31 Days of Raw: Day #20 – Lemons

31 Days of Raw: Day #20
Lemons

 
I use so much lemon juice and so many recipes that keeping fresh lemons on hand isn’t always easy.  So, I usually juice a couple dozen lemons at one time and pour the juice into an ice cube tray.  This way, I have 2 tablespoon measurements of frozen lemon juice on hand at all times.  I may joke that garlic is in almost all my recipes, but lemon juice has it beat by far.  Lemon juice is in almost all my dessert recipes as well. Not only is it instrumental my mock dairy dishes, my Mediterranean recipes, many dips and pies, it’s ridiculously healthy!  I try to add it to my smoothies now and then for green lemonade as well as a healthy addition. How healthy?  I’m glad you asked!

Lemons

Antibacterial
Since lemons are high in vitamin C content, they are very effective in treating and preventing infections. Doctors often prescribe vitamin C to patients suffering from the flu or a cold, in order to strengthen their immune system and help the organism fight the infection. However, studies show that the natural vitamin C found in lemons is much more effective than the synthetic one produced in labs. In addition to fighting the infection and reducing high fever, lemons also relieve symptoms of tonsillitis and sore throat, while clearing airway passages. It is no surprise that lemon is a common ingredient found in cough pills and sore throat remedies.

Lemons are not only effective in combating colds or respiratory infections. They can also fight the bacteria causing diseases like cholera, malaria, typhoid fever, scurvy and diphtheria. A 2005 Colorado State University study asserts that experiments have shown that the bacteria responsible for various diseases such as E. coli are destroyed in lemon juice, or their levels are significantly reduced.

Diuretic Effect of Lemons
Lemons are also effective diuretics which help the human organism eliminate excess fluids. Beside cleansing the organism of toxins and bad bacteria, the natural diuretics found in the juice of lemons help prevent a host of problems associated with water retention, such as glaucoma, edema (swelling), high blood pressure and bloating.  Lemons are also effective in combating urinary tract infections and bladder disorders, as well as conditions associated with a high uric acid concentration in the organism, such as arthritis and rheumatism.

Digestive Aid
The effects of lemons on the digestive system are less known than their antibacterial or diuretic properties. Despite their acidic taste, lemons can cure many digestive problems and regulate the digestive system. They may taste like pure citric acid, but, like most acidic fruits, lemons actually have an alkaline effect on the body, helping it fight symptoms of acidosis.  Lemon juice mixed with hot water is often used in curing digestion problems such as heartburn, constipation, nausea, intestinal worms and other disorders of the lower intestine. It also acts as a tonic to the liver, regulating its activity and stimulating bile production, which prepares the organism for the digestion of foods. 

Cardiovascular Health
Lemons are famous for their high vitamin C and citric acid content, but they are also rich in potassium, which has a beneficial effect on the heart. Vitamin P, another component found in lemons, helps strengthen blood vessels and prevent internal hemorrhage. For the same reason, lemon juice is also effective in stopping gum bleeding.   Lemon juice is sometimes applied to the nostrils to stop epistaxis (nosebleeds). The antioxidants found in lemons and other citric fruits (called bioflavonoids) can also help prevent recurring nosebleeds by strengthening blood vessels and making them less susceptible to rupture. These antioxidants have the same effect on other blood vessels in the organism, being able to prevent cerebro-vascular accidents in people suffering from high blood pressure.

Lemon Sedatives
Not many people are aware of the calming effect that lemon juice and extracts can have on the nervous system. Lemon balms are often used to calm anxiety and balance the mind. While lemon juice mixed with coffee is recognized as a centuries-old natural remedy against headaches and migraines, the stress-reducing effects of lemon extracts are not yet fully acknowledged. Lemon balms have a calming effect, while lemon juice is believed to improve memory functions and allay palpitations.

Blood pressure:
Because of the high levels of potassium in lemons, the fruit is good at helping to keep blood pressure lower. The potassium counter-acts sodium.

Other Health Benefits of Lemons
Since lemon juice is highly effective in fighting infections and speeds up the body’s repair processes, it can be a great aid in healing sunburned skin. If applied in advance to the skin, lemon juice can also prevent sunburn. Due to their healing properties, lemon balms and extracts are also effective remedies against acne.

Facial cleanser: Lemon juice helps to fight wrinkles, acne, blackheads and even freckles. Apply the juice directly to your skin, then allow it to dry. Remove the juice with a little olive oil mixed with water. This will not only make your skin more shiny, but will also remove dirt and grime.

Mouth care: Swab a little lemon juice on bleeding gums to stave off further blood. Lemon also helps to give your mouth a refreshing feeling, fights bacteria and can give you fresh breath. Also, believe it or not, when applied to tooth aches, lemon juice helps to dull the pain.

The high vitamin C content of lemons can stimulate calcium metabolism, enhancing calcium absorption and maintaining the health of the teeth and the bones. It is important, however, to dilute lemon juice with water before drinking it. Ingesting pure lemon juice, which has a high acid content, can damage the enamel of the teeth.

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Green Lemonade

• 1 cup spinach, loosely packed
• 1 lemon
• 3 apples
• 2-3 cups of water
• 1 cup of ice

Blend all ingredients well – should be like juice, not smoothie.  If still too pulpy, pour through mesh strainer. While you get incredible nutrition from the spinach, you can make regular lemonade without it.

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