Frozen lemon: benefits and harms

The benefits of this representative of citrus have been known for a very long time. Even the ancient healers advised its use to strengthen immunity, as well as for various diseases. But lemons began to freeze relatively recently, and this method of storing the fruit to the inhabitants of Russia came to taste. Why? Everything is very simple. After a series of studies on the properties of lemon, doctors came to the conclusion that in frozen form it is even more healthy than fresh. At the same time, one cannot but pay attention to the fact that storing lemon in the freezer significantly prolongs its lifespan. Frozen fruit can be stored for up to several months and throughout this time to maintain its beneficial properties. However, the use of frozen lemons has a number of contraindications. We will talk about all this in detail below.

Composition and calorie content

The composition of the lemon is very generous to various trace elements that favorably affect the human body. In this case, it does not matter in what form to use it. Someone likes to eat lemon slices just like that, someone adds to tea, and some use it as a salad dressing. Very tasty is lemonade, prepared just the same from frozen lemon slices. At the same time, the calorie content of the fetus is small, only about 29 kcal per 100 grams. The energy value of lemon juice is 16.1 kcal per 100 grams. If you calculate the calorie content of one lemon, then it turns out something like this: the weight of the average fruit is 120-130 g, therefore, it is about 35-37 kcal. Thanks to these properties, lemon can be actively consumed during a diet, it helps to increase metabolism.

We figured out the calorie content, now we will analyze the composition in detail. So, the notorious 100 grams of fruit in its composition have:

• potassium (163 mg);
• vitamin C (40 mg);
• calcium (40 mg);
• phosphorus (23 mg);
• magnesium (12 mg);
• sulfur (10 mg).
• Next come:
• aluminum (0.446 mg);
• zinc (0.126 mg);
• copper (0.24 mg);
• lithium (0.11 mg).

Lemon also contains in small amounts boron, iodine, rubidium, vitamin A, thiamine. We should not forget about the polysaturated acids omega-3, omega-6.

This is a description of the composition of fresh fruit. But the frozen fruit fully retains these properties, so that its usefulness can be no doubt.

What is the use of frozen lemon

General benefit

Even small children know about the use of this fruit as an assistant in the fight against viral and colds, and also that it strengthens the immune system and nourishes the body with necessary vitamins. In addition, lemon is one of the most powerful antioxidants, increases the body's ability to cleanse the blood, makes blood vessels stronger. This fruit is recommended for people suffering from atherosclerosis. Regular consumption of lemon increases endurance, strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes the functioning of the brain and nervous system, which improves the duration and quality of sleep.

For people with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, lemon will also be very useful, because it stabilizes the digestive process, helps to cope with constipation.

This representative of citrus is an excellent solvent for uric acid, which helps people suffering from rheumatism, gout and radiculitis.

For women

There are few representatives of the fair sex who, looking at their reflection in the mirror, would not want to restore the youthfulness of the skin, make their hair healthier, in other words, to fix some imperfections in their appearance that prevent them from enjoying life. In returning a healthy and well-groomed appearance to the body, this fruit has no equal. It is a natural antioxidant, therefore it perfectly cleanses the skin from various rashes, blackheads, acne, improves the elasticity of the upper layer of the epidermis. Thanks to this, the face looks younger and fresher, pleases the eye with the smoothness of the skin, its healthy color and radiance.

Lemon has an excellent effect on hair. With it, you can restore the sebaceous glands and get rid of the quick contamination of the hair. Hair rinsed with lemon juice diluted in water becomes more docile, silky and soft. But more about the use of lemon in cosmetic procedures a little later.

For men

For men, frozen lemon is primarily useful as a means to maintain masculine strength. In ancient times, this fruit was used in the treatment of male infertility, since the use of lemon affects the quality and mobility of sperm. Also proven is the fact that the natural components contained in it have a positive effect on the treatment of prostatitis and prostate adenoma. In addition, lemon well contributes to the production of testosterone and enhances potency.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, frozen lemon will also be useful, but it should be used with caution. The main property of lemon, for which it is respected by pregnant women, is help in the fight against toxicosis. As you know, many expectant mothers in the first trimester suffer from frequent and unexpected bouts of nausea that prevent them from working, doing household chores and generally knocking them out of their usual way of life. Lemon is the tool that helps a pregnant woman return to normal living conditions.

In order to get rid of nausea, it is better to drink water with lemon juice. In our case, it can be water with several frozen slices of fruit. Water will dissolve ice, and melted flesh will produce a sufficient amount of lemon juice. Also, to combat morning attacks of nausea, you should put a plate with a slice of lemon at the bed before bedtime, which you will need to chew before you get up, so that the body receives a fraction of the acid before changing position. There is an opinion that this “sunny fruit” helps to get rid of heartburn, because, despite the abundance of acids, it reduces acidity in the body. Since pregnancy is often accompanied by heartburn, it is worth trying a lemon as a way to get rid of it.

