Reasons why you should not squeeze lemon into hot noodles or pho
Squeezing lemon into hot food is not harmful to health but it prevents the body from absorbing nutrients, especially vitamin C.
Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C - an essential antioxidant nutrient - which helps improve immunity, iron absorption, and boosthealthof bones, skin, hair and eyes. Some people like to add lemon to dishes because of its aromatic, mildly sour flavor. However, experts advise you not to squeeze lemon into hot food to maximize the nutritional value of this fruit.
Indian nutritionist Juhi Kapoor speaks highly of lemons: “The use of lemons is really important in our daily cooking routine because lemons are rich in vitamin C - an essential nutrient. Our body does not store or produce vitamin C, so regular intake of vitamin C is really important for good health and longevity.”
However, according toIndian Express, Kapoor suggests avoiding squeezing lemons into hot dishes. Vitamin C is sensitive to heat and can be destroyed by heat. “This is why you should avoid adding lemon juice to hot or hot food. This will destroy the vitamin C in the lemon and you won’t get the full benefits,” she adds.
The expert advises that whenever you want to use lemon in food preparation, let the food cool a bit before squeezing the lemon in.
Dr. Sawinder Kaur, Head of the Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University (India), also agrees with the above view: “Vitamin C is sensitive to temperature and light. Vitamin C decomposition can occur at temperatures ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 85-95 degrees Celsius depending on the exposure time. This vitamin is also water-soluble. Adding lemon juice to hot food can destroy the vitamin and affect the activity of enzymes.”
Likewise, you should only drink lemon water at room temperature.
Drinking hot lemon water is very pleasant, especially in cold weather, helping the body feel warm, reducing stuffy nose and sore throat. Meanwhile, iced lemon water brings a refreshing feeling. However, as explained above, hot water can destroy enzymes and vitamin C, and drinking iced lemon water hinders the digestive benefits of this fruit.
Benefits of lemon juice
Lemons are a source of vitamin C, flavonoid phytochemicals and antioxidants that boost your health and well-being in many ways.
Reduce the risk of stroke:The American Heart Association found that citrus fruits, including lemons, may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in women.
Maintain healthy blood pressure:According toFuture Fit, a Japanese study of 101 women found that those who walked and consumed lemons regularly had lower blood pressure than those who did not have these habits.
Cancer Prevention:Antioxidants prevent the formation of cancer-causing free radicals. Meanwhile, lemons are rich in antioxidants.
Asthma Prevention:Research shows that vitamin C offers several important health benefits for people with asthma, including reducing the risk of developing asthma.
Anti-iron deficiency:Iron deficiency anemia is a common nutritional deficiency in developing countries. Combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C, such as lemons, helps the body absorb iron.
