Just the thought of Lemons will usually result in a sour pouty face, that must be because of it’s tang. But what the lemon is packed full of are extraordinary and beneficial properties which can help us feel better, cleaner, and healthier.
Historically, the awareness which existed in the potent effects of the mighty yet humble yellow lemon, goes back to Ancient Egyptian times. It was believed that, by eating lemons or drinking lemon extracted juice would protect them against various poisons while fighting the known ailments of that time.
More recently, there’s been an abundance of positive research praising this excellent citrus variety.
Lemons are primarily known for being an extremely rich source of ascorbic acid, vitamin C, and being a pungent water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C of this quality helps in boosting the body’s immune system, while fighting toxins and effectively attacking free radicals in the body.
Lemons will also regulate the heart as well as lowering blood pressure since they’re an excellent source of potassium as well.
So if this isn’t enough to convince you that they are the best type of citrus available, lemons also contain antibacterial as well as antiseptic properties. So if you have or are developing a sore throat, then mom was right, a gargle twice a day of lemon juice with a dash of salt, mixed with warm water, will help.
The Herbs And Plants Similar To Lemons
There are also a few different variety of plants and herbs which share the lemon’s fresh and tangy fresh citrus scent, and, similar to lemons, they also do wonders for our health.
Lemongrass, for instance, which is a herb, is often used as a popular lemon scented ingredient in many Asian dishes. Lemongrass has been used for centuries because of its health and healing properties, which includes having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Lemon verbena is known to do wonders for the digestive system, while it’s also thought to effectively stimulate and increase brain function when it’s used in aromatherapy.
Others include lemon mint, lemon balm, lemon basil, and lemon thyme, which all have the strong familiar lemon scent. The distinctive scent of the lemon itself is said to promote calm, while easing anxiety and stress.
So the next time that you’re preparing your favorite dish, add a squeeze of lemon juice or add the grating of fresh lemon rind. Then enjoy the taste and the benefits of this excellent superior citrus.
Lemons Are Purely Superior
To make sure that you get the ultimate health benefits and flavor from lemons, always choose lemons, whether from the supermarket or farmers market, which are the ripest. Select those which are firm to the touch, plump, and a bit heavy for their size.
The outer peel of the lemon should be a glowing bright yellow, smooth to the touch, and have a strong lemon aroma. Avoid the lemons which still have a green tinge to them, as they’re still not fully ripe and thus will not be as juicy or beneficial.
Lemons should be stored in a cool, dry place. Try keeping them away from direct sunlight for up to one week after purchase. They will keep well when sealed in a plastic bag and stored in the fridge for up to a month. Lemon juice as well as grated lemon rind are excellent for freezing.
Lemon The Secret Beauty Ingredient
The secret to many for better complexion may be sitting there in your fridge. The antiseptic properties which are found in purely squeezed lemon juice has been proven to clear up mild inflamed acne, while its antioxidant properties nourishes the skin, making it firm.
If you’re wanting to freshen your breath, you can chew on a slice of lemon to kill the bacteria, or you can do a quick rinse with the juice of pure lemon mixed in warm water.
Lemon For Domestic Use
Lemons really are multifunctional. They are also used as a natural cleaner as well as a deodorizer to use anywhere around the house. Half of a squeezed lemon, which is dipped and mixed in with kosher salt, makes for an excellent scouring paste for beautifying and restoring the shine to silver, brass or copper cookware.
Just a squeeze of pure lemon juice that’s added to your dish washing soap, will be able to help in cutting through the grease. A 1/2 cup or (125 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice when added to the rinse cycle of your laundry, will help brighten your whites while making it smell fresher.
Other uses for the versatile lemon, which you can’t do with any other citrus fruit, is running a couple lemon halves through your garbage disposal, which will deodorize, refresh and clean it.
You can also clean your hands with the juice of a lemon, immediately neutralize garlic or eliminating fish odors. So take that sour look off your face and give the mighty lemon some love.