However, do not forget that in an interesting position you should eat this fruit without fanaticism. At a later date, the lemon will help remove the swelling that occurs due to the enlargement of the uterus and the compression of the woman's internal organs, in particular the kidneys.

When breastfeeding

During lactation, lemon should be introduced gradually, but not earlier than a month after the baby is born. It is in the first month that the child adapts, getting used to new conditions. You need to wait until it gets a little stronger. In order to introduce frozen lemon into the diet of a nursing mother and baby, you should start with tea, in which add slices from the freezer. It is better to cool the tea before this, so that hot water does not destroy vitamin C.

The best time to drink is morning, since lemon tea is a very invigorating drink that will affect the child’s activity.It should not be forgotten that when an allergy occurs in a baby, it is worth stopping the use of lemon for food immediately and in no case try again.

For kids

Children can be offered lemon from 8-10 months. It is best if it is water with the addition of slices of frozen lemon. After the first test, it is better to observe the baby for a couple of days without giving the product again. If there is no allergy, then you can safely sometimes pour sour vodka to the child. You can give full slices of lemon with sugar starting from 2 years, but their use should also be moderate. From a young age, a “sunny” fruit will act on the baby’s body, generally strengthening, raise immunity, which will often prevent it from getting sick.

When losing weight

When losing weight, lemon is an indispensable ally. As mentioned above, it increases the metabolic processes in the body, due to which weight loss occurs faster. You can use lemon as a supplement to various types of diets or try a lemon diet, which in itself is quite tough. Lemon improves digestion, removes toxins from the body. Due to this, weight loss occurs. In principle, in order to lose weight, it is not necessary to torment yourself with a strict diet. It will be enough to limit yourself in the use of harmful foods and add frozen lemon. It will significantly help in this, but we must not forget about caution, as well as the need to drink at least 6 glasses of ordinary water a day in order to regulate the acidity in the body.

It is also worth observing a few simple rules:

1. Water with the addition of slices of frozen lemon should not be cold, as this adversely affects the metabolism.
2. For an improved diet effect, eat more fruits and vegetables.
3. It is better to drink lemon drinks in small sips, this will reduce the feeling of hunger.

Speaking of lemon drinks. When frozen, this fruit can be added not only to plain water, but also to tea, as well as mixed with ginger and honey. Such a drink is not only healthy, but also very tasty.

Frozen Lemon in Medicine

In addition to the general strengthening effect of lemon on the heart, blood vessels, intestines and nervous system, which was described above, it also has another very important feature. Relatively recently, this fruit was recognized as one of those natural products that help to successfully fight a number of oncological diseases, such as cancer of the intestines, digestive organs, lungs, breast, in women and prostate in men. Long-term studies by scientists in this area have shown that the substances that make up the lemon have the same effect as chemotherapy, which modern hospitals use to slow the growth of cancer cells. In this case, it was found that the use of lemon contributes to the destruction of diseased cells, while healthy ones remain in place.

Application in cosmetology

As mentioned earlier, lemon is very beneficial for the skin due to its cleansing properties. This is known to both industrial cosmetics manufacturers and ordinary average women, who most often prefer natural skin care products.

To improve the appearance, you can use lemon juice, frozen slices or zest. Based on these components, various face masks are made. Modern cosmetics manufacturers use lemon to create anti-aging creams and products for removing age spots that can appear on the face due to menopause and age-related changes. Homemade masks using lemon extract help fight the appearance of dark spots, contribute to a slight whitening of the skin, tighten it and affect the tone.It depends on the content of ascorbic acid in lemon juice, which favorably affects the upper layers of the epidermis.

On the basis of frozen lemon, various face masks can be made. You can use whole slices or just pulp. It is recommended to add honey, eggs, cosmetic clay and other fruits, such as kiwi. Using lemon to make masks at home, basic precautions must be observed:

1. Do not use pure lemon juice, it can damage the skin before a burn.
2. Before using the cooked product, test it on the inside of the wrist to make sure there is no allergic reaction.
3. Avoid getting the mask in your eyes, otherwise you risk a chemical burn of the mucous membrane.

Lemon is very good for hair. It helps strengthen and improve the structure of the hair thanks to the vitamins and oils contained in it. It helps in the fight against such an unpleasant manifestation as dandruff. The use of lemon juice is indispensable for blondes, it perfectly brightens curls and makes them more shiny.

When using this fruit for hair care, you should pay attention to the fact that with dry scalp it is better to add oils to it to avoid overdrying.

Harm and contraindications

Use frozen lemon, despite its beneficial properties, should be used with caution.

1. All citrus fruits, including lemon, are strong allergens. The fact that it undergoes freezing does not relieve it of this property. Therefore, people prone to allergic reactions should be especially careful.
2. Frequent use helps increase the acidity of the stomach, so if there is already such a problem, it is better to refrain from consuming lemons even in frozen form.
3. Lemon is contraindicated for people suffering from diseases of the stomach - ulcers, gastritis. It can only exacerbate the problem.
4. Hypertensive patients should monitor their condition after drinking lemon, because it can provoke a sharp increase in blood pressure due to the ability to increase vascular tone.

