Sweet on Lemons
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List of Ingredients
Seven Reasons to Give Healthy Lemons a Loving Squeeze
Lemons, or "golden apples," were once traded throughout the world as a
rare and precious commodity. They were cultivated in Palestine, and
perhaps Greece, as early as the first century AD.
The first lemons had many uses. They were, of course, used to flavor
and preserve food, but also their juice was used for antidotes to poison
and venom, women would use them to redden their lips and sailors ate
them to combat scurvy.
In fact, scurvy ran rampant during the California Gold Rush and miners
were willing to pay $1 for one lemon-that's like paying $17 today!
Other people savored lemons for their healing and soothing properties to
the skin and body.
Today about one-fourth of the world's lemons are grown in the United
States (mostly in California). Many Americans enjoy them in the form of
lemonade, but lemon consumption ranked only eighth among other major
fresh fruits, according to the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA).
Lemons can add tangy flavor and intense nutrients to your meals. Plus,
they're great for your skin and keeping your counters clean!
1. Lemons are High in Nutrients
Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin B6, iron and potassium, and a
very good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. They also contain
calcium, copper, folic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.
2. Lemons are Rich in Bioflavonoids
Lemons are a tasty source of bioflavonoids, which are natural compounds
in some fruits and vegetables. If you haven't yet heard of them, you
soon will. Here are just some of the reasons why you could benefit from
bioflavonoids in your diet:
They protect against damage caused by free radicals, and enhance the
antioxidant effects of some nutrients.
They help maintain capillaries and help the blood clot. Weak
capillaries can lead to easy bruising, brain and retinal hemorrhages, bleeding
gums and other abnormalities.
They may help prevent heart diseases.
They act as natural antibiotics and may protect the body from
cancer-causing substances.
3. Lemon Juice is Anti-Bacterial
You can use a solution of half lemon juice and half hot water as an
effective gargle for mouth ulcers, canker sores and sore throats. The
anti-bacterial properties make it highly effective, plus it's inexpensive
and pleasant tasting. Lemon juice can even be dabbed directly on cold
sores.
When Life Gives You Lemons … Some Lemony Tips to Use
A room temperature lemon will yield more juice than a cold one.
Fresh lemon juice can be frozen in ice cube trays and saved for
later use.
Meat can be tenderized by marinating it in lemon juice.
Put lemon wedges inside a chicken and bake for a tasty meal.
Squeezing lemon juice on steaming vegetables will keep the colors
bright.
When using the lemon peel, such as for lemon zest, wash it
thoroughly first.
Lemons can be kept in a refrigerator crisper for about four weeks.
Lemons with green tinges will be more sour, as they haven't fully
ripened yet.
Did you know that one lemon tree can grow 3,000 lemons in one year?
4. They Can Make Your Meals Healthier
Lemon juice is so tangy and flavorful that you can add it to a variety
of foods-while emitting less desirable ingredients like salt and
unhealthy fats. Fresh lemon juice added to your drinking water is an easy and
tasty way to add nutrients to your diet and makes a great replacement
for soda or other sweetened beverages.
5. Lemons May Lower Your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels
Lemon pulp and skin contains pectin, a compound that studies have found
may reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood sugar levels in
diabetics. Modified pectins may also prevent the spread of cancer.
6. Lemon Juice Makes an Excellent Cleanser
Lemon juice is antiseptic, meaning it fights disease-causing bacteria.
A combination of baking soda, lemon juice and water makes a great
natural and safe cleaner (many common household cleaners pose real health
dangers) that can be used on countertops, microwaves, showers, bathrooms
and more. For an even better clean, you can use it in conjunction with
PerfectClean's Terry Cloths (or you can even just use them dry!).
Lemon juice also acts as a bleaching agent that can be used to remove
stains from cotton or linens.
7. Lemons are Good for Your Skin
If you have acne, rubbing slices of lemon onto your skin and then
rinsing with tepid water will help clear pimples. Because lemons are acidic,
be careful using this remedy if you have sensitive skin or try diluting
it with water. Lemons are also a natural exfoliant and will help to
remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin.
So when life gives you lemons … don't just make lemonade. Add a squirt
of lemon juice to your water, a slice of lemon to your fish or some
grated lemon peel to your next batch of cookies. Adding lemons to every
food you can think of is a great way to get some added nutrition and
added taste for very little added cost or effort.
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