Lemon during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

If it comes to foods rich in vitamin C, first of all, many people remember about lemon. We traditionally use hot flavored tea with lemon and a spoon of honey as a prophylactic against colds. But, of course, not only the beneficial properties of this citrus attract us, we appreciate the lemon for its aroma, juiciness, taste. Many nations in which this fruit grows in natural conditions, have long appreciated the taste and benefits of lemon. Its homeland is India, China, tropical islands. From here, the lemon was introduced to the Middle East, and then to North Africa and Europe.

Lemon chemical composition

Lemon flavor and healing properties 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;
• carbohydrate - 3 g;
• sugars - 3 g;
• cellulose - 2 g;
• ash - 0.5 g;
• water - 87.8 g

Calorie citrus is 15.8 calories.

Lemon is not a record for the content of vitamins, but it perfectly preserves them due to the presence of thick peel. Even at the time of great geographical discoveries, mariners escaped from scurvy with the help of lemon. The main share of vitamin C is contained in the peel of lemon, so it is advisable to eat it without residue. In addition to vitamin C, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, D, P are present in the lemon. There are citrus pulp 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 less sugars in lemon than in grapefruits, oranges and mandarins. But among citrus lemon is richest ascorbic acid, it is contained in 100 grams of more than 60 mg. The remaining vitamins are not so many, they play a less significant role. The presence of vitamin P, which enhances the beneficial effects of ascorbic acid, is important. The peel contains essential oils that give the lemon a unique flavor.

Useful properties of lemon

Aromatic yellow citrus has long been used in traditional medicine for the preparation of cold medicine, immunity, and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Lemon with a cold
Ascorbic acid in the pulp and zest of lemon is very important in the period of epidemics of influenza and colds. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, helps the body to resist the negative effects of viruses and infections. This is very important for pregnant women for whom many drugs are prohibited during the period of gestation. The maximum benefit will bring a lemon in a mixture with honey. Finely chopped citrus is added to honey and consumed with sore throat, cough, fever. When treating sore throats, 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 phlegm from the bronchi. 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 relieves the condition in the following heart diseases:

• heart failure;
• arrhythmias;
• atherosclerosis of the vessels;
• angina pectoris

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

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

Lemon to set the mood
In expectant mothers, anxiety is often increased, mood swings, insomnia are observed. Lemon has a beneficial effect on overall health, has a mild sedative effect. It also normalizes cerebral circulation, improves memory and concentration.Sour fragrant pulp can cope with the manifestations of toxemia 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 flavor, can be used in aromatherapy.

Lemon with diseases of internal organs
Beneficial effect of ascorbic acid on the activity of the pancreas, normalizes insulin production. Impaired pancreatic function can lead to diabetes. When consuming 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 a long medication, for hepatitis, in the treatment of alcoholism.

Many pregnant women are faced with problems of edema, especially often it occurs 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 upset by the appearance of pigment 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, relieves dandruff. With the help of lemon peel, you can strengthen the gums, remove yellow plaque from the teeth, and freshen breath.

Is lemon always good for you?

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

• allergy, idiosyncrasy citrus;
• gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastritis;
• pancreatitis, liver disease.

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

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

Video: the lemon is useful for the body