A Lemon a Day..

August 24, 2015

Lyndall McAlpine

A lemon a day…beats the apple hands down!

Lemons are an excellent source of the powerful antioxidant vitamin C and they also help balance out pH. Although lemons themselves are acidic (citric acid) they contain such high levels of alkaline minerals, and  low levels of sugar that they actually have an alkalising effect on the body once you consume them.

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of lemons has been associated with improving our health and reducing our chances of disease and many adverse health conditions. Just a few benefits:

Promoting a healthy complexion – Vitamin C plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the support system of your skin.
Boosting the immune system – Vitamin C can help the immune system battle germs that cause a cold or flu.
Increasing iron absorption – Pairing foods that are high in vitamin C with foods that are iron-rich will maximise the body’s ability to absorb iron. For example, squeeze lemon juice atop a salad with spinach and chickpeas (both a good source of iron).
Aids in fighting cancer, cancer loves an acidic environment

I am fortunate to have free lemons on tap pretty much all year (thanks Marty’s neighbours). If there is one plant you should have in your garden I would suggest a lemon tree – they grow well in a tub.

The simplest way and maybe most effective way to make the most of lemons is to drink warm lemon water first thing in the morning (before anything else). Simply squeeze approximately half a lemon into 1 glass of luke warm water.

I actually go one step further and steep some grated ginger in boiling water for a minute or two then add the cold water and lemon juice – it took a while for me to change the habit from a cup of tea but now I really look forward to it. Starting the day with this will alkalize your system, ignite your metabolism, boost your liver and kidney and help your digestive system wake up after a good nights sleep.

It is also amazing how much lemons give zing to a boring salad, vegies whatever. Rather than the often sugar and artificial flavour ladened bought dressing, my favourite salad dressing is lemon juice with tiny bit of crushed garlic and dash of olive oil…but sometimes even that seems too much effort so half a lemon squeezed tastes just as good.

A patient man with a stuffy nose on a white background.

Sore Throat?

Mixing 1 Lemon, 1 big teaspoon of honey and ½ glass of water has always been our sore throat home remedy, make before you go to bed and sip throughout the night, it really does help!

Another handy home hint – if you have enough to spare is cleaning jugs of mineral stains. Juice 4-5 lemons and swirl around kettle, then let sit for a while, it clears the black stain so you can see the gage again

Last but not least lemons are a necessity for Coronas!!! …. much better than limes I say!

* Lemons should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

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