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LEMON:

A VERSATILE FRUIT OF MULTIPLE USES Mahendra Pal

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Narayan Consultancy on Veterinary Public Health and Microbiology, 4 Aangan-I, Anand-388001,Gujarat, India Email: [email protected]

emon is one of the most popular citrus fruits in the world with multiple uses. Belonging to flowering plant family Rutaceae, it is packed with rich nutrients and health benefits. In 1493, first lemon tree in America is planted by the Italian navigator Christopher Columbus. The major producers of lemon today are USA, Italy, Turkey, Israel, Spain and Greece. In India, the cultivation is carried out in UP, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Punjab. In India though the most popular variety of citrus fruits cultivated and used is acid lime. It is grown largely in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, and to a limited extent in other states of country. Areas with dry climate and low rainfall are best suited for growing limes. Lemons can be grown in heavy rainfall humid regions. The best season of planting is June to August. Tree can grow about 12 to 22 feet tall and will start giving

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fruits at the age of 3- 6 years. Irrigation water containing 1000 ppm of salt is injurious to the growth of the crop. High humidity can favour several diseases. Frost is injurious and hot wind during summer results in desiccation and drop of flowers and young fruits. Average production is about 700 fruits after stabilization. Life span of tree is about 15 to 20 years. Planting of lemon can be a profitable business. James Lind in 1747 found that lemons are very useful to treat scurvy, a deficiency of vitamin C. The researchers claimed that vitamin C plays a significant role in immunity and helps to neutralize free radicals in our body and thus reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lemon contains many vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, choline, pantothenic acid, foliate, vitamin C, vitamin B6) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc), which are needed for human body. It should be stored at room tem-

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perature away from direct sunlight. Lemon is used as home remedy for many people in India. However, it is imperative to mention that person suffering from serious illness should seek expert opinion of the qualified Physicians before doing self-medication with lemon. Uses of Lemon Lemon has very appealing colour, odour and flavour. People of India regularly used lemon to treat a wide variety of medical problems since ancient times. It improves digestion, enhanc-

es our immune system, boosts energy, alkalizes and hydrates the body, reduces mucus and phlegm, promotes healthy and rejuvenated skin, boosts brain power and helps in weight loss. This fruit is said to reduce inflammation of joints by removing uric acid from joints. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It increases absorption of iron. Lemon soothes the itching and alleviates the rash, reduces the age spots, and cleanses the face. Lemon water helps in the enzyme functions in our body stimulating the liver and flushing out toxins. Lemon juice relieves symptoms of indigestion such as bloating, burping and heart burn. It can reduce the effects of nausea, dizziness, and also found beneficial in chills, fever, headache, respiratory problems, arthritis, diphtheria, rheumatism, depression, stress, diabetes, cholera, high blood pressure, heart diseases, indigestion, constipation, sore throat, internal bleeding,

Lemon contains many vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, choline, pantothenic acid, foliate, vitamin C, vitamin B6) and minerals (calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc)


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burns, and obesity. Using lemon juice in a glass of water with one teaspoonful of sugar and pinch of black salt is a quick and healthy remedy for minimizing the side effects of scorching heat during summer. It contains potassium, which is responsible for controlling high blood pressure. Furthermore, lemon juice is the best for oral health. It stops bleeding from gums, mitigate toothaches, and gives fresh breaths. It is a powerful antiseptic and can be used for vaginal hygiene. Juice of half lemon in a bucket of water during bath will help to remove bad odour of sweat during summer season. Lemon with turmeric powder and rose water is used to improve the skin complexion. It helps to fight skin damage caused by sun and pollution. Lemon can lend a wonderful flavour to sauces, salads, desserts, and drinks. Lemon pickle is a side dish often seen in Indian dining tables. Lemon can also be

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used to preserve the food. Few small pieces of ginger soaked in lemon juice are eaten before meal to increase the appetite. For the hardware industry, it is also a very valuable raw material in the manufacture of stain removers, detergents, perfumes made of oil extracted from the skin, etc. The used lemon is cut into small pieces, boiled in water, filtered, and after adding very small quantity of any detergent powder, can be used to clean utensils. The scent of lemon is deterrent for pests in the house. Daily consumption of lemon water helps to purify the blood and also significantly improves mental health. It is a powerful antiseptic and can be used to disinfect cuts, abrasions and scrapes. In order to keep good health, it is recommended that one lemon squeezed in about 150 ml of water must be taken daily in the morning before going to toilet.

Lemon improves digestion, enhances our immune system, boosts energy, alkalizes and hydrates the body, reduces mucus and phlegm, promotes healthy and rejuvenated skin, boosts brain power and helps in weight loss.

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