There are so many new and exotic superfoods around and the range just keep growing. With all the hype it’s very easy to forget the simple traditional superfoods that have stood the test of time. These are the superfoods we’ve been using every day for generations without even thinking of the incredible health benefits they bestow. Not to mention they are readily available and much less costly. One of the most valuable of the traditional superfoods is the humble lemon, peel and all, which certainly packs a powerful punch when it comes to turbo-charging your health. You can’t help but love all the health benefits of lemons.
Lemons really are a wonder food loaded with nutrients. Well-known as an excellent source of vitamin C, they also contain a wide range of other nutrients. These include flavonoids, vitamin B-complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper and phosphorous, citric acid and fibre.
LEMONS – ACIDIC OR ALKALINE?
Many people get confused about whether lemons are acidic or alkaline. They wonder how lemons can be an “alkaline food” when they’re so acidic to taste. In fact they’re both.
Outside the body lemon juice is acidic. But once the lemon juice has been fully metabolized within the body its effect is alkalizing. This means it raises the pH of body tissues making them alkaline.
Acidic environments in the body damages the structure and the function of the cell. Lemons help to return the body to a healthier alkaline state. This helps fight off many dangerous and unpleasant illnesses including cancer which are associated with acidic body fluids.
Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods around.
WARM LEMON WATER, THE NUMBER 1 HEALTH PRACTICE
My Number 1 Health Recommendation
If someone can only do ONE thing to improve their health then it should be to drink the juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water in the morning. The trick is to do it when you first rise in the morning, half an hour before you eat or drink anything else.
The combination of lemon and warm water encourages the production of bile by the liver. This supports the liver, prevents liver disease and helps eliminate toxins. It stimulates gastric juices and acts well to cleanse the bowel.
Even just adding a few drops of lemon juice to water or food can aid in digestion and cleanse the system.
Simply, here are some ways warm lemon water can boost your health:
- Improve digestion
- Assist your liver to eliminate toxins
- Help elimination of toxic wastes
- Balance pH within your body
- Protect your cardiovascular and nervous systems
- Boost your immune system
- Help weight loss
That’s 7 brilliant reasons for you to drink warm lemon water in the morning.
Here are the instructions so you can get started http://happyholistichealth.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/drink-warm-lemonlime-water-to-kickstart-your-day/
But warm lemon water is only the start of the beauty and power of the lemon. Read on for other reasons to eat more lemons.
13 REASONS To EAT LEMONS EVERY DAY
1. Blood Sugar Regulation
The incidence of Insulin Resistance is increasing. It occurs when the body fails to respond to its own blood sugar regulator, insulin. When blood sugar levels increase it can lead to diabetes. Eating a low GI (glycemic index) diet and weight management are essential in managing this condition.
But selecting foods with low to medium GI ranking is just the start. You can do more to lower the glycemic index of your meal by up to 20 -40% just by adding a few teaspoons of lemon juice. Lemon juice lowers the insulin response to carbohydrates. It also slows down the time it takes a meal to leave your stomach – a key to dropping your weight
2. Fight Cancer
Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds including limonene. Limonene is a natural oil that helps to slow or halt the growth of cancer. Lemons also contain flavonol glycosides which can halt cell division in cancers. This study showed limonoids present in lemons and other citrus fruit, impede both ER+ and ER- breast cancer cell growth. It supports past studies which showed lemon consumption may lower breast cancer risk. This study shows limonene protects against digestive and upper respiratory tract cancers.
3. Eye Protection
The rutin in lemons can help maintain eye health and protect against disorders like retinopathy.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits
The bioflavonoids in lemons help strengthen blood vessels and keep them soft and pliable. They prevent internal haemorrhage and are useful for reducing high blood pressure.
5. Calm Digestion
Adding just a few drops of lemon juice to your meal helps with both indigestion and constipation, as it acts as a blood purifier and cleansing agent.
6. As an Antiseptic
Lemons are useful for treating acne because they have powerful antiseptic properties. As an antibacterial they destroy intestinal worms which thrive in an acidic digestive system. Changing the gut environment to alkaline destroys them.
7. Reverse Low Oxygen
Lemon juice is very useful in places with insufficient oxygen. Perhaps you should carry some if you are heading to high mountainous places. Sir Edmund Hilary attributed his success on Mt Everest to lemons. It’s useful in any situation where oxygen levels are low, relieving breathing and respiratory symptoms.
8. Brain and Nerve Health
Lemon peel has been proven to be effective for brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Rich in potassium, lemon juice stimulates brain and nerve function to improve concentration, memory and calm.
9. Dissolving Kidney and Gallstones
Lemons are well known for their benefit in treating kidney stones. Citric acid in the juice of the lemon helps to dissolve gallstones, kidney stones and calcium deposits. It also helps prevent the formation of crystals.
10. Neutralize Free radicals
Lemons are rich in flavonoids with antioxidant properties which neutralize free radicals and prevent ageing.
11. Skin Care
When lemons are mixed with honey and applied to the skin they bring a healthy glow and act as an anti-aging remedy. They can help remove wrinkles and blackheads.
12. Immune Support
Lemons are rich in immune boosting vitamin C and flavonoids. These strengthen the immune system to fight off colds and flu. Combined with honey and warm water, lemon is one of the most effective treatments for colds and coughs.
13. Anti-Inflammatory
The antioxidants in lemons are an excellent anti-inflammatory. They help reduce joint inflammation and pain by dissolving uric acid. Lemons can relieve painful joints, sciatica and lumbago.
Finally, lemons cleansing abilities can provide a wonderful way to detox.
Lemons are a brilliant blood purifier to help remove toxins from the body. This includes radiation and lemon juice drinks offer support to those undergoing chemotherapy.
The juice, roughage and skin of lemons all have benefits to your health. Make sure to include this traditional superfood in your diet for the many amazing health benefits of lemons.
Disclaimer
All information and opinions presented here are for information purposes only. They are not intended as a substitute for professional advice offered during a consultation with your health care provider. Do not use this article to diagnose a health condition. Speak to your doctor if you think your condition may be serious or before discontinuing any prescribed medication. Please consult with your health care provider before following any of the treatment suggested on this site, particularly if you have an ongoing health issue.
http://theeagleonline.com.ng/lemon-is-an-anti-cancer-food-expert
http://realfoodforlife.com/16-health-benefits-of-lemons-the-alkaline-powerfood
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lemon.html
http://www.budwigcenter.com/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-raw-lemon-juice/#.VvKx8zHqX5t
