Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of cholesterol, calcium and fatty materials along artery walls. Over time these substances build up inside your arteries, and as plaque becomes thicker blood flow is reduced and artery walls become rigid. The accumulation of plaque can lead to coronary heart disease and increase your risk of developing adverse health reactions. Although atherosclerosis should always be treated by your doctor, the use of natural compounds such as lemon juice is popular among alternative medicine proponents. While scientific data is inconclusive regarding the true effectiveness of lemon juice on artery plaque buildup, preliminary findings are promising.
Nutrition
The USDA National Nutrient Database reports that 100 g of raw lemon juice is 92.31 percent water, but the remaining percentage is a high concentration of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. Lemon juice contains a total of 10 minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, selenium, copper and calcium. There are a total of 15 different vitamins found in lemon juice, including vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, choline, folate, lutein and vitamin B-6. Other compounds include fatty acids, carbohydrates, ash, fiber, sugars and fructose.
Vitamin C and Artery Plaque
As of the date of publication, there is no solid scientific evidence suggesting that the use of lemon juice can reduce artery plaque. Although specific studies are not available, lemon juice may help reduce cholesterol through its high concentration of vitamin C. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that vitamin C is among the compounds used by your body to metabolize cholesterol into bile acids. This conversion may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent cholesterol buildup. By lowering blood cholesterol levels, it may help prevent plaque accumulation.
Lemon Juice and Green Tea Catechins
Initial research suggests that lemon juice may significantly enhance the absorption of green tea catechin compounds. In a study published in the "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology" in December 1986, researchers found that green tea catechins significantly expelled lipids and cholesterol in rats, thus suggesting these compounds can help reduce total cholesterol. Because your body cannot sustain catechins during the digestion process, you only absorb around 20 percent of total catechins. However, research cited by Purdue University states that adding lemon juice to green tea allows your body to absorb up to 80 percent of the catechins in the tea.
Dosage Recommendations
There is no official dosage of lemon juice for the treatment of cholesterol. However, Drugs.com suggests that drinking 120 mL, or roughly 1/2 a cup, per day is considered safe. Due to the high acidic properties of lemon juice, dilute it in hot or cold water. If you wish to add lemon juice to tea, squeeze half a lemon into 1 cup of freshly brewed green tea.
Safety Considerations
Lemon juice is generally considered safe for healthy adults if consumed in moderate amounts. Excessive or prolonged use of lemon juice can erode tooth enamel or irritate your throat. If you have GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, do not take lemon juice, as the acid may worsen heartburn symptoms. Talk with your doctor regarding the safety and dosage of lemon juice for cholesterol treatment.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is Coronary Heart Disease?
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference: Lemon Juice, Raw
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University; Vitamin C; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; January 2006
- "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology"; Effect of Green Tea Catechins on Plasma Cholesterol Level in Cholesterol-Fed Rats; K. Muramatsu, et al.; December 1986
- Purdue University; Citrus Juice, Vitamin C Give Staying Power to Green Tea Antioxidants; November 2007
- Drugs.com: Lemon
