Monday, May 24, 2010
Lemons Are NOT Just For Making Lemonade...
I'm OBSESSED with lemons...I use them in everything from marinades to olive oils, as a topping for fish or quinoa, and as an essential ingredient in salad dressings or homemade iced tea. Not only are they inexpensive and readily available, they have more health benefits than one can imagine!
Now here is my own take on making no-sugar-added lemonade: squeeze one half to a whole fresh lemon (the richer the yellow color the better, which means they are super sweet) into a 16-20oz bottle or pitcher of cold purified water. Add a ton of ice cubes and pour into individual glasses. Garnish with lemon wedge and fresh mint leaf (optional). Viola! Fresh lemonade for you and friends! (*If this is too sour for your taste, you can add 1 tbsp raw agave nectar as a natural sweetener.)
Question: Why am I talking about lemons? Well, I've failed to previously mention in my other posts one of MY BIGGEST TIPS for anyone trying to incorporate healthier habits and shed those last stubborn pounds off their waistline (drum roll please....): DRINK LEMON WATER!!! There it is - simple as that. Personally, I try to have a mug of hot water with lemon EVERY morning and throughout the day. Its so easy to make and the benefits are RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING!!
Lemons helps regulate the digestive system and cleanse the liver, making it a natural and safe way to "cleanse" the entire body. Of course, being a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B, riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as proteins and carbohydrates, doesn't hurt either. And did you know lemon also helps fight hangovers, hiccups and bad breath??! This is FANTASTIC information for anyone you know who might need these helpful little side notes. (*TIP: just leave a lemon on their desk before a big meeting if they look hung-over or have horrific breath...they'll thank you later.) Let's read on and please take note - I'm sure you have one or more of these annoying symptoms that the magical lemon can cure!
Stomach Problems: Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently.
Skin Care: Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.
Dental Care: Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.
Sore Throat Infections: Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.
Weight Loss: One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.
High Blood Pressure: Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problems, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.
Respiratory Disorders: Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.
Rheumatism: Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.
Sickness: Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from a cold, flu or fever. It helps to break a fever by increasing perspiration.
Blood purifier: The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.
I could go ON AND ON about the benefits of lemon water and lemon in general--but I don't want to be annoying or repetitive!! (Who wants to hear me talk anyway?!?) So do yourself a favor: START DRINKING LEMON WATER THIS WEEK. You will be amazed at the difference you'll feel and see in your body...
Information provided by LifeMojo and google images
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Thanks for you for tips it was very interesting and good luck (:
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