History
Lemons are believed to have originated in northeastern India, close to the Himalayas, northern Burma and China. These fruits were developed as a hybrid between the lime and the citron and were cultivated in these cold regions for about 2,500 years. Lemon was initially used as an antiseptic and an antidote for various poisons. From here, the fruit travelled to Europe around the 1st century AD, during the ancient Roman era. Only after lemons were introduced to Persia, Iraq and Egypt around 700 AD, did they undergo their first recording in literature. The Arabs spread this citrus fruit throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, between 1000 AD and 1150 AD. In Europe, lemons were first cultivated in Genoa during the mid-15th century. In 1493, on his second voyage to America, Christopher Columbus took lemon seeds along with him to Hispaniola. When the Spanish conquered the New World, lemon seeds began gaining importance in fields of medicine. However in the 18th and 19th centuries, the fruit found their way into cooking and flavouring, especially in Florida and California. Currently, the United States, Italy, Spain, Greece, Israel and Turkey are the major lemon producers.
Health Benefits of Nimbu (Lemon)
- Lemon is largely used for relieving digestive tract problems such as nausea, heartburn and parasites. It works best when the juice is diluted with hot water. Lemon juice contains properties that help in alleviating indigestion symptoms like heartburn, bloating and belching.
- Lemon in water is a wonderful remedy for people with heart problems owing to its high potassium content. By controlling increased levels of blood pressure and dizziness, the fruit of the lemon brings relaxation to the mind and body. In addition, it is known to reduce mental stress and depression.
- Amongst other health benefits, lemonade (lemon pulp mixed in water) boasts of providing a quick solution to weight loss. Diluting lemon juice with lukewarm water and honey is a popular choice.
- Lemon juice finds a place for itself in dental care as well. Applying fresh lemon juice on the areas of toothache provides relief. Massaging it on the gums stops bleeding and removes bad odour.
- The juice from lemon acts as a cooling agent and is thus used to reduce any burning sensations on the skin. Besides, it speeds up the process of fading scars. Any hardened surface on the skin can be dissolved or softened by applying the liquid on it.
- Respiratory and breathing problems are also cured with lemon juice. Being a rich source of vitamin C, it helps in dealing with asthma.
- Due to its aromatic and antibacterial properties, lemon juice is extremely useful for foot relaxation.
- It is an excellent fruit for fighting throat infections and tonsillitis owing to its healing nature.
- Being a natural antiseptic, lemons are proven to eliminate skin problems such as wrinkles and blackheads, thereby rejuvenating the skin and enhancing the glow on the skin. Daily consumption of lemon water acts as an anti-ageing remedy.
- Lemon juice has the natural ability to stop any kind of internal bleeding. People suffering from frequent nasal bleeding can apply lemon juice on a cotton swab to minimize blood flow.
- Lemon is also recommended to patients with a high amount of uric acid, urinary tract infections and other kidney related ailments due to their diuretic property.
(Source : http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/lemons-nutrition.php)
