07/20/2015
HEALTH TIP: Lemons were originally developed as a cross between the lime and the citron and are thought to have originated in China or India, having been cultivated in these regions for about 2,500 years. While most lemons are tart, acidic and astringent, they are also surprisingly refreshing.
Lemons, like other fellow citrus fruits, are an excellent source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is a powerful water soluble antioxidant which is helpful in preventing scurvy. Lemons also contain a variety of phytochemicals (hesperetin, naringin, and naringenin). Naringenin is found to have a bioactive effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA in the cells in-vitro studies.
In animal studies and laboratory tests with human cells, compounds in lemons called “limonoids” have been shown to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. Lemons are an excellent source of citric acid, which is a natural preservative, aids digestion and helps dissolve kidney stones. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier and cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system. It helps the body in the removal of toxins and provides you with a great overall detox.
Lemons contain pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to help with weight loss. Also, lemons can literally slow down the absorption of sugar into the body. Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar will help change your digestive system to a more alkaline environment, thus killing off parasites, which thrive in an acidic environment.
Lemon poultices applied overnight are a good home remedy for corns and calluses. Place a slice of lemon on to the corn, and secure it with a bandage. Dabbing the affected area with lemon essential oil also helps accelerate the healing process. To repel insects, add 15-20 drops of lemon oil to a cup of water and spray into the air. It smells great and repels insects at the same time.
Believe it or not, lemon peels contain 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice itself. And yes, that's what you've been wasting. But from now on, by following this simple procedure of freezing the whole lemon, then grating it on top of your dishes, you can consume all of those nutrients and get even healthier. So place your lemon in your freezer, and then grate it on your meal every day. It is a key to make your foods tastier and you get to live healthier and longer!