Olive oil and lemon juice are popular cooking ingredients beloved by amateurs and professionals alike. Not only do they improve the taste of food, but they are also the cornerstone of many recipes. However, did you know that olive oil and lemon juice can also have many medicinal properties? In fact, people all over the world use this combination as a natural remedy.
Intrigued? Then keep reading to find out more about the power of the olive oil and lemon juice mixture.
Can I Mix Lemon Juice With Olive Oil?
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Usually, mixing lemon juice and olive oil should be perfectly fine. There is no research proving that this combination is harmful to your health. Furthermore, they are a popular flavor pairing, and people use the mixture regularly in recipes, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. So, unless you are allergic to any of these ingredients, you shouldn’t worry about mixing them.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Mixture Benefits
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The health benefits of olive oil and lemon juice have been known for ages. Actually, the mixture was first used as a natural remedy in ancient times. From detoxification to adjusting cholesterol levels, here are the remarkable advantages of combining lemon juice and olive oil.
1. Improves Digestion
It’s a known fact that virgin olive oil can act as a laxative. However, when you combine it with lemon juice, which decreases bloating, you create a substance that has the ability to improve the function of your digestive system. Consuming this mixture will reduce bloating while also increasing the number of nutrients that your body absorbs.
2. Detoxification
Olive oil and lemon juice contain a variety of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can neutralize harmful free radicals. By doing so, they prevent cell damage and the risk of many health problems, including cataracts and cardiovascular disease. And let’s not forget that olive oil and lemon mix can also help improve liver function.
3. Enhances the Immune System
Ingesting lemon juice and olive oil is a great way to improve your daily intake of vitamin C. This nutrient helps your immune system work properly. Not only that, but vitamin C can also adjust your pH balance, protecting your body against the flu and colds.
4. Boosts Energy
Due to the amounts of vitamin E and K they contain, lemon juice and olive oil can oxygenate and energize your body. So, by ingesting this mixture early in the morning, you will be able to start your day with an extra kick of energy.
5. Regulates Blood Pressure
The minerals and antioxidants present in lemon juice and olive oil are also known to regulate blood pressure. This is a great breakthrough for people who experience high blood pressure and heart problems. As a result, you should drink a mix of olive oil and lemon juice first thing in the morning, particularly if you suffer from heart problems.
6. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Last but not least, the olive oil and lemon juice combination is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Therefore, they can reduce the levels of cholesterol in your body and maintain the health of your veins and arteries.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Mixture: Potential Downsides
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Generally speaking, there are no specific downsides to combining olive oil and lemon juice. However, each of these components comes with its own potential disadvantages. For starters, a small proportion of people are allergic to lemon or olive oil. So, if you notice any swelling, redness, or rash after consuming these ingredients, you should contact a doctor immediately.
Additionally, acidic foods like lemon juice can harm your tooth enamel. But this only becomes a real issue when you consume lemon juice frequently or if you already have dental problems.
And lastly, olive oil is very calorie-dense. More specifically, one tablespoon provides 119 calories. Thus, you should avoid consuming too much if you are trying to limit your calorie intake.
Can You Drink Olive Oil and Lemon Juice at Night?
To put it simply — yes, you can drink olive oil and lemon juice at night without worrying about any side effects. As a matter of fact, those that follow Mediterranean diets are known to drink olive oil before bed. That’s because it makes them feel full without having to eat late in the evening, reducing hunger. However, remember that you should never use this mixture as a replacement for any meal.
Recipe for Lemon and Olive Oil
Do you want to try lemon juice and olive oil mixture for yourself? Then grab yourself 6 ounces of lukewarm water, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and half a tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients together and drink on an empty stomach 30 minutes before eating. While you won’t notice the changes immediately, over time, you should start experiencing the benefits of this mixture.
