The Ancient Egyptians believed that drinking lemon juice or eating lemons could protect them from many types of poison. Although several recent studies proved this fact, lemons have other powerful health benefits. They’re fortified with citric acid, magnesium, calcium, bioflavonoids, vitamin C, pectin, and limonene, and have potent immune-boosting, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Lemons provide nutrients essential for your health and good maintenance of your body. Here’s why you should keep loving lemons:

Thanks to their high antioxidant content, lemons help to protect your skin from the sun and pollution damage, prevent and reduce wrinkles, combat acne and maintain a healthy complexion. Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C that plays a significant role in the production of collagen, providing a skin-rejuvenating effect. Adding lemons to your diet is one of the most effective ways to keep your skin as well as body young and fresh.

Lemons are often used in dental care. While lemon juice may be too acidic, lemon water is perfect for your teeth. Add a drop of lemon juice to your toothpaste or use lemon water (without sugar, of course) as a mouthwash to get rid of bad breath instantly. To create a quick homemade mouthwash, mix a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in a glass of warm water. Never rub your teeth with lemon juice. I know many people do it to prevent gum disease and tooth pain, but this method can do more harm than good.

Lemon juice contains a soluble fiber, pectin that has been shown to promote weight loss. Drinking lemon water (I don’t recommend drinking fresh lemon juice as it is, because it’s highly acidic) in the morning helps to speed up your metabolism, cleanse your body and promote weight loss. It also helps to eliminate waste from your body.