Lemon

Key Health Actions: Antiseptic, Antibacterial, digestive aid, detox-cleanse, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Excerpt: Originating in Asia, lemons now grow in mainly tropical and subtropical climates. Lemons are used for nutrition, culinary and non-culinary purposes. Lemon juice is 5% to 6% citric acid, giving it a sour taste. Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, acting as a powerful free radical neutralizer and essential for optimal cell health. Bioflavanoids, pectin, limonene, alpha terpinene, alpha pinene and beta pinene all work to strengthen capillary walls and enhance heart and cell health. Lemon is a useful antiseptic, digestive aid, detox-cleanse agent, antioxidant and much more. It is one of the most useful home remedy elements and useful fruits.

Discussion:

Lemons are a small evergreen tree native to Asia. Lemons are one if the most useful of citrus fruits with a wide use of home remedies. The health and beauty benefits from a lemon are seemingly endless! Most noted for its antibacterial qualities, this citrus does far more than keep unwanted bacteria at bay…

Lemons work on a cellular level to help balance the body’s natural, optimal state. Though it seems acidic, it actually has an alkalizing effect and helps to reduce hyperacidity in the stomach.

Lemons have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and purifying properties that help cleanse and calm a variety of conditions. The peel of a lemon provides essential oils that assist the immune system and the elimination of toxins through lymph fluid. Add some lemon juice to a little water and gargle to disinfect mouth and throat wounds. Add a full squeezed lemon to one 8oz glass of water for a daily gentle detox and digestive stimulant.

Lemon juice helps stimulate digestive juices to optimize the intake of iron and calcium from your diet. Amazingly, it encourages purification through perspiration, yet helps mask the odor by inhibiting the bacteria that causes it. A cup of tea made from lemon leaves can help reduce fever, relieve cramps, enhance relaxation and promote a better quality of sleep. Other conditions which lemon can help remedy are: gout, arthritis, nausea, heartburn, coughs, asthma, nervousness, heart palpitations and disease of the stomach, liver and intestine.

For beauty purposes, lemon juice acts as a natural astringent to eliminate excess oil in the skin. Lemons are famed for their brightening potential due to photo-sensitizing qualities. When applied topically it can lighten both skin and hair. Be cautious when doing so because it does enhance the power of UV rays.

The best lemons are those that are fully ripe and feel heavy for their size. Most often, the heavier a lemon feels the juicier it will be. The thicker the skin, the less juice it will contain. A tinge of green indicates it will be slightly more acidic. Consider which form of lemon you purchase—conventional lemons tend to have wax and other compound coatings to extend shelf life, while commercial lemon juice often contains sulfite preservatives. Organic lemons are recommended for highest nutritional value. Storing them in the refrigerator reduces the respiration rate, helping to preserve nutrients and extend shelf life (up to 10 days).

Last but not least, take note: lemons are one of the easiest things to add to your diet since they enhance the natural flavor of just about everything! Cook with them often and enjoy.

Sample Recipe:

A traditional drink of lemon and honey is often used for colds, flu, coughs and digestive disorders. To punch it up, add ginger, garlic, vitamin C and other potent antioxidants. Here is a fun video of a “juicer” juicing raw fruits and vegetables is the greatest way to start your day, especially if you punch it up by adding a superfood, especially one with a protein foundation: