Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice

Lemon Fruit

A lemon, as most of you already know, is biologically a fruit because of the fact that it is seed-bearing.  Although chefs mostly categorize lemon as a vegetable due to its culinary use, it still is a fruit. Lemons are native to Asia.  The history of lemons is quite vague and all we knew is that they originated from Asia and were presumed to grow mainly in India, Burma, and China first.

Lemons, when ripe, are naturally bright yellow, hanging from a small evergreen tree. They are oval-shaped and are primarily grown for their juice and pulp because they make a really  delicious and healthy lemonade. Lemons are also antiseptic. This is one of the reasons why they are hugely popular, and they offer lots of other benefits.

This popular yellow citrus fruit is known for its sour taste which contains a lot of ascorbic acid or Vitamin C.  Because of this it became a popular flavoring and garnish addition in hundreds of cuisines worldwide.

the sour, acidic taste of lemon crumples your face :)

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is probably the most famous fruit extract in the world and it is usually demanded during summer when its refreshing and irreplaceable tinge surely quenches your thirst and cools off your hot summer afternoon. It is also a popular drink for people that suffer from cold.

When you are making lemon juice make sure that you pick or purchase only the ripest lemons.

Lemon juice comes with a long list of benefits. It is, in fact, a perfect package for all ages! You want flavor? You have the lemon’s unique sour flavor. You demand nutrients? Well, lemon is loaded with rich nutrients and antioxidants! You want juice? It makes the best lemonade ever! What could you ask for more?

 

Lemon Juice Health Benefits

This simple small fruit performs quite a miraculously when it comes to health. Did you know that there are at over 76 health problems that lemons can help you with? Here is a list of things lemon can cure or help you with.

Lemon Remedies

  • Lemon extract can help you get rid of cellulite.
  • Relieves asthma symptoms, but here’s the catch – you should drink it through your nose! (this one is a bit funny)
  • Drinking lemon juice first thing in the morning helps with weight loss and keeps your system alkaline. This is really effective and is more advisable than taking weight loss pills.
  • Of course, how could anyone forget the good ol’ lemon remedy for flu? With a lemon, honey, and warm water, you are good to go.
  • Lemons are also effective for people with hangover, with just a cup of tea with lemon, your hangover from last night will dissolve into thin air!
  • Lime juice or lemon juice (concentrated) can treat your hiccups.
  • It amazingly dissolves gallstones! An 8oz. glass of water and a lemon extract on an empty stomach can do the miracle. Just make sure you never eat or drink anything for 20 to 30 minutes after drinking this.
  • Because of its vitamin C, it could cure scurvy.
  • Mix a lemon and honey to treat chronic constipation.
  • When you fell really nauseous,  drink lemon water and the feeling will disappear.
  • A cold lemon juice with honey helps with tonsillitis, dry cough, malarial fever, and cold.
  • It kills harmful bacteria in your wound or any open gash.
  • Rubbing lemon against your skin treats skin problems such as acne, pimples, blackheads, and eczema. Remove it with water mixed with olive oil.
  • Apply lemon juice to your hair daily to add volume and shine; this could also eliminate dandruff!
  • A great liver tonic.
  • Lemons can be applied to burns to heal faster and prevents scars.
  • Its juice can whiten your teeth.
  • Lemon juice help stop internal bleeding!

These are just some of the amazing things lemons can help you with. Because of its high Vitamin C content, it protects our body against bacteria and strengthens our immunity system. It is also considered as a powerful antioxidant.

Lemon is also very good for the heart because of its high potassium content; it strengthens and prevents heart diseases. It is also diuretic and is good for people with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).  With its amazingly low 29 calories in every 100 grams, weight-conscious people would surely pick this over other fruits with higher calorie level (if you can stand the sour taste of course).

The antioxidants in lemons aren’t just in the form of vitamin C, they also come in a form of phytochemicals. These phytochemicals such as hesperetin, flavonoids (Vitamin A), B-Carotene and naringenin acts as powerful antioxidants regulating our immune system and helping our bodies get rid of free radicals. Including antioxidants in our diet can also slow down our aging process.

The flavonoids found in lemons also make you see clearer, are essential for the skin, and make mucus membranes healthier.

Summer Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups white sugar
  • 8 cups of water
  • 1 ½ cups of lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Prepare a saucepan and put over medium-high heat; pour the sugar and a cup of water.
  2. Bring to a boil and stir constantly to dissolve sugar; be careful that the water should never evaporate, otherwise the sugar would caramelize.
  3. Pour the syrup into a container, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two.
  4. Remove the seeds from the lemon juice but leave its pulp.
  5. Prepare a large pitcher and mix the lemon juice and the sugar syrup together; then pour the remaining cups of water.
  6. Add a touch of lemon slices and some ice cubes into the lemonade just before serving.
  7. Enjoy this ice-cold lemonade during summer!

Tip: you can replace sugar with honey!