Lemons & Weight Loss

When Martha Stewart was released from prison, she was asked what she had missed most. Her answer? "Fresh lemons." And who could blame her? Aside from their bright, rich color and fresh, clean scent, lemons are a powerhouse of vitamins and essential nutrients. No one trying to lose weight should be without a bright bowlful close at hand.

Citric Acid

According to Theresa Cheung, author of "The Lemon Juice Diet", lemons have the highest concentration of citric acid (7% to 8%) of any fruit. Citric acid helps your body absorb certain minerals, like calcium. Supplement manufacturers bind the calcium to citric acid in a process called "chelation."

A body that is starved for essential nutrients will not shed pounds easily, so adding lemons to your diet is a good idea.

Vitamin C

A June 2005 study by Carol Johnston at the Arizona State University East Department of Nutrition found that "Individuals with adequate vitamin C status oxidize 30 percent more fat during a moderate exercise bout than individuals with low vitamin C status; thus, vitamin C-depleted individuals may be more resistant to fat mass loss."

Simply put, if you are not getting enough vitamin C, you will not lose weight. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C.

Pectin

A 2008 study published in the Silpakorn University Science and Technology Journal showed that consuming pectin will reduce the levels of cholesterol in your blood. The authors suggest that pectin increases the viscosity of your intestinal tract which makes it harder for you to absorb cholesterol, which means you will store less fat.

Lemon peel contains 30 percent pectin. Adding slivers of fresh peel to soups, stews, seafood and stir-fries adds valuable nutrition as well as a splash of color.

Salt Substitute

The Mayo Clinic tells us that while only 11 percent percent of the sodium in our diets comes from the salt shaker---processed foods account for a whopping 77 percent of the salt we take in. Unless you are carefully reading every label, you are probably taking in way more sodium than you think.

Salt can make you retain water, which makes weight loss frustrating. Cooking fresh food and seasoning with lemons instead of salt or commercial spices will lower your sodium intake, as well as adding a tangy kick to your cooking.

Uses in Weight Loss

Start your day with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in warm water to kick-start your digestive tract.

Lemon juice and olive oil with a little salt and pepper makes an excellent salad dressing.

Peel a lemon and toss it in the blender with cold water and a touch of pure maple syrup for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Soak lemon slices and a stick of cinnamon in a pitcher of water overnight for a flavorful alternative to plain water or sugary sodas.

Squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over chicken, fish and vegetable before grilling for a wonderfully fresh taste.