LEMONS: A tangy-sweet citrus fruit that when paired with water and stevia on a hot summer’s day will make you kick your feet up and say, ‘aahhh’. But do lemons provide more than just a refreshing juice to sip on while you’re next to the pool?
The cure for cancer—everyone is looking for it. Some studies show that lemon extract can successfully destroy malignant cells for a wide range of cancers. So, do lemons cure cancer? Not quite. There is no evidence to claim such a statement, as most studies have been conducted in a lab with animals and petri dishes, however, here’s what we do know:
Flavonoids: these specific compounds found in lemons (and many other fruits and vegetables) influence important cellular mechanisms related to carcinogenesis—the initiation of cancer formation—and may either stop the formation and growth of cancer cells or kill them outright.
Vitamin C: ¼ of a cup of lemon juice contains 23mg of vitamin C, which is 33% of the recommended daily intake. Like vitamins A and E, vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports immune system function. In addition, it also protects cells from free radicals—or charged atoms that are formed when certain molecules interact with oxygen causing a reaction with cell membranes and DNA within the cells and impairs function.
Damaged Cells: the first step leading to cancer development is cell damage. Consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, such as lemons, will help restore and maintain cell function.
Additional Benefits of Lemon:
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Aids in digestion
Regulates blood pressure
Fights parasites and worms
Balances pH levels
Enhances mood and energy
Humidifies lymph system
Accelerates healing of bones, cartilage, and tissue
Purifies skin
Aids in weight loss
Has antidepressant qualities
Reduces stress and anxiety
So while we can’t claim that lemons cure cancer, we can claim the health benefits and cancer-preventative qualities of adding lemon to our diets. Cancer prevention is more than half the battle; flushing out and keeping our bodies rid of toxins is paramount to healthy living. Knowledge is prevention; action is prevention; practice is prevention.
TIDBIT: Remember, when consuming lemon it is important to incorporate all its parts whenever possible including the pulp, peel, and seeds along with the juice.
TRY THIS: Daily Rejuvenation—Replace your morning cup of coffee with hot water and lemon. For an extra kick add a smidgen of maple syrup, agave nectar or honey and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Eventually, this morning splash will give you more energy than coffee ever did. You’ll thank me later.
Leverage the knowledge, Thrivers –
~Kaylee Tegan Schanda