Did you know the Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a variety of poisons, and that recent research has confirmed this belief? Health benefits of lemon include cure for scurvy,remedy for oral diseases, strengthening the immune system.

1. Health benefits of Lemon for babies-
http://parentinghealthybabies.com/health_benefits_lemon_for_babie/
Health benefits of lemon include cure for scurvy, remedy for digestive issues, cure for
diarrhea, is a remedy for oral diseases, strengthens the immune system, fights against cold
and cures and prevents cholera.
Lemon is one of the important fruits in
the citrus group. Lemon offers various
health benefits for both children as well
as adults. Lemon is considerably a large
fruit which grows to the size of an apple
or more. When lemon is ripe, the outer
layer would turn yellow in colour and it
offers good amount of juice with little
seeds.
Lemon is thought to have originated in
India in and around the north western
region. It is cultivated here at an altitude
of about 4000 ft above sea level. It is
believed to have been introduced to the
Mediterranean region and Europe
between 11th
and 12th
centuries. Lemons are very popular in the Mediterranean cuisine as a
beautiful addition to their salads. Lemons are also popular in Europe and also in the
Americas, after introducing them during 18th
and 19th
centuries. Lemonade, squashes, jams,
jellies and marmalades prepared in the US, UK and other European countries is an example
of the popularity.
Lemons are one of the best fruits to be taken during summers. The juice of lemon or even
lime is ideal in helping recover from the hot sun and hydrates us well. The juice not only re-
hydrates our body, but also supplies essential vitamins and minerals that are easily lost when
exposed to heat wave.
Nutrition found in lemon
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Nutrient Database for
Standard Reference, the nutrition found in lemon include
Nutritional Component Value per 100 g Nutritional Component Value per 100 g
Water 88.98 g Energy 29 kcal
Protein 1.10 g Total Lipid 0.30 g
Carbohydrate 9.32 g Fiber 2.8 g
Sugar 2.50 g Calcium 26 mg

2. Iron 0.60 mg Magnesium 8 mg
Phosphorous 16 mg Potassium 138 mg
Sodium 2 mg Zinc 0.06 mg
Vitamin C 53 mg Thiamin 0.040 mg
Riboflavin 0.020 mg Niacin 0.100 mg
Vitamin B-6 0.080 mg Folate 11 ug
Vitamin A 22 IU Vitamin E 0.15 mg
Can lemon be given to babies?
This question appears in the minds of most parents due to the fact that babies cannot take the
sour flavor of lemon and concern about the acidity contained in lemon. There is also concern
about allergies for citrus fruits.
Yes, due to the above mentioned reasons, until the baby is about 10-12 months old, avoid
giving lemon slices directly to the baby. Instead you can give diluted lemon juice after six
months of age. Another reason for avoiding lemon is allergy to citrus fruits. Only juice can be
given but that too in small quantities and in diluted form.
Health benefits of lemon
Leaving the disadvantages behind, let’s talk about the advantages of giving lemon to your
child. Some of the health benefits of lemon include
Ideal juice during summers: Lemons are an ideal choice during summers. Lemon juice is
known to restore water levels in the body and supplies the body with required vitamins and
minerals.
Scurvy: Scurvy is a form of skin and oral disease which is caused due to lack of ascorbic
acid and vitamin C in the diet. In the 18th
century, scurvy was seen mostly among sailors and
by carrying citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges on their voyages, scurvy was
reduced. In early 20th
century scurvy resurfaced in the United States among children and
again citrus fruits were suggested. Though, there is no more scurvy now, there can be few
exceptions. By taking two tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass of water with sugar, two or
three times a day, reduces scurvy completely. (HK Bakhru, Foods That Heal).
Cure for digestive problems: Many issues related to the digestive system can be reduced by
taking lemon juice. The acidity of lemon juice has anthelmintic properties, i.e., it kills
intestinal worms. The juice also has digestive properties, so it can be given when your child is
suffering from dyspepsia, constipation, and biliousness.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea in infants is common. When your baby has diarrhea, high concern should
be on restoring the water levels in the body. Apart from the oral rehydration methods, you
could also use lemon juice diluted in water. Take a tablespoon of lemon juice and mix it with
about a glass of water with a pinch of salt and sugar and feed it to the baby slowly.
(McIntyre, Herbal Treatment of Children: Western And Ayurvedic Perspectives).
Remedy for oral diseases: Oral diseases can be quite common in children. Vitamin C acts as
a good remedy for mouth ulcers. Pieces of ripe lemon can be taken directly. But do not give

3. more than 1-2 pieces because the acidity in lemon can damage the soft enamel on your
child’s teeth.
Boosts immune system: The vitamin C found in lemon is ideal for maintaining a strong
immune system. As we all know, immune system is very important for protecting us against
diseases causing microbes. Children are at particular risk due to their under developed
immune system. Giving them diluted lemon juice regularly strengthens their immune system
and protects them against disease causing bacteria and viruses.
Fights cold: One of the most frequent diseases that children get is cold. By giving lemon
juice regularly, you can easily cure your child’s cold. Lemon not only cures cold but also
influenza. In fact, first influenza epidemic in London in 1931 was cured more by lemons than
by doctors.
Cure for and prevention of cholera: Lemon is also very effective against cholera. The acid
from lemon kills the cholera bacteria within a short period of time. Lemon juice can also be
taken during cholera epidemic to be immune against it. Regular intake of lemon juice
prevents spreading of cholera, especially in children.
Measures to be taken before giving lemon to your child
Some measures have to be taken before giving lemon to your child, since, it is sour in taste
and can be allergic to your child. With these measures, you can make sure that your child is
safe and at the same time gets all the health benefits.
At what age can lemon be given to my baby? You can start giving diluted lemon
juice to your baby at about 6 months of age. In the beginning, add a teaspoon of sugar
to cover up the sour taste of lemon. But, do not give lemon slices directly to your
child, even if he or she is 1, 2 or even older. One of the reasons being, the ascorbic
acid in lemon can damage the enamel on the teeth and increases tooth sensitivity.
What about citrus allergies? Citrus allergies are a concern among many parents. If
you have a history of citrus allergies in your families, avoid giving lemon juice to
your baby until he or she is at least 1 year old. If you find diaper rash or rashes around
lips and mouth, take the baby to pediatrician and according to the doctor’s advice
avoid the fruit from the diet. This can include commercial baby food preparations.
Read the labels for citrus ingredients. In the long run, there are great chances that your
baby can develop tolerance for citrus fruits, but until then, keep your baby away from
citrus fruits such as lemon.
Lemonade Recipe: Lemonade is one of the most popular lemon drinks in the world.
It is spread across the world so much so that every region has its own way of
preparing one with its own flavor. A lemon the size of an orange or an apple would
yield about 40-50 ml of juice and with 40-50 g sugar it can be mixed in about 2
glasses of water. Mix all the ingredients well in a jug until the sugar is completely
dissolved. Serve chilled.
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