The tangy taste of lemon adds flavor to salads, pies, marinades and more. Lemon juice is more than a culinary component, however. Its high vitamin content makes it a healthy juice and a medicinal tonic, used to treat and prevent a host of conditions. As a natural antiseptic, it is also used to cleanse and nourish the skin.
Preventing Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid crystallized masses, formed when the urine becomes concentrated, according to MayoClinic.com. Kidney stones often occur in adults over age 40 and recur in certain people. Family history plays a role. When the stones move into the ureter -- the tube that connect the kidneys to the bladder -- they can block the flow of urine and cause severe pain and swelling of the kidneys. The "New York Times" reports that drinking 1/2 cup of pure lemon juice, or enough to make eight glasses of lemonade, raises citrate levels in the urine and protects against certain types of kidney stones.
Digestion
Despite its acidic nature, drinking diluted lemon juice may improve digestion and stomach ailments. It's purported to reduce nausea, heartburn and stomach discomfort. A study reported by the University of Mississippi Medical Center suggests that lemon juice eliminated a chronic, life-threatening case of rumination -- a common condition in infants that causes regurgitation -- in a 6-month-old infant.
Overall Health
Lemon juice is a satiated source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant vitamin that should be consumed daily because it is not fat-soluble, meaning the body does not store it. A popular vitamin for cold and flu prevention, vitamin C supports overall health by keeping the immune system strong. MedlinePlus reports that Vitamin C is important for your skin, bones and connective tissues. It also helps the body with iron absorption and promotes healing.
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