What are the health benefits of boiling lemons ?

However, scientific studies into the nutritional values and health benefits of boiled lemons specifically are scarce.

Lemons are naturally high in vitamin C and several other vitamins and minerals, but boiling them may actually reduce the amount of nutrients they contain.

Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional benefits of lemons when boiled or mixed with boiled water.

 Possible health benefits

Here are several possible health benefits associated with boiling lemons. The following sections look at some of these in more detail.

 Improves the skin’s appearance

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that protects skin cells from damaging free radicals, thereby reducing the signs of aging.

It may also stimulate collagen production, giving the skin a plumper, firmer appearance and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

 Lowers blood pressure

Lemons are good sources of minerals that may help lower blood pressure, such as calcium and potassium.

 Boosts immunity

The vitamin C in lemons may help boost the body’s immune system, protecting it against respiratory infections.

 Aids weight loss

Although there is no solid evidence to suggest that lemon water is any more effective than plain water at helping people lose weight, it is still a very low calorie beverage.

People who tend to prefer fruit juices and soda drinks to plain water may find that drinking lemon water in place of these beverages will help them lose weight faster.

Most people prefer to add slices of lemon to hot water, or boil lemon in water, to create a lemony beverage. However, more and more people are discovering that boiled whole lemons can take the place of preserved lemons, adding flavor and texture to dishes.

Here are three alternative ways to prepare a boiled water and lemon beverage.

 Method 1

1.  Cut a fresh lemon in half.
2.  Squeeze the lemon or use a lemon juicer to remove the juice, and discard any peel or pips.
3.  Add the strained lemon juice to a glass of freshly boiled water and allow it to cool before drinking.

 Method 2

1.  Cut a lemon into slices or quarters.
2.  Add a piece of lemon to a freshly boiled cup of water.
3.  Allow it to cool before drinking.

 Method 3

1.  Bring a small pot of water to the boil.
2.  Slice a fresh, washed lemon into quarters and add to the water.
3.  Boil for around 3 minutes.
4.  Allow it to cool before drinking.

People who find lemon water too bitter to drink may like to add a spoonful of honey to sweeten the taste.

People who prefer to use boiled lemon as an added ingredient to dishes may prefer to boil the lemon for longer. This may be for around 20–30 minutes, depending on its size.

It is likely that lemons have less nutritional value when cooked. Cooking certain fruits or vegetables can break down vitamins and minerals, which can leach into the cooking water.

People who are boiling lemons to eat the lemons whole may want to save the cooking water to use as an additional beverage.