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9Citron juice is a unique source of valuable vitamins and minerals
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the EdaPlus.info project E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract. Citron juice is an excellent vitamin supplement that helps to fully saturate the body with the necessary nutrients and microelements without the use of pharmaceutical products. Boost your immunity, protect yourself from viruses and ubiquitous microbes during the cold season, prevent the development of oncology and diabetes, and simply improve your mood - all this can be done with a delicious refreshing drink made from citron pulp.
Key words: citron, citron juice, useful properties, contraindications, composition, calorie content
The citrus fruit, resembling a large bumpy lemon, is one of the most ancient fruits on our planet. The benefits and unique properties of citron (etrog, cedrat) were mentioned in their treatises by ancient authors. He has not lost popularity in our days, especially among admirers of traditional medicine. Citron juice is also rich in a variety of useful substances and vitamins. And although it is almost impossible to find such a unique drink on the shelves of domestic stores, you can cook it yourself.
Composition and calories
The pulp of the fruit is low-calorie (100 grams of the product contains 34 kcal) and not too juicy (compared to other citrus fruits) - it contains only 70% water. In addition, it contains practically no fats (0.1%), a minimum of proteins (0.9%) and very few carbohydrates (3%). But vitamins and useful trace elements in citron are abundant. In particular, it contains:
• Potassium (163 mg). The mineral is responsible for bone health [1] , proper muscle function (helps to get rid of cramps) and the cardiovascular system [2] , improves body performance, promotes mental clarity, and normalizes metabolism.
• Calcium (40 mg). It stabilizes the acid-base balance of the body, prevents acidosis, regulates the production of hormones, including insulin [3] , accelerates metabolism and helps in weight loss, promotes the growth of healthy bones [4] and teeth, and prevents the development of osteoporosis. [5]
• Phosphorus (22 mg). The microelement plays an important role in the correct and stable functioning of the body: it helps the correct absorption of calcium [6] , promotes the formation of healthy bone and nervous tissues, improves metabolism and accelerates the process of losing weight.
• Vitamin C (40 mg). Ascorbic acid, contained in sufficient quantities in citrus fruits, has pronounced antioxidant properties [7] : reduces the development of inflammation [8] , prevents the growth of cancer cells [9] , rejuvenates the body, slows down cognitive impairment (including helping to fight Alzheimer's disease and dementia [10] ), has a positive effect on the condition of the skin - it improves the natural production of collagen, making it more elastic and toned.
• Vitamin B9, or folic acid. It prevents the development of anemia, restores immunity, promotes the proper formation of fetal organs [11] and the birth of a healthy baby, helps normalize blood sugar levels, and has antidepressant properties. [12]
Citron juice also contains fiber useful for the full functioning of the body and numerous organic acids, mono- and disaccharides, and other trace elements.
Top 6 Health Benefits of Citron Juice
1. Reduces heart muscle inflammation
The drink, rich in flavonoids, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the heart muscle. With the systematic use of citron fresh, the manifestations of myocarditis decrease, the work of the cardiovascular system as a whole improves. [13]
2. Can be used as an immunostimulant
The pulp of citron contains many unique bioflavonoids [14] , antioxidants of plant origin, which have a very beneficial effect on the body - they improve the functioning of all organs as a whole, increase immunity, and the body's resistance to various infections. [15] In anticipation of the season of viruses and colds, add to the family's diet such a tasty and very healthy drink as freshly squeezed citron juice!
3. Protects the liver from damage
Fresh citrus has powerful antioxidant properties, acts as a natural hepatoprotector - protects liver cells from damage by drugs. [16] Restore your body after taking powerful drugs with a tasty and healthy citrus drink!
4. Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Studies confirm that the liquid obtained from the pulp of the citron is excellent at fighting germs and bacteria. [17] In its original concentrated form, it can be used to treat various skin inflammations (acne, pimples, boils), and also consumed as a drink diluted with water to prevent diseases of internal organs - relieve pain and reduce inflammation of the gastric and intestinal mucosa.
5. Helps fight diabetes
Juice obtained from the whole fruit (processed together with the peel, in which valuable essential oils are concentrated [18] ), helps to speed up metabolism, significantly lower blood cholesterol levels, and shows good results in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
6. Has a diuretic effect
In addition to the fact that citron juice has antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic and other beneficial properties, it also has a powerful diuretic effect [19] - removes all excess fluid from the body, is an excellent helper in the fight against cellulite.
Citron juice is widely used in cooking, for making drinks and desserts, as well as in cosmetology. Freshly squeezed concentrated fresh juice has excellent whitening properties (evens out complexion), helps in lightening freckles.
Contraindications and possible harm of drinking citron juice
Citrus fruits, which include citron, are one of the strongest allergens. [20] Therefore, citron juice is contraindicated for people suffering from food allergies. It should be used with caution in the presence of ulcers, erosive gastritis. It can also cause migraines. Studies show that many foods, including citrus fruits, which include zest, can trigger headaches. [21] If you notice that after tasting a refreshing drink your head starts to hurt, most likely, drinking citron juice is contraindicated for you.
How to Prepare and Store Citron Juice
The pulp of the citron is not too juicy (therefore, it is practically not consumed fresh, marmalades, salad dressings, etc. are prepared), but you can also squeeze fresh from it, like from other citrus fruits. Due to the increased acidity (it tastes like a lemon), such juice is most often additionally diluted with water or other sweeter fresh juices to obtain a vitamin refreshing drink.
