It's that time of year when a lemon means much!

The lemons I ordered yesterday were available for picking up this afternoon. I couldn't wait to peel one and get some lemon water.

The health benefits of lemons are attributed primarily to the high level of vitamin C that the fruit provides.

Prevents Vitamin C Deficiency

Lemons have been used throughout history to manage vitamin C deficiency.

In the late 1700s, the British Navy discovered that scurvy (坏血病）, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, could be cured by eating lemons and oranges. Today, scurvy is a rare disease in developed countries, given that it can be prevented with as little as 10mg of vitamin C (and you'll get more than 30mg in a single lemon).

Improves Heart Health

Studies indicate that a higher vitamin C intake is associated with areduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease and stroke. The benefit is likely due to the  antioxidant content of lemon, which helps to prevent oxidative damage that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Slows Age-Related Decline

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help to prevent cell damage caused by oxidative stress. There is ongoing research about the possible impact that antioxidants can have on the aging process. There is some evidence that they may help improve skin health or even help prevent certain types of diseases associated with aging. So far, however, study results have been mixed.

Improves Eye Health

Researchers are investigating whether a higher intake of vitamin C can help treat or prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) （老年性黄斑变性）and cataracts—common causes of vision decline in older adults. So far, study results have been inconsistent, but research is ongoing.

Supports Immune Function

Vitamin C has been shown to play an important role inimmune function. And while some people take vitamin C supplements or use lemons to prevent or manage the treatment of the common cold, studies regarding its effectiveness have yielded mixed results.

A few large studies have shown that taking a vitamin C  supplement of about 250 mg per day may help certain specific populations reduce the duration of the common colds. But other studies have shown no benefit in the general population.3Also, it is important to note that studies investigating the relationship between the common cold and vitamin C examine supplements, not lemons.

So pamper yourself with lemons!