(NaturalHealth365)  More and more people are adding slices and squeezes of lemon and lime to their drinking water these days – and for good reason.  When added to pure, filtered water, fresh lemon, and lime create a refreshing, flavorful beverage that is a truly healthful alternative to syrupy sodas and sugary juices.

But lemon and lime water is more than just a sensible stand-in for other, less wholesome drinks.  Its content of vitamin C – as well as its store of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and limonoids – gives it some surprising disease-fighting and health-promoting clout.

The key differences between lemon and lime

While lemons and limes have similar properties, they also have differences.  Lemons, botanically known as Citrus limon, contain about 44 milligrams of vitamin C – twice as much as limes, which are known as Citrus aurantifolia.

However, limes’ pleasing green color and richer, slightly sweeter taste make them a natural complement to lemons.  In addition, they contain many of the same beneficial micronutrients, including potassium, iron, and pantothenic acid.

Always opt for fresh, organic lemons and limes for maximum benefit.  Now, let’s explore their nine health benefits.

Lemon and lime extracts can help prevent and treat ulcers

Although people with ulcers used to be advised to avoid acidic foods, researchers are now finding another side to the story.  Extensive studies have shown that a citrus constituent known as limonene can fight ulcers and protect the stomach lining.

In one intriguing study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers acknowledged that earlier studies had already demonstrated that lemon extracts can help prevent ulcers from forming.

The team quickly found that essential oils from lime and lemon peels exhibited healing activity.

During the two-week study, the team found that the non-toxic treatment promoted increased epithelial (stomach lining) healing.  In addition, the essential oils fortified the gastric protective barrier by aiding in gastric mucus production.

Vitamin C in lemons and limes helps promote iron absorption

Iron, important in transporting oxygen through the body, is vital for health.  Vitamin C promotes the absorption of this essential mineral, helping prevent iron deficiency.  Also known as anemia, iron deficiency can cause dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and impaired immune response.

So powerful are vitamin C’s absorption-promoting qualities that 100 mg with a meal – roughly equal to the amount in two large lemons – can increase iron absorption by a whopping 67 percent.

Vitamin C in lemons and limes boosts the immune system

Natural health experts sometimes refer to vitamin C as the “muscle of the immune system” – and this hard-working micronutrient has earned the title.  Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C enhances immune function by increasing the production of disease-fighting white blood cells and promoting the activity of natural killer cells.

Vitamin C’s disease-fighting abilities have been demonstrated in peer-reviewed research.

A study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism found that ascorbic acid reduced the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections.

As a bonus, lemons and limes also help balance pH.  Although they are acidic foods, they help the body become more alkaline, warding off disease.

Lemons and limes improve heart health

In addition to their other gifts to the body, lemons and limes can fight heart disease and lower blood pressure.

One study by the prestigious Harvard School of Public Health found that fresh fruits and vegetables were associated with a small but meaningful decrease in the risk of heart disease – and limes and lemons, along with leafy greens, were credited with the biggest impact.

Lemons and limes have anticancer effects

One of the most promising benefits of lemon and lime extracts is their ability to kill cancer cells.  Lemons are particularly rich in hesperidin, a flavonoid, and limonene, a monoterpene.  Both have been shown to help prevent cancer.

Lemons and limes, which are vitamin C-rich, also combat cancer through their powerful antioxidant capabilities.  These allow them to scavenge harmful free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent potentially cancer-causing breakage and mutation of DNA.

Prevent kidney stones with lemon water

Research has shown that lemons and limes have yet another surprising benefit – the ability to discourage kidney stones.

One study found that lemonade therapy reduced stone formation while decreasing the amount of calcium in the urine.  Experts think lemons’ natural diuretic and detoxifying abilities are responsible.

Lemons and limes help promote weight loss

Lemons and limes are naturally low-calorie – in fact, a glass of lemon water made with the juice of half a lemon has a modest six calories – yet their refreshing, zippy taste can help curb appetite and control overeating.

And these citrus fruits don’t just help to reduce appetite – there is some evidence that they can assist in the elimination of fat.

Lemons are true thirst-quenchers

If you suffer from “dry mouth” and seemingly unquenchable thirst on hot summer days, look to lemons and limes as your first line of defense.

Their high level of citric acid promotes better fluid absorption and hydration, combating dry mouth by stimulating the flow of saliva.

Lemons and limes are also natural breath fresheners.

Lemon water promotes radiant, youthful-looking skin

It turns out that lemons and limes can benefit your external appearance as well as your internal health.

Their antioxidant capabilities mean they can help combat free radicals and prevent oxidative damage, thereby fighting the wrinkles, dry spots, dark spots, and decreased elasticity accompanying aging.

In addition, the vitamin C in lemons and limes helps produce collagen, giving skin elasticity and suppleness.

So, in light of these benefits, it’s clear that lemons and limes possess impressive health-giving qualities.

The takeaway is simple: when you have lemons, make lemonade.  Your body will thank you for it.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Thenutritionwatchdog.com
Healthline
NIH.gov
NIH.gov