Benefits of lemon for the body
Lemon is considered one of the healthiest foods due to its large amount of the following substances:
- flavonoids;
- essential oils;
- lemon acid;
- vitamins A, B, E, P and C;
- glycosides and beta-carotene.
This citrus fruit contains unique minerals necessary for the normal development of the fetus and the healthy functioning of the female body.
It is also important that it contains virtually no glucose, but contains enough pectin and fiber. This will help a woman control weight gain during pregnancy, and also ensure smooth functioning of the intestines.
Due to their beneficial composition, citrus fruits have the following properties:
- copes well with constipation and has a mild laxative effect;
- protect against colds;
- supply cells with necessary vitamins;
- strengthen the immune system;
- block the inflammatory process.
Some features of lemon
Of course, it is a healthy fruit. All the beneficial properties of lemon are explained by its rich vitamin and mineral composition. First of all, lemon contains citric acid and mineral salts. This citrus is quite low in calories. 100 grams of product contain no more than 34 kcal. There are small amounts of proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is also famous for the presence of dietary fiber, which is extremely important for the normal functioning of the digestive system.
When talking about lemon, many immediately identify the fruit with vitamin C. This component is found in sufficient quantities in the fruit. But not as high as it would seem. For example, kiwi, rose hips, parsley and black currant contain many times more vitamin C than lemon. Also, lemon is rich in the following vitamins: A, B1, B2, B9, P, E, D. Vitamin P is also called citrine. This component is characteristic only of citrus fruits, and it is not synthesized by the human body.
Lemon is also famous for its high level of microelements and minerals:
- Iron;
- Sulfur;
- Phosphorus;
- Manganese;
- Sodium;
- Cobalt;
- Magnesium;
- Potassium;
- Zinc;
- Copper.
Lemon contains a sufficient amount of fiber and pectin. But, nevertheless, citric acid brings the main benefit to the body. It quickly cleanses the intestines of toxins and normalizes cholesterol levels in the blood. Citric acid increases the protective functions of the immune system, improves vision, and restores normal blood circulation. Also, this component is necessary for the prevention of upper respiratory tract diseases. It is worth noting that useful components are contained not only in the pulp of the fruit, but also in its peel. Therefore, it is customary to eat lemon zest.
What are the benefits of lemon during pregnancy?
A citrus fruit like lemon is a natural anti-inflammatory.
It helps fight various viruses and infections, preventing them from spreading throughout the body. Particular help from it can be felt during the flu and cold season, when it is undesirable for a pregnant woman to take medications with anti-inflammatory properties.
For heartburn in the early stages
Lemon copes well with such an unpleasant phenomenon as heartburn.
During pregnancy, a woman often experiences this symptom, as the stomach rises higher and pressure is exerted on it from neighboring organs. And given that lemon reduces high acidity inside the body, it helps eliminate the resulting discomfort. To get rid of heartburn, citrus can be used in two ways:
- Every morning on an empty stomach you need to slowly chew a slice of lemon along with the zest. The fruit is thoroughly washed beforehand.
- You can add the juice of half a squeezed lemon to a glass of boiled water. The resulting drink is drunk slowly before breakfast.
Regular consumption of an acidic product in small quantities will relieve not only heartburn, but also belching that occurs in a pregnant woman after a heavy meal.
Benefits in later stages
In the second and third trimester, the expectant mother faces such a delicate problem as chronic constipation. The following changes lead to this problem:
- the uterus begins to rise up;
- the intestinal tract and stomach shrink;
- digestion slows down;
- the process of removing metabolic products is disrupted.
To normalize stool, you need to drink lemon juice in small quantities. You can drink water with lemon. This drink will act as a natural laxative. The intestinal walls will begin to relax, and food will no longer be retained in the body for a long period.
Who benefits from drinking water with squeezed lemon?
Drinking water with squeezed lemon during pregnancy is beneficial for women who suffer from severe swelling of the legs.
This drink acts as a mild diuretic. Drink lemon water in small sips throughout the day. Then the process of fluid circulation will improve, and the swelling will begin to decrease.
Tea with honey for colds
Fragrant tea with honey and a slice of lemon has a unique anti-inflammatory property.
This drink can effectively fight colds and reduce heat in the body. If a woman during pregnancy begins to feel the first symptoms of a virus or cold, she should make herself tea with lemon and honey. This hot drink will have the following effects:
- will tone the entire body;
- activates the protective properties of the immune system;
- stops the inflammatory process;
- will alleviate the condition;
- will relieve unpleasant symptoms such as headache, body aches, runny nose.
Jelly and soufflé with lemon: benefits for pregnant women
Home-cooked dishes such as soufflé and lemon jelly can become not only a real treat, but also help in the fight against excess weight.
These dishes will provide the body with micronutrients that will improve bone structure.
They will also help reduce the number of calories you consume. The craving for unhealthy sweet foods will gradually disappear.
Precautionary measures
Despite the many beneficial properties, lemon should be consumed with extreme caution during pregnancy and preferably after consulting with a doctor.
After all, “problems” in the body are not always obvious, and sometimes even lemons in small quantities during pregnancy can have a detrimental effect on your overall health.
Those expectant mothers who are prone to allergic reactions should be especially careful.
As a rule, during the period of bearing a baby, the body's reaction to an allergen can be unpredictable.
If you really want something “sour,” it is advisable to try lemon, starting with tiny pieces, gradually increasing the size of the slices, but under no circumstances eat the whole lemon in one sitting. If an allergic reaction occurs, you should immediately contact your doctor.
