The lemon is a little fruit with a large variety of uses. It flavors myriad foods and drinks, from pound cake to carbonated beverages. And who can resist a tall glass of icy lemonade on a steamy-hot August day? It's clear that Americans like their lemons. Americans consumed more than six lemons on average in 2007, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. The next time you pick up a lemon, consider its health value, as well.
Zeaxanthin and Lutein
Zeaxanthin and lutein are the two major carotenoids in the macula and retinas of your eyes, the nerve tissues that allow you to see. Yellow vegetables and fruits, such as lemons, are rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, which play an important role in the prevention of blindness brought about by macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the most common preventable cause of blindness in the United States, according to a study published in the December 2003 issue of the "Nutrition Journal."
Folate
Lemons contain folate, a type of B vitamin that prevents brain and nerve-tube defects in fetuses. Folate also plays an important role in the synthesis of DNA, the genetic codes in each cell. The Harvard School of Public Health advises that if you get sufficient folate via diet or supplements, your risk of developing colon or breast cancer is lowered.
Potassium
Lemons and other citrus fruits contain potassium, an important mineral needed for cell function. Potassium plays an essential role in the contraction of muscles, and it is crucial for efficient digestive-system functioning. A severe insufficiency of potassium can lead to hypokalemia, a dangerous health condition that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias or dysrhythmias, high-blood pressure, respiratory depression and paralysis.
Vitamin C
Lemon serves as an important source of vitamin C, an essential vitamin in the prevention of scurvy, a potentially fatal health condition. But the vitamin's usefulness doesn't stop there. Vitamin C plays a key role in the synthesis of collagen, an important component of your blood vessel walls, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Furthermore, it aids in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are needed to help your brain function.
References
- Agricultural Marketing Resource Center: Citrus profile
- "Nutrition Journal"; The role of the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, in protecting against age-related macular degeneration: A review based on controversial evidence; Mozzaffrieh, M. et al.; December 2003
- Harvard School of Public Health: Three of the B Vitamins: Folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C
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