The lemon tree is known for its variety. The fruit can be eaten in different ways: the pulp, juiced, as beverages, sorbets, pastries, etc. Lemon is considered an antimicrobial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, effective against internal parasites and worms, regulates high blood pressure, is an antidepressant, fights stress and nervous disorders.
It appears to be originally from India but this fact is not certain because the word limun, in Arabic, indiscriminately indicates all citrus fruits. It could be that in ancient times the lemon and its properties were already known to the Arab people and called, along with all other citrus fruits, by the name limun. An almost unique characteristic of the lemon is that it has the property to continuously bloom, so it is possible to see flowers, unripe and ripe fruits simultaneously on a lemon tree.
Thanks to this fact lemon production is present all year round, with a slowdown during the colder months. Unlike other citrus fruits, lemons can ripen even after being detached from the tree and very often lemons are picked while still green, treated with a fungicidal process, waxed, and shipped to foreign markets, where they will then be treated to ripen. For this reason, it is always better not to consume their peel unless you are sure they come from organic cultivation.
Properties therapeutic properties of lemon
The main properties of lemon in popular culture are said to reside in its high vitamin C content; 100 g of fresh fruit (just picked) contains 50g of vitamin C. This vitamin, so important for our health, degrades very quickly and refrigeration does not keep it intact 100%. Besides vitamin C, lemon contains: sucrose, glucose and fructose (immediately assimilable sugars), minerals, calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper and other important vitamins of group B and A.
Lemon acts as an excellent antiseptic and bactericide, but not only that: it is also a valid aid for those with weak immune defenses as it can increase the production of white blood cells. It is also refreshing, detoxifying, and calming. It is excellent against rheumatic pains and serves well as a shield against high blood pressure.
It is particularly indicated for those who suffer from anemia and is a good gastro-hepatic-pancreatic stimulator. Regarding diabetes treatment, this fruit has also proven to be a good deterrent. Some recent American studies have shown that lemon, if taken regularly and in the correct doses, could also have a preventive action against bowel, stomach, and pancreatic cancer.
Lemon has purifying and detoxifying properties for the body and its regular intake, preferably in the morning while still fasting, helps regulate the intestine and even fights cellulite. It is interesting the use that is made of a substance contained in lemon, called limonene, which is successfully used for the destruction of gallstones and has recently become famous because, according to recent American studies, if taken regularly, it would have preventive antitumor properties especially regarding the pancreas, stomach, and intestines.
Lemon is highly recommended against nausea, diarrhea and especially for those who need to strengthen their immune defenses; its fresh juice has the property to prevent arteriosclerosis, benefits the liver, pancreas, and blood, promoting its fluidity. Lemon, when it is truly fresh, just picked, besides being remineralizing and anti-anemic, is a good activator of organic defenses and an excellent disinfectant.
Finally, this fruit is also an effective natural moth repellent: it is enough to hang a few cloth bags containing dried lemon peels in wardrobes to keep moths away.
Particularly used in aromatherapy (an alternative form of medicine based on the use of essential plant oils to treat pain, stress, depression and regulate various body functions), lemon was already used for this purpose by the ancient Egyptians, who used its juice to also treat dermatitis. Aromatherapy experts explain that essences (in this case those of lemon) act directly on the nervous and endocrine systems also improving moods because the aromatized molecules, reaching the cerebral cortex, induce a pleasant sensation of balance and well-being, which compensates for any situations of anxiety and stress.
