A citrus punch of nutrients

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Lemons! Very often we tend to neglect this tiny little citrus fruit. Not many of us can eat a single lemon in one sitting, so when we think of the various fruits we can eat, lemons are not really included amongst them. We use lemons solely as a condiment for foods from our salads and vegetables to our meats.
And why not? They definitely add tremendous flavour to our food. But this is not enough. The juice from a single lemon has more than 50 per cent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. So to get the most from this fruit, squeeze a whole lemon in warm water and have it as soon as you
wake up in the morning. You could also make lemonade.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It strengthens our immune system and reduces the chances of getting bacterial and viral infections. It also plays a role in protein and iron absorption. And most important to all of us, it is good for our hair and skin.
Lemon juice, if applied on the scalp, is beneficial for problems related to dandruff and hairfall and if applied on the hair gives it a natural shine. Lemons are also good for acne problems and can remove wrinkles and blackheads as well. Lemon juice contains an oil which may help to relieve rheumatism.
Lemons are rich in substances which control the production of cholesterol. They have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.
Lemon juice is an excellent digestive aid. I sip on lemon water through the day whenever I face indigestion and constipation-related problems. And it really helps! Lemon water, after a heavy meal, is like a wonder drug. Traditionally, a drink of lemon juice, hot water and a teaspoonful of honey has been used as a remedy for colds.

The writer is a Mumbai-based nutritionist