Lemon and oil: Sounds trite, but doctors are clear, a tablespoon a day and you’ll see a difference

The combination of lemon and oil (ideally olive oil) is considered a folk recipe for health in many families. A spoonful of this elixir is often said to have great power. But is it true that this trick works and can boost your immunity and protect your body from many dangers? What does modern medicine think about the whole thing?

Oil with lemon has been a folk remedy since time immemorial. But nowadays, its effects can really be evaluated by experts. If we look at the combination of these two ingredients from a scientific point of view, we get an explanation of why, despite the unpleasant taste, many people regularly use this medicine.

Lemon and oil

Lemon is rich in ingredients with antioxidant and antimicrobial effect. Its essential oil contains, for example, limonene, citral and other so-called monoterpenes, which have been shown to have anti-free radical effects. Studies have shown many times in the past that the substance can reduce oxidative stress. In addition, citrus essential oils show antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli.

Olive oil, especially good quality virgin olive oil, is a source of monounsaturated fats and phenolic compounds. These have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Epidemiological studies show that people with a higher consumption of olive oil had a 19% lower risk of death from cardiac causes, a 17% lower risk of death from cancer, and even a 29% lower risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases over 28 years of follow-up, compared with those who used almost no oil.

Combination of substances

Both oil and lemon have many positive health benefits. However, research looking at their combined effects is in its infancy and scientists often disagree on whether the substances actually have any significant effect on each other. What is certain, however, is that both ingredients are beneficial.

Although many people claim that in combination the substances work far better than if you were to take them separately, these are more likely to be the findings of users themselves or minor practitioners. There is no larger study that reports this yet. This is mainly because the effects would need to be tested over a long period of time and the effects of both substances separately and together over several years would need to be studied.

Dosage and recommendations

If you decide to try using oil with lemon, it is good to follow a few rules. Always choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil with no additives and lemons ideally organic. Start with a smaller dose (for example, one teaspoon of oil + a few drops of lemon) and watch your body’s reaction. For some people, the combination may cause stomach upset, heartburn or irritation of the mucous membranes.

In terms of frequency, it is often recommended to take the elixir in the morning on an empty stomach, about 20-30 minutes before meals, ideally with water to reduce the direct effect of acidic substances on the stomach. Some traditions state one tablespoon per day, but in the absence of evidence , it is preferable to stick to more modest doses.