives You Lemons…

Citrus Limon or lemon is a fruit from the small evergreen tree in the flowering plant family of Rutaceae. It is oval in shape and features a bright yellow, texturized outer skin. Like other citrus fruits, lemon’s inner flesh is encased in eight to ten segments.

Thought to have originated in Asia, at the base of the Himalayan Mountains, lemon cultivation has spread throughout the Middle East, Europe and Africa. There are several varieties of lemons but the most famous one is the Eureka. It is available in the market all year round and the most common supermarket lemon.

Lemon is not usually consumed on its own because of its intense, tarty taste. It makes a good combination with other herbs and spices and its taste give a dynamic flavor to many sauces, dressings, marinades, drinks and desserts. Lemon is usually made into lemonade, tea and meringue pie and its zest can be a great addition to many recipes. Aside from the culinary uses of lemon, it is also the primary commercial source of citric acid and is used as short-term preservatives on certain foods that oxidize and turn brown easily after being sliced.

Nutritional Value of Lemon

Lemon is a very rich source of vitamins B6 and C. It also contains significant amounts of nutrients such as pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin and thiamin. Phytochemicals including polyphenols, terpenes and tannins are also present in lemon. Compared to orange, lemon contains lesser amount of sugar.

Interesting Benefits of Lemon

The health benefits of lemon are due to its many nourishing nutrients including flavonoids, which are composites that contain antioxidant and cancer fighting properties

Immune System Booster

Since lemon is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, it helps in preventing cold and flu. Known for its therapeutic property, lemon helps strengthen the immune system.

Heart Health

Consumption of citrus fruits may lower risk of ischemic stroke especially in women. The flavanoids found in lemon may protect and improve blood vessel function. The potassium found in lemon can control blood pressure too.

Cancer Prevention

Because lemon is a great source of powerful, natural antioxidant vitamin C, it can help fight against the damage caused by free radicals that are known to cause cancer.

Hair and Skin Care

Another benefit from vitamin C in lemon is it can help fight skin damage brought by the sun and pollution. It can improve overall skin health by playing a vital role in the formation of collagen that supports the skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and lightens scars and removes wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon juice is also used to treat problems such as dandruff and hair loss.

Digestive Health

Lemon juice is similar to the bile produced by the liver. Bile is essential in keeping the food move through the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, lemon can help in treating problems related to indigestion and constipation.

Asthma

Once again, vitamin C in Lemon can deal with respiratory problems. Lemon juice relieves breathing problems and can soothe a person suffering from asthma.

What Experts Say About Lemon

“Luckily, an average-sized lemon contains 48.3 g of potassium, more than your typical bottle of Gatorade contains.” – Mark Sisson

“While lemon water is often touted as a cleansing or alkalizing drink, the main reason it is helpful in reducing stone formation is its citric acid content.” – Chris Kresser