How to freeze lemon

In order for the fruit to benefit, it must be properly prepared. If the conditions are violated, lemon may lose its beneficial properties. Before you send the fruits to the freezer, you need to prepare them, that is, how to properly wash them from the means that they are processed for storage at bases and in stores. It is necessary to wash using soap and a brush, and then be sure to rinse with boiling water. If the peel is damaged in places or has dark spots, then they must be cut off.

You can freeze lemons in different ways.

Whole

So they will be as fresh. The only minus can find for themselves the owners of small freezers - whole lemons take up a lot of space.

Slices

Finely chopped fruits, finely chop, put them on parchment and freeze. After freezing, transfer to a plastic container for food storage.

Chopped pulp

It can be frozen in a container or in single-use molds, cutting off the zest before chopping.

Zest freeze

The zest for freezing can be grated and frozen in a plastic container - this is the most convenient way to store.

Frozen juice

After squeezing the lemon juice, strain it from the pulp and seeds and pour into molds to freeze the ice. After you can put them in a bag with a zip fastener.

You can use any method you like, because they all retain the properties of the fruit. So, if you urgently needed a lemon, it is not necessary to run after it to the store, it is enough to open the freezer.

How to use frozen lemon

It can be used as an additive in dishes to give a unique taste or for medicinal purposes. For example:

1. The most popular way to use frozen lemon slices is to add them to slightly cooled tea to preserve all the vitamins and beneficial properties.
2. Slices of lemon as an additive in fruit drinks, compotes and herbal decoctions will help support the body during colds, as well as vitamin deficiency. Lemon goes well with honey. We can’t just forget that the water should be used warm.
3. Grated lemon peel can be put in the dough, it will give the finished baked goods an interesting taste and color.
4. Lemon pulp can be added to a vegetable salad if it does not have mayonnaise. It will preserve and enhance the taste of vegetables.
5. Food lovers who like to eat pasta with sugar, cottage cheese, cheese, etc., can try adding a little grated lemon pulp to them. The taste is unusual, but very interesting.

If you want to add variety to your diet, you can add chopped frozen citrus to various mashed soups. It's an amateur, but worth a try.

There are also options for adding frozen lemon to a marinade for meat or fish, in a vegetable salad, or as an additive to cream ice cream.

How to make frozen lemonade lemonade

Making a delicious refreshing drink is another way to process frozen lemons. This lemonade is loved by both adults and children, especially its popularity in the hot summer.

There are many original and sophisticated recipes for making lemonade with the addition of various herbs, spices, tropical fruits, but the classic version using lemon, sugar and water remains unrivaled. In terms of cooking time, he also leads, you will need only 10-15 minutes.

To prepare you will need:

• 3 cups of hot water;
• 2 medium lemons;
• 2-3 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar.

Lemons are best taken in slices. Pour them into the container in which lemonade will be prepared, pour hot water. Important: do not pour out all the water, but leave a little for the syrup. A syrup is made by mixing sugar with this water. Pour the finished syrup into lemonade, mix, cover and leave to brew. After the lemonade has cooled, add ice cubes to it and serve. Garnish glasses under lemonade with slices of lemon or other fruits. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint. In one of the similar recipes, sugar is replaced with honey. So the drink will turn out more natural.

Interesting facts about lemons

The following are interesting facts about the "sunny" fruit:

1. The homeland of lemons is India. There they still grow in the wild.
2. Lemons are an antimicrobial. Since ancient times, water with lemon juice has been used to wash hands to disinfect them, and more diluted drank to protect against intestinal infections.
3. Fruit strengthens nails. This fact is known to women who practice lemon nail trays as a prevention of fragility and delamination.
4. Essential oil is made from lemon peel.
5. If the lemon is ripe, there is practically no bitterness in it.
6. Lemon boosts mood. This is facilitated by the essential oils that his skin gives off.
7. The product helps fight insomnia and fatigue.
8. For a very long time in Europe, lemons were considered an ornamental plant, although in Asia they were already in full use for medicinal purposes.
9. When Alexander the Great brought lemons to India after a trip to India, they were called “Indian apples” because they were really “apple-sweet” sweet.
10. Lemon removes excess salt in the dish.
11. The tradition of catching a slice of lemon from tea and eating it went after Shostakovich did it while at a dinner party with Queen Elizabeth II, in the UK. They say that the queen followed his example, and after her all her courtiers.
12. Spaniards consider lemon a symbol of unrequited love.Thus, the girl could send the cavalier a lemon as a sign that she would not accept his courtship and try to leave it better.
13. There is such a delicacy - pickled lemon. It is difficult to imagine its taste, but in India they still believe that this is the best way to preserve the beneficial properties of the fruit.