14 reasons to include more lemon in your life

Here’s how to harness all the benefits of lemons through drinking a glass daily.

Are you feeling tired, drained and unhealthy? The key to good health is only a lemon squeeze away!

1. Supports the immune system

Lemon helps to fight infections of the respiratory tract and throat. This is because of the anti-inflammatory properties of lemons. It can also help lower blood pressure by up to 10 per cent (1 lemon a day).

2. Aids digestion

The citric acid from lemons stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and digestion. These digestive qualities of lemon juice can also help relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and bloating. It also helps regulate bowel movement.

3. Cleanses the urinary tract

Lemon water is a diuretic, meaning it encourages the production of urine. Toxins are therefore released at a faster rate, helping to purify the system and keep it healthy. It can even help dissolve gallstones, kidney stones, pancreatic stones and calcium deposits.

4. Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds: including naturally occurring limonene which slows the growth of cancer tumours in animals.

Remember, when lemon juice comes in contact with the teeth it can ruin the enamel, so it is always best to drink lemon juice diluted and rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards.

Not only are the benefits of lemon water endless, it’s one of the most substantial yet simple changes you can make for your health.

5. Remove fridge odours

Simply squeeze a bit of lemon juice onto a cotton ball or sponge and leave it in the fridge for several hours.

6. Refresh your cutting board

To get rid of the smell and help sanitise the cutting board, rub it all over with the cut side of half a lemon.

7. Lighten age spots

Why buy expensive creams when you’ve got lemon juice? To lighten liver spots or freckles, apply lemon juice directly to the area. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse your skin clean. It’s a safe and effective skin-lightening agent.

8. Clean and whiten nails

Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to 1 cup warm water and soak your fingertips in the mixture for 5 minutes. Easy.

9. Soften dry skin on elbows

For better looking elbows, mix baking soda and lemon juice to make a paste, then rub it into your elbows. Rinse and then rub on some olive oil.

10. Remove warts

Apply a bit of lemon juice directly to the wart using a cotton swab. Repeat for several days until the acids in the lemon juice dissolve the wart completely.

11. Clean your microwave

If the inside of your microwave is caked with bits of hardened food, you can give it a good cleaning without the effort. Just mix 3 tablespoons lemon juice into 1 1/2 cups water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High for 5-10 minutes – the steam and lemon will loosen the gunk. Simply wipe clean!

12. Prevent potatoes and cauliflower from turning brown

Potatoes and cauliflower tend to turn brown when boiling. To counter this, squeeze a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into the cooking water.

13. Keep rice from sticking

To keep your rice from sticking together when you cook, add a spoonful of lemon juice. When the rice is done, let it cool for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

14. DIY deodorant

Chemical deodorant is no good for your body, but what else can combat body odour? Well, lemon of course! Simply rub a little on your armpits and you’ll smell fresh all day.

What do you use lemons for?