When treating a cold with inflammation of the throat and mucous membranes in the mouth, it is necessary to avoid sucking on lemon slices, since the acid can only intensify the symptoms and cause even greater irritation of these areas.
If you always want lemon
If, while expecting a child, a woman constantly feels the desire to consume lemon, then her body is experiencing a deficiency of important minerals and vitamins. First of all, we are talking about ascorbic acid, which is directly involved in the formation of the immune system of the unborn child.
You shouldn't resist this desire. If you want to eat citrus, you need to take a slice and chew it slowly. You can also season vegetable and fruit salads with lemon juice, making them even healthier.
Options for using lemon during pregnancy
Lemon can be consumed in any form during pregnancy. But, in some cases, it is still better to use it as a supplement so as not to cause allergic reactions. So, tea with lemon will be useful during pregnancy. It is worth noting that while pregnant, green tea is strictly contraindicated for girls. It promotes the excretion of folic acid, which is extremely important for both the expectant mother and the baby. But black tea with lemon will bring maximum benefits to the body. It is recommended for colds, as well as for prevention in the autumn-winter period.
You can also add lemon to white tea. This type of tea has a low level of caffeine, while there is a lot of calcium in this product. But, do not forget that at high temperatures and heat treatment, a significant amount of vitamins in lemon disappear. Therefore, you need to drink this drink very quickly.
Water with lemon is beneficial during pregnancy. This drink will retain all the beneficial properties of the citrus fruit. Lemon water helps maintain normal kidney and gastrointestinal function. Lemon water is a great option to quench your thirst. Very often women at this time complain of joint and muscle pain. This drink will help cope with this problem. In addition, this potion is a rich source of magnesium and calcium.
If a pregnant girl does not suffer from an allergy to honey, it will be useful to consume honey with lemon. It is the product of beekeeping that is considered an excellent nourishment for the weakened body of the expectant mother. In addition, honey is a source of iron, which prevents the development of such a common disease as anemia. So, to prepare this dessert you will need:
- 150 grams of honey;
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice;
- A pinch of dried fruit.
You can dilute a couple of tablespoons of honey in lemon water. This remedy will help cleanse the intestines and relieve constipation. Lemon essential oil is also actively used. It should be rubbed with light massage movements into the solar plexus area. This is how you can cope with nausea. A body massage with lemon oil is the prevention of stretch marks. Only a natural product, and not its substitutes, will benefit the body of a pregnant woman.
Who should limit lemon consumption during pregnancy?
Despite the incredible benefits of this product, it has its own specific contraindications.
You need to avoid eating this type of citrus:
- if you have stomach problems;
- with gastritis in acute form;
- if a woman suffers from thinned tooth enamel.
In all these cases, including citrus in the daily diet will only aggravate the existing problem. In order for a pregnant woman not to harm her health, this fruit will have to be abandoned if she has existing diseases.
Lemon is a storehouse of essential minerals, vitamins and beneficial acids. This product can be used instead of medications during viral diseases. However, you should not consume this fruit in large quantities during pregnancy, so as not to harm your body and the unborn baby.
Expecting a baby and feeding the expectant mother
9 months of waiting seems like something long and distant to every woman. But, if we turn directly to the opinion of young mothers, they claim that in the hassle, trips to the antenatal clinic, and tests that have no end and end, pregnancy proceeds very quickly. And when the baby is born, young mothers begin to miss their tummy.
During pregnancy, a woman takes full responsibility for the little person, who grows, develops, and acquires new vital functions every day. The full development of the child’s internal organs and vital systems depends on the nutrition of the expectant mother. If the nutrition is balanced and correct, then the child will be born healthy and strong.
But during pregnancy, not only should you not take certain medications, but also foods. For example, there is an opinion that during pregnancy it is undesirable for a woman to consume citrus fruits (lemons, tangerines, oranges), as this can subsequently provoke an allergic reaction in the child. Is it so? Can a pregnant woman eat lemons during pregnancy?
Universal cold and decongestant for pregnant women
Another thing is everyone’s favorite and familiar tea with lemon. In winter and autumn, in general, when it’s cold, it can work real miracles. In particular, it has been proven that this drink is relatively harmless, helps to weaken cold symptoms and strengthen the immune system, since a pregnant woman should never get sick, including because most medications are strictly prohibited during this period.
So, at the very first symptoms of a cold, the expectant mother just needs to drink a cup of tea, with lemon, of course, and the unpleasant symptoms will subside and her health will significantly improve.
By the way, in order not to destroy the vitamin C contained in this fruit, lemon is placed in slightly cooled tea, and not in boiling water.
In addition, tea with lemon has another important positive property. It turns out that it helps to significantly reduce swelling during pregnancy.
By the way, real decongestant tea is prepared like this: a small slice of lemon is placed in a cup and poured boiling water over it. When the water has cooled a little, add tea leaves (you can use tea leaves or a bag) and sugar to taste and stir. It should be noted that you should drink this drink very slowly, in small sips.
The healing properties of lemon
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Reducing fever.
- Eliminating toxicosis.
- Supports the functioning of the myocardium and blood flow.
- Healing CNS.
- Helps with hypotension and neurasthenia.
- Relieving attacks of headaches, migraines.
- Expels worms.
- Removes waste and heavy metals.
- Strengthens the vascular system.
- Eliminating gas formation. Effective against flatulence.
It is not advisable to use the product in its pure form. Juice and pulp destroy tooth enamel and negatively affect the esophagus and oral cavity. Lead to changes in acidity.
Is it possible to drink kvass during pregnancy?
