Lemon during pregnancy - benefits and harms

When it comes to foods rich in vitamin C, many people think of lemon first. We traditionally use hot aromatic tea with lemon and a spoon of honey as a prophylactic for colds. But, of course, not only the beneficial properties of this citrus attract us, we value lemon for aroma, juiciness, and taste. Many peoples in whom this fruit grows under natural conditions have long appreciated the taste and benefits of lemon. Its homeland is India, China, tropical islands. From here, the lemon was brought to the Middle East, and then to North Africa and Europe.

The chemical composition of lemon

Taste and healing properties of lemon are directly related to its composition. It contains mineral salts, vitamins, acids necessary for the proper functioning of the body.

100 grams of lemon contains:

• protein - 0.9 g;
• fat - 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates - 3 g;
• sugars - 3 g;
• fiber - 2 g;
• ashes - 0.5 g;
• water - 87.8 g.

Calorie content of citrus is 15.8 kilocalories.

Lemon is not a champion in the content of vitamins, but it perfectly preserves them due to the presence of a thick peel. Even during the time of great geographical discoveries, sailors escaped scurvy with the help of a lemon. The main share of vitamin C is found in the peel of the lemon, so it is advisable to eat it without a trace. In addition to vitamin C, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, D, P are present in the lemon. There are citrus fruits and trace elements such as iron, sulfur, phosphorus, manganese and others. The sour taste of lemon is due to the presence of citric acid. There are fewer sugars in lemon than in grapefruits, oranges and tangerines. But among citrus fruits, lemon is most rich in ascorbic acid, it is contained in 100 grams of more than 60 mg. There are not so many other vitamins, they play a less significant role. Important is the presence of vitamin P, which enhances the beneficial effects of ascorbic acid. The peel contains essential oils that give lemon a unique flavor.

The beneficial properties of lemon

Fragrant yellow citrus has long been used in folk medicine for the preparation of medicines for colds, strengthening immunity, and treating atherosclerosis.

Lemon for colds
The ascorbic acid contained in the pulp and peel of the lemon is very important during the period of flu epidemics and colds. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, helps the body resist the negative effects of viruses and infections. This is very important for pregnant women who are forbidden during the gestation period. Lemon mixed with honey will bring maximum benefit. Finely chopped citrus is added to honey and consumed with angina, cough, fever. When treating inflammation of the throat, especially sore throats, it is necessary to maintain an acidic environment in the mouth, it is enough to hold a lemon slice behind the cheek, this quickly suppresses the development of pathogenic bacteria. When coughing, lemon facilitates the discharge of sputum from the bronchi. Please note that lemon must be added to the cooled tea, otherwise all its beneficial properties will disappear.

Lemon for diseases of the heart and blood vessels
The following mixture is very useful for hypertensive patients: chopped lemons are combined with walnuts, raisins and honey. This composition not only charges the body with energy, but also normalizes blood pressure. The mixture also alleviates the condition with the following heart diseases:

• heart failure;
• arrhythmias;
• atherosclerosis of blood vessels;
• angina pectoris.

Lemon is not able to replace drugs, but it enhances their effect and improves the well-being of patients. Ascorbic acid enhances collagen production.This substance improves the elasticity of blood vessels, increases muscle tone, including the heart.

Vitamin C also helps to dissolve and remove cholesterol plaques from blood vessels. Thanks to these properties, lemon is able to cleanse blood vessels, strengthen them, improve elasticity, normalizing blood pressure and regulating the rhythm of the heart. High blood pressure is often observed in pregnant women, especially in the second half of pregnancy. Regular use of citrus fruits helps to stabilize it.

Lemon for uplifting
Expectant mothers often have increased anxiety, mood swings, and insomnia. Lemon has a beneficial effect on overall well-being, has a mild soothing effect. It also normalizes cerebral circulation, improves memory and concentration. Acidic fragrant flesh allows you to cope with the manifestations of toxicosis in the first weeks of pregnancy, reduce nausea, dizziness and vomiting. It is useful to add lemon juice to drinking water. Lemon oil, which has a slightly bitter and tart aroma, can be used in aromatherapy.

Lemon for diseases of the internal organs
Ascorbic acid has a beneficial effect on the activity of the pancreas, normalizes the production of insulin. Pancreatic dysfunction can lead to diabetes. When drinking lemon, the concentration of glucose in the blood decreases, the body is cleansed of harmful substances, improving the general condition of the patient.

Lemon juice has cleansing properties, it is important to use it to support the liver after prolonged use of medications, with hepatitis, and in the treatment of alcoholism.

Many pregnant women face edema problems, especially often in the last trimester. Lemon has a mild diuretic effect, helps to remove excess fluid from the body.

Lemon in cosmetology
Many expectant mothers are very saddened by the appearance of age spots on the skin. Wipe them with a slice of fresh lemon several times a day, they will disappear altogether or become lighter. Rubbing lemon juice strengthens nails, hair, eliminates dandruff. Using the peel of a lemon, you can strengthen the gums, remove yellow plaque from your teeth, and freshen your breath.

Is lemon always good?

Despite the great benefits of citrus, there are a number of contraindications when drinking lemon can be harmful. This is due to its high acidity:

• allergy, individual intolerance of citrus;
• gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastritis;
• pancreatitis, liver disease.

The use of lemon juice can provoke the destruction of tooth enamel. Juice, even diluted, it is advisable to drink through a straw, then rinse your mouth thoroughly. Undiluted lemon juice should not be drunk on an empty stomach so as not to cause irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Moderate consumption of pulp and lemon juice during pregnancy is beneficial, since the risk of pathologies in a baby is sharply reduced. But it is important to consider the possibility of allergic reactions in the baby in the future.

Video: what is lemon good for the body