5 COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN TAKING LEMON WATER ( Francis Owusu-Banahene T/Dr)
Lemon (citrus lemon) is a flowering plant of the family Rutaceae with a distinct sour taste (due to its rich source of citric acid). It has a unique flavor, making it a popular ingredient in drinks, desserts, and meals. Until recently, despite the relentless efforts of alternative medicine proponents around the world, lemon used to be regarded as nothing more than a cleansing agent for utensils, among others.
Lemon’s
therapeutic secret
Vitamin C stands out
in the lemon’s composition, as well as a significant amount of potassium,
magnesium, and calcium. Notwithstanding, “the most interesting component of
lemons from a dietary and therapeutic standpoint is not its nutrients but
rather its so-called accompanying substances or phytochemicals (e.g.,
flavonoids and terpenes),” says Dr. George D. Pamplona Roger. These
phytochemicals (physiologically) possess antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and
detoxifying effects.
Lemon’s major
health benefits
While lemon comes
with an amazing benefit for the entire body, its effect on the blood is
paramount to these effects:
1.
Anti-anemic: The vitamin C in lemon improves iron absorption and
should form a regular part of the diet of those suffering from anemia. Aside
from the fact that lemon contains iron (though in a lower amount), it also
increases the absorption of iron supplied in other plant-based foods.
2.
Improves blood fluidity: lemon
strengthens the capillary walls, improves the elasticity of the arteries, and
reduces the blood's tendency to excessive clotting. This makes it a good option
in the case of arteriosclerosis, edema, a tendency to thrombosis, and whenever
there is a need to improve blood fluidity and circulation.
3.
Depurant: Lemon facilitates the elimination of toxins from the
blood. For example, lemon is highly effective in eliminating uric acid, a major
causative factor for arthritis, rheumatic pain, and kidney stones.
The benefits of lemon water
One common and easy
way to consume lemon for the above benefits is by squeezing its fresh juice
into a cup of water (termed lemon water). Taking lemon in this state enables
you to consume it in its raw natural state without losing any of its essential
nutrients and minerals as compared to pasteurized lemon juice. By squeezing,
there is also the possibility of introducing the essential oil d-limonene from
the peels into the juice as well. D-limonene is noted for its anticarcinogenic
properties.
5 common mistakes
to avoid when taking lemon water
Like all other
medications and natural remedies, the manner of preparation and application are
always key to the potency of a particular remedy. Hence, proper knowledge about
the dos and don’ts with regards to lemon water preparation and application is always
a prerequisite for attaining the therapeutic benefits of lemon. Below are some
common mistakes to avoid when taking lemon water.
1.
Don’t use hot
water: at best, warm or room-temperature
water is appropriate for your lemon water. Hot water destroys everything,
especially the vitamin C content in lemons. It should be noted that lemon’s
major therapeutic benefits result from a perfect cooperation between vitamin C
and other nutrients and phytochemicals. The absence of vitamin C distorts this
mechanism, and one stands to lose most of lemon's therapeutic benefits.
2. Always take lemon water with a straw: Lemon juice has a higher PH (2–3), similar to hydrochloric acid. Frequently, exposing your teeth to this strong acid could potentially break down or erode the tooth enamel (this is also true with drinking undiluted lemon juice). To prevent this, always drink your lemon water with a straw or rinse your mouth with plain water immediately after drinking.
3.
Don’t take lemon
water just before or right after meals: due
to its high acid content, most people will want to take lemon water just before
or right after eating in order to promote digestion. Once lemon juice gets into
your body, the acid content is converted into alkaline by the body. In these
cases, the lemon will alkalize the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and
digestion will be delayed instead. At best, always take your lemon water 30
minutes to an hour before your meals.
4.
Don’t take lemon
water if you have ulcers or gastritis: taking
lemon water in these conditions, especially on an empty stomach, can worsen
your condition.
5.
Don’t take lemon
water in excess: while there is no doubt
about the regular consumption of lemons, there is also the possibility of
taking it in excess, especially if taken in a larger amount or on a daily basis
for a long period of time. Taking lemon in excess may lead to complications
like gastric reflux diseases, migraines (due to the presence of tyramine, which
can trigger migraines), canker sores or mouth ulcers, enamel erosion or tooth
decay, etc. According to Dr. George D. Pamplona-Roger, “’children, the elderly,
and those with low calcium, renal failure, or anemia’’ should desist from
consuming large amounts of lemons.
Conclusion
A
healthy life isn’t achieved in isolation; it is a product of various positive
lifestyle changes, such as regular fruit consumption, of which lemon is part.
Generally, it is always better to introduce more varieties of fruits into your
diet than to rely on a few. If circumstances make the latter necessary (like
going on a lemon treatment), it is always advisable to do it under the
supervision of a “medical advisor”.
Francis Owusu-Banahene is a licensed Doctor of Traditional Medicine, Public health Advocate, & the C.E.O of East Eden Health Reform Center
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