When Life Gives You Lemons…Eat More Lemons

Yes, you can definitely make lemonade as well (just be careful not to add sugar, substitutes can be OK), but we also want to talk more specifically about this wonder fruit, lemons.

DID YOU KNOW…

• That Real Estate agents suggest leaving a bowl of fresh lemons in your kitchen when preparing for an open house? Their fresh, citrus scent is apparently very inviting and welcoming.

• That lemons consist of approximately 5% acid, however, the consumption of them and their juice help make our body more alkaline (an ideal state for fighting cancer and kidney disease).

• That the origin of lemons is unknown, but most think that they came from Assam (Northern India), Burma, or China. They were spread throughout the Mediterranean by Arabic traders, and were brought to the Caribbean by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

• Some people water their potted houseplants with lemonade as it is thought to keep them blooming for a longer period of time.

Today we are going to discuss 10 reasons why we love lemons.

1. Lemons contain high levels of potassium, which helps our brains to function (keeping us focused and calm). They also work to reduce the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) from our brain.

2. The vitamin C in lemons helps boost our immunity year round, but particularly during cold and flu season. Vitamin C contains antibacterial properties, which fight infections, and antioxidants, which fight inflammation.

3. Lemon water (squeeze the juice of half a lemon into 10-12 oz. of warm water) helps with weight loss – especially when consumed first thing in the morning – before coffee, tea, or breakfast. This comforting beverage kick starts our metabolism and aids in our digestion.

4. The juice of a lemon can help your skin. Over time, the vitamin C in lemon juice helps boost your skin’s natural collagen production (reduces the appearance of scars and the size of your pores). Lemon juice also helps alleviate the daily oxidative stress that your skin experiences. Try making a DIY lemon mask (recipe to follow).

5. The naturally occurring pectin in lemons can help with constipation (it has the qualities of a gentle laxative). This is yet another reason why people love to start their day with a glass of warm lemon water – it gently stimulates the bowels.

6. Lemon water is an excellent detoxifier for the liver. The oils and lecithin that the juice contains helps with this process by cleansing and removing toxic build up. Read below for our liver tonic.

7. Lemon juice can help treat a sunburn. Who’d have thought, but it’s true. If you catch too many rays, simply combine equal parts of freshly squeezed lemon juice, cucumber juice, and rose water. Leave it on for 30 min as a healing, soothing salve.

8. Due to the antibacterial properties of lemon and its pleasing, clean scent, the oil extracted from the peel make a wonderful addition to essential oil blends, colognes, perfumes, body products, and household cleaning products.

9. It is delicious – lemon (and its zest) is a wonderful addition to so many dishes and recipes. From a key ingredient in salad dressings, marinades, and soups, to an essential player in many desserts, beverages, and icy treats, lemon is one of our favourite flavours.

• The vitamins in lemons give this super fruit antioxidant properties. As we know, antioxidants are believed to prevent and stop the spread of many different types of cancer. Antioxidants help keep your cells strong and healthy.

Wow – have we given you enough reasons to love lemons? Aren’t they an amazing fruit?

Here are some recipes for a couple of DIY lemon face masks:

To FIRM the skin:

¼ cup strawberry pulp

3 tsp. cornstarch

½ tsp. lemon juice

Wash and dry some strawberries and mash them to create a pulp. Add the cornstarch and lemon juice to make a paste. Apply evenly to the face and leave it for 15 min. Gently remove the mask with warm water using a circular motion.

For oily skin:

2 tsp. multani mitti (Fuller’s earth)

1 tsp. lemon juice

A couple of drops of rose water

Prepare a smooth paste by combining the ingredients together. Apply evenly to the face and let it dry. Gently remove the mask using a face cloth and warm water.

For SENSITIVE skin:

1 tsp. yogurt

1 tsp. lemon juice

A few drops of rose water

1-2 drops of sandalwood oil

Combine the ingredients and mix well. Apply evenly to the face and leave it for 10 min. Wash it off with cold water. Repeat 3-4 times / week.

And our recipe for a gentle liver-detoxifying tonic:

• Juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 tsp. of freshly grated ginger
• 2 tsp. of organic coconut oil

Combine these ingredients and drink on an empty stomach.

A couple of final notes on lemons:

Whenever possible, use organic, and always wash and dry your lemons (and other citrus fruits) before cutting them.

Dentists and dental hygienists believe that consuming too much lemon water over an extended period of time can be damaging to the enamel on your teeth. So, if you are concerned, ask your dentist about this on your next visit, and brush your teeth after drinking your lemon water (as opposed to sipping on it throughout the day).

Lastly, thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it!

Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcome!

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Peace

Kiran