Lemon juice and olive oil are ingredients that appear in many of our favorite dishes. But did you know that the two – when combined – have tremendous health benefits? Lemon juice alone supports everything from weight loss to improved skin clarity, and the nutritional and wellness value of olive oil is well known. Together, however, their impact is amplified. Read on to find out how (and why) incorporating the combination of olive oil and fresh lemon juice can improve your health.
What are the health benefits of olive oil?
Olive oil has a rich history. Cleopatra’s famous golden glow is believed to be the result of bathing in olive oil. The ancient Greeks considered the olive a “sacred fruit” and the Romans associated olive oil with elite society and consumed the liquid to prolong longevity. Dubbed the “golden nectar of the gods,” this rich source of healthy fats and antioxidants has been a coveted commodity for centuries. Today, it remains a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Here are some of the reasons why olive oil is so special.
It is full of polyphenols.
Just a teaspoon of olive oil – especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) – provides an abundance of polyphenols, which are natural bioactive compounds whose antioxidant properties promote well-being. This is good news for those experiencing age-related bone loss. Why? Because according to recent research, polyphenols in olive oil help support bone health by helping to control oxidative stress. Additionally, animal studies reveal that the intake of certain polyphenols produced positive effects on bone mass, leading to greater strength. In other words, the polyphenols in high-quality olive oil help promote bone health as part of a healthy, whole-food diet.
It promotes heart health.
Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of premature death worldwide? This is a sad but true statistic. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that this deadly disease kills around 17.9 million each year. Interestingly, populations residing in Mediterranean regions have low death rates from heart disease. While this is likely due to a combination of factors, their high EVOO consumption is thought to play a role.
These are not the only data suggesting the importance of olive oils in maintaining cardiovascular health. In a 2014 review study, researchers found that participants who consumed the most olive oil were almost 10% less likely to have heart problems than participants who consumed the least olive oil. olive. Although more conclusive research is needed, the science around olive oil so far is promising.
It has anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic inflammation is a major culprit in a number of diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. EVOO has been proven to help control inflammation, largely due to its antioxidants – specifically, oleocanthal. The oleic acid in EVOO is also known to help reduce levels of inflammation.
What about the benefits of lemon juice?
The humble lemon may make your mouth wrinkle, but just one spoonful of its juice has many health benefits. Here are a few.
Lemon is rich in antioxidants.
Lemons are an excellent source of plant compounds called flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are natural substances that help protect body cells from damage. By controlling cell damage, antioxidants can help reduce the overall risk of many health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These powerful compounds do this by scavenging free radicals – the harmful, pathogenic intruders created by oxidative stress. The flavonoids in lemon can also help reduce inflammation in the body (and as mentioned earlier, chronic inflammation is a major marker for many diseases).
It has antibacterial effects.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, lemon juice has antibacterial and antifungal properties that may promote overall health. In a recent study, bioactive plant compounds in lemon juice effectively inhibited the growth of staph, salmonella, and candida infections. But that’s not all – lemon juice was also effective in fighting an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria known to cause pneumonia and blood infections.
It supports healthy skin.
The high vitamin C and vitamin E content of lemon juice makes it particularly beneficial for the skin. Its powerful antioxidants help support collagen production, which gives skin its plump, plump look. Lemons are also high in magnesium, an important mineral that promotes healthy, supple skin and prevents damage caused by oxidative stress.
Does this home remedy have any benefits?
Many people claim that drinking olive oil and lemon juice together provides positive health results. Although more research is needed, the potential benefits of combining the two are many.
It naturally cleanses the body.
Cleanses and detoxes are believed to remove wastes and toxins that have built up in the body over time. Although there aren’t many studies exploring whether olive oil and lemon juice can help detoxify your digestive system, researchers suggest that the antioxidants and polyphenols in both may “cleanse” the body.
It promotes healthy weight loss.
Research shows that the vitamin C in lemon juice and the monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil can promote weight loss. In the human body, vitamin C is essential for the production of carnitine, a compound that transports fat molecules into cells, where they are broken down and used as fuel. In other words, insufficient vitamin C intake can lead to reduced fat breakdown. Additionally, some studies show that diets high in monounsaturated fats lead to weight loss similar to weight loss resulting from low-fat diets.
It promotes good digestion.
The gentle laxative action of olive oil – as well as the ability of lemon juice to fight bloating and constipation – improves the digestion of food.
Is the combination of olive oil and lemon juice safe?
It is absolutely safe to combine olive oil and lemon juice. In fact, this natural remedy is a combination of two ingredients that appear in many cuisines, especially those found in Mediterranean regions.
To note: If you experience any negative reaction, such as allergies, after consuming olive oil and lemon juice, consult a healthcare practitioner.
The last word
So, do olive oil and lemon juice have any combined health benefits? In a word, yes. The fatty acids and minerals in olive oil and the antioxidants and vitamins in lemon juice are believed to improve digestion, prevent premature aging of the skin, etc. Of course, more research is needed to back up these claims, but if you’re looking for a simple way to improve your overall health, consuming olive oil and lemon juice can’t hurt.
Keep in mind, however, that olive oil is high in calories and lemon juice is acidic, which can damage tooth enamel. If you’re watching your calorie intake or have particularly sensitive teeth, consume these ingredients in moderation. Finally, if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medications and are wondering if olive oil and lemon juice is right for you, consult your health care provider or nutritionist for advice. tips.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before proceeding with any treatment plan.
This article originally appeared on our sister site, World Woman.
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