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LEMONS
Benefits
- Excellent source of vitamin C, which helps to maintain the immune system.
- May help to relieve rheumatism.
Drawbacks
- Lemon skins may be sprayed with fungicide and covered in wax.
- High acidity can destroy tooth enamel.
When it comes to citrus fruits, most people enjoy eating oranges, naartjies and grapefruit; but lemons have such a sharp taste that they are usually reserved for flavouring sauces and drinks. A squeeze over grilled fish or pancakes, a tablespoon or two in a salad dressing, or a slice of lemon to compliment a refreshing drink is as much as most of us use.
But it is worth squeezing a lemon to make a fresh lemon-juice drink, as this is an excellent source of vitamin C and contains very few kilojoules. Traditionally, a drink of lemon juice, hot water and a teaspoon of honey has been used as a remedy for colds. A low intake of vitamin C makes people more susceptible to infection, and honey helps to soothe a sore throat. Lemon juice contains an oil which may help to relieve rheumatism by stimulating the liver to expel toxins.
Potential Problems
Citrus fruits have been linked with migraine, and some people are allergic to them. As the juice from lemons is highly acidic, it can destroy tooth enamel. Lemons are normally treated with fungicide spray and wax, so before grating a lemon’s skin, wash it thoroughly under a warm tap.
Lemon Health Tips
If you have a lemon tree in your garden you might take a look and find it laden with fruit. Although, one of the least favourite of the citrus family, it is known to keep ailments away and have a whole host of benefits.
Lemons are rich in vitamins, minerals and aroma and are said to stimulate the body’s healing abilities - especially the immune system. Don’t be put off by the tart taste of lemons, they can still be enjoyed in many different ways.
Lemons also help to correct your body’s pH balance, place a lemon or two near your pillow when you are not feeling well, or keep a bowl full of lemons in your bedroom, lounge or close by in your office. Creative arrangements with lemons and leaves work well and last a lot longer then flowers, and bring a fresh fragrant aroma to a room.
Health tips:
- Squeeze the juice from one lemon, add 3 teaspoons of sugar, a quarter teaspoon of Bicarbonate of soda and a little ginger (or chilli, or Epson salts). Pour a litre of hot water over the mixture and stir well. Sip throughout the day to stimulate healing and build the immune system.
- Lemon juice is an antiseptic and cleansing agent which can restore the acidity levels of your skin. Lemon juice is an excellent cleanser to use for the prevention of blackheads, just squeeze out the juice and wipe skin clean. And don't throw out the skins, cut the lemons in half and squeeze out the juice, then take the empty skin and rub it on your elbows and knees. This will help to cleanse and revitalise neglected skin on your elbows and knees. The lemon skins can also be used to clean your nails.
- For a refreshing bath, put a few slices of lemon into your bath or even use the whole lemon. Add a tablespoon of Bicarbonate of Soda for a deep cleansing bath. Alternatively, use the lemons in your bath and add two tablespoons of natural coarse sea salt.
- When using your heater on cold winter nights, put a few lemons close by so that the natural freshness will fill the room. During test studies in Japan, it was found that placing lemons or lemon trees in front of air conditioners, improved the general health of employees. It also ensured that a fresh fragrance filled the offices.
- Use a slice of lemon in your tea for a refreshing drink (my favourite is with Rooibos tea), squeeze fresh lemon on fish and vegetables for flavour enhancement.
I recently became acquainted with a woman who has lost 12 kg’s in the last 14 months. She attributed her weight loss, with drinking fresh squeezed lemon juice in a glass of hot water, first thing every morning.
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