Even in ancient times, people knew to consume lemon juice and olive oil for amazing benefits. The combination has been lauded as an effective cold remedy and nutritious foods by many experts. In 400 BC, Hippocrates, a famous Greek physician, also referred to as the Father of Medicine, called olive oil the ‘Great Healer.’ He prescribed it to his patients for over 60 medical problems. He also regarded the lemon to be an energizer, helping to counter lethargy and phlegm.
Together, these two ingredients bring amazing benefits to the body, which have also been confirmed by modern research. Here is why you should have lemon juice and olive oil for amazing benefits.
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The Key to Hydration
Men need to get 125 ounces of water per day while women need 91 ounces, according to the Food and Nutrition Board. While water is the best to maintain a hydrated body, some people can still forget to have it as much as they need or may not like the taste on its own. You can turn towards the citrus fruit, lemon, to enhance the flavor of water, which can keep you hydrated.
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Protection against Colds
Olive oil is known for its antibacterial properties since it can kill or inhibit harmful bacteria in the body. Lemon also can also help to limit colds since it contains plenty of vitamin C. Consuming lemon, honey, and olive oil during the flu can help you fight off germs. Olive oil also helps to inhibit the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is known to cause stomach cancer and ulcers. If you take just 30 grams of olive oil daily, you can reduce the risk of an infection in the stomach by 10-40%.
Rich in Vitamin C
Citrus fruits like lemon are a great source of vitamin C that protects the skin from any free radicals out to damage the cells. It can help reduce the risk of strokes, cardiovascular diseases, and lower your blood pressure too.
Prevents Heart Disease and Strokes
Speaking of strokes and heart disease, olive oil also helps to reduce the risk of both these diseases. One study of 841,000 people shows that the monounsaturated fat in olive oil helped to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Another research study of 140,000 people found that those who regularly consumed olive oil had a reduced risk of strokes compared to those that didn’t.
The extra virgin olive oil used in many Mediterranean dishes has resulted in the region having a decreased risk of heart disease. It prevents bad cholesterol from oxidizing, reduces inflammation, prevents excessive blood clotting, and improves the lining of the blood vessels. It can also help to reduce blood pressure by 48%, according to one study.
Supports Weight Loss
Have you packed on the pounds recently? Maybe too much junk food or too many sugary drinks? Well, the good news is that you can lose this weight – so long as you stick to a proper diet. Two foods that you should include in your new, healthy diet is the humble lemon and the ever-present olive oil.
The polyphenol antioxidants in lemons can help to reduce weight in a significant manner, according to research. Lemons can help to improve resistance to insulin and offset any negative impact on the glucose level of the blood. Olive oil may also contain a high amount of fat, but it can have favorable impacts on the weight since they are good fats. One study found that a rich intake of olive oil can be linked to weight loss.
Improves Skin
The vitamin C in lemons is absolutely essential when it comes to the skin. It can reduce dry, wrinkling, or damaged skin, preventing environmental damage to the skin in a major way. A study in 2016 showed how a citrus drink was able to prevent the development of wrinkles in mice.
Olive oil also contains a large number of antioxidants that can reverse the effects of aging on the skin. It also contains vitamins E and K that help to nourish the skin. You should definitely have lemon juice and olive oil for amazing benefits for your skin.
Aids in Digestion
Drinking lemon water in the morning can act as a natural laxative that can reduce the risk of constipation. It can get the digestive system moving so that you can get an energy boost in the morning. In Ayurvedic medicine, the sour taste of the lemon is also known to stimulate the Agni, which can boost your digestive system and remove toxins.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation can be the cause of many dangerous diseases such as cancer, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Olive oil can help to reduce inflammation in the body. The oleic acid in olive oil can help to reduce the C-reactive protein, which is a marker for inflammation. One study also shows that the antioxidants in olive oil can even inhibit proteins and genes that result in inflammation.
Conclusion
Consuming lemon juice and olive oil for amazing benefits should be a regular part of your diet. You will be able to take advantage of many health benefits that both of these combined can offer.