Expert comment
Tatyana Eliseeva, nutritionist
Citron juice is an excellent vitamin supplement that helps to fully saturate the body with the necessary nutrients and microelements without the use of pharmaceutical products. Boost your immunity, protect yourself from viruses and ubiquitous microbes during the cold season, prevent the development of oncology and diabetes, and simply improve your mood - all this can be done with a delicious refreshing drink made from citron pulp. Add it to your diet to see for yourself its benefits and effectiveness!
Literature
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2. Stone, MS, Martyn, L., & Weaver, CM (2016). Potassium intake, bioavailability, hypertension, and glucose control. Nutrients, 8(7), 444. DOI: 10.3390/nu8070444
3. Draznin, B. (1988). Intracellular calcium, insulin secretion, and action. The American journal of medicine, 85(5), 44-58. DOI: 10.1016/0002-9343(88)90397-s
4. Prentice, A. (1994). Calcium intakes and bone densities of lactating women and breast-fed infants in The Gambia. Nutrient Regulation during Pregnancy, Lactation, and Infant Growth, 243-255. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-2575-6_22
5. Cashman, K.D. (2002). Calcium intake, calcium bioavailability and bone health. British journal of Nutrition, 87(S2), S169-S177. DOI: 10.1079/BJNBJN/2002534
6. Schryver, HF, Hintz, HF, & Lowe, JE (1971). Calcium and phosphorus inter-relationships in horse nutrition. Equine veterinary journal, 3(3), 102-109. DOI: 10.1111/ j.2042-3306.1971.tb 04449.x
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8. Miles, EA, & Calder, PC (2021). Effects of citrus fruit juices and their bioactive components on inflammation and immunity: a narrative review. Frontiers in immunology, 12, 2558. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712608
9. Fritz, H., Seely, D., McGowan, J., Skidmore, B., Fernandes, R., Kennedy, D.A., ... & Fergusson, D. (2014). Black cohosh and breast cancer: a systematic review. Integrative cancer therapies, 13(1), 12-29. DOI: 10.1177/1534735414534463
10. Travica, N., Ried, K., Sali, A., Scholey, A., Hudson, I., & Pipingas, A. (2017). Vitamin C status and cognitive function: a systematic review. Nutrients, 9(9), 960. DOI: 10.3390/nu9090960
11. van Gool, JD, Hirche, H., Lax, H., & De Schaepdrijver, L. (2018). Folic acid and primary prevention of neural tube defects: A review. Reproductive toxicology, 80, 73-84. DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.05.004
12. Paul, RT, McDonnell, AP, & Kelly, CB (2004). Folic acid: neurochemistry, metabolism and relationship to depression. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 19(7), 477-488. DOI: 10.1002/hup.614
13. Al-Yahya, MA, Mothana, RA, Al-Said, MS, El-Tahir, KE, Al-Sohaibani, M., & Rafatullah, S. (2013). Citrus medica "Otroj": attenuates oxidative stress and cardiac dysrhythmia in isoproterenol-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. Nutrients, 5(11), 4269-4283. DOI: 10.3390/nu5114269
14. Yin, W., Song, ZR, Liu, JQ, & Zhang, G.S. (2015). Chemical constituents of Citrus medica fruit. Zhong yao cai= Zhongyaocai= Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials, 38(10), 20912094. PMID: 27254921
15. Ma, QG, Tang, Y., Sang, ZP, Dong, JH, & Wei, R. R. (2021). Structurally diverse biflavonoids from the fruits of Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle and their hypolipidemic and immunosuppressive activities. Bioorganic Chemistry, 117, 105450. DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105450
16. Mondal, M., Saha, S., Sarkar, C., Hossen, MS, Hossain, MS, Khalipha, ABR, ... & Kundu, SK (2021). Role of Citrus medica L. Fruits Extract in Combatting the Hematological and Hepatic Toxic Effects of Carbofuran. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 34(8), 1890-1902. DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox .1c00166
17. Fratianni, F., Cozzolino, A., De Feo, V., Coppola, R., Ombra, MN, & Nazzaro, F. (2019). Polyphenols, antioxidant, antibacterial, and biofilm inhibitory activities of peel and pulp of Citrus medica L., Citrus bergamia, and Citrus medica cv. Salo cultivated in southern Italy. Molecules, 24(24), 4577. DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244577
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20. Speer, F. (1975). multiple food allergies. Annals of Allergy, 34(2), 71-76. PMID: 1173207
21. Leira, R., & Rodriguez, R. (1996). Diet and migraine. Revista de Neurologia, 24(129), 534538. PMID: 8681169
Received 01.06.2023 5
Citron Juice is a unique source of valuable vitamins and minerals
Eliseeva Tatyana, editor-in-chief of the project EdaPlus.info E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract. Citron Juice is an excellent vitamin supplement that helps to saturate the body with essential nutrients and microelements without the use of pharmacies. To increase immunity, protect yourself from viruses and ubiquitous germs during the cold season, prevent the development of cancer and diabetes and simply improve your mood - all this is possible with a delicious refreshing drink made from the pulp of the citron.
