Limes, Citrus aruantifolia

Limes, often considered more sour than lemons, have many health benefits. Most notably, they were carried on British navy ships to keep the sailors from getting scurvey. Hence, the nickname limeys. They are full of vitamin C and are often used in cooking and beverages. Some of the culinary uses include, sorbet, cocktails, candies, and they are often used in limeade and sodas, notably lemon-lime soda. Health benefits include, scurvey, hemorrhoids, peptic ucler, respiratory problems, bleeding gums, skin treatments, respiratory problems and more.

Some historians think limes came from Indonesia. Probably lime is the most famous as the cure for scurvey which is a deficiency of Vitamin C. Llimes are full of it. Today it is used by workers in polluted areas like furnaces, cement factories and paint shops to protect the workers.

Limes contain acids, antiobiotic properties, antioxidants, and are good for detoxification. The use of limes in cosmetic products is quite extensive. These include deodorants, hair oil, lotions and creams, as an exfoliant for dead skin cells, dandruff, toothpaste, soap and bath products.  Limes are also used in cleaning products for floors and toilets.

Limes are useful for diabetics because of the high levels of soluble fiber in them. They help regulate the body's absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, and help to reduce the recurrence of blood sugar spikes. Limes have a low glycemic index.They are useful for constipation because of their soluble fiber. Limes help to lower blood pressure because of their high level of potassium and limes help control cholesterol. They cut down on inflammation of the blood vesels and help to prevent heart disease.

Limes help to prevent the eyes from aging and macular degeneration and the flavonoids help protect the eyes from infections. They are useful for bleeding gums which result from a deficiency of Vitamin C.

Some folks use a glass of warm water with the juice of a lime squeesed into it as a weight reducer. It is said that consuming 2 glasses of this a day can burn fat very well and results will be seen in about one week. 

Here is a simple recipe for limeade, or if you wish you can use lemons too.

Lemon-limeade

3 limes or 2 limes and 1 large lemon

Sweetener or choice

2 quarts of water

ice

Cut limes and lemon in half and squeeze out the juice into a pitcher. Add sugar or sweetener of choice. Stir well. Add water and ice and chill in the refrigerator.  Enjoy and keep cool. 

Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas

Lullval@clearwlire.net

Web Site: www.valerielull.com 

Hibiscus

I must admit, the first time I tried hibiscus tea I did not like it. It was sour and had a zing to it. As I got older and more interested in herbal teas and health I learned to like it, though it still seems a bit sour. The taste can be improved with a healthful sweetener or by blending it with other herbal teas. However, I've grown to like the sour taste. Some people like it. I sip it in small sips when I drink it.

Despite all of this, hibiscus appears to have some very good properties that assist in maintaining health. Hibiscus is used for nerve problems, fluid retention, circulatory problems, a diuretic (increases flow of urine), a gentle laxative, loss of appetite, colds and heart diseases. Some scientists think hibiscus may lower mild blood pressure problems, and help relieve spasms of the stomach and uterus. It also may kill bacteria and worms. Hibiscus has nutritional value, it contains vitamins A and C, thiamin and it also contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.

In Egypt the flower portion of the hibiscus plant is used for a common drink called Karkade. This plant has been used to make jams, spices, soups, sauces and the flowers are used in making medicine. Hibiscus can improve the flavor, odor and the appearance of tea blends Some authorities think drinking 3 cups of hibiscus tea during the day is best for mild  hypertension issues.


It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Since it can work on the uterus it possibly can cause miscarriage. It may interfere with Tylenol and other over the counter pain relievers. Always consult with your health care provider before starting its use.


Many tea companies sell blends of hibiscus with other teas and herbs for both hot and cold tea Some of these are quite good .Hibiscus tea is used both hot and iced and blending it with other teas seems to improve the taste.  I have included a simple recipe for hibiscus iced tea.


Iced hibiscus tea

32 oz. of water
Several bags of hibiscus tea (The more you use the stronger the tea)
Sweetener of choice
Ice

Place the tea bags in a saucepan with the water. Simmer 5 minutes. Allow to cool. Add ice. Enjoy the beverage. Other things can be added to enhance the flavor, lemon, lemon grass, cinnamon. Try experimenting with some of your favorite flavors.

Would you like to comment? What is your favorite hibiscus recipe?

Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas
Ten Spices For Health and Longevity

valerielull923@gmail.com

Website: www.valerielull.com 

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Iced Tea or Lemonade

June 10th is National Iced Tea Day and with the weather getting warmer people are thinking of cooler beverages like iced tea and lemonade to help cope with the summer heat. Both beverages have therapeutic properties and are good for you. There are a million ways to make iced tea. You can make black or green tea from the Camellia sinensis plant and add lemon or lime or whatever you desire and there a million ways to make lemonade. There's pink lemonade, raspberry lemonade, lemonade with mint, lemonade with hibiscus, and the list goes on. 

While you are drinking these delicious drinks remember there is more to them than just flavor. Lemons are good for your liver, they are loaded with vitamin C and potassium and have small amounts of B vitamins. Many people start their day with the squeezed juice of one lemon with 8 oz. of room temperature water on an empty stomach. Wait 10 minutes before eating. It cleanses the body of toxins and has been used for everything from lowering blood sugar to weight loss. 

Iced Tea is a good selection to beat the heat. It is easy to brew up a pot of green tea and add the juice of one lemon. Add the ice and stick in a sprig of mint. Green tea is good for weight loss, prevention of heart and circulation problems and may help prevent cancer. People in Japan have the highest longevity rate in the world. Many scientists think that is because of their consumption of green tea.

Black tea has therapeutic uses in it's own right and can be mixed with lemon and ginger for a tasty iced tea. There was a famous Dutch study where 805 men ages 65 to 84 received the majority of flavonoids in their diet from black tea. They were followed for 5 years.The study found a strong link between flavonoid intake and lower risk of death from heart disease.  The outcome of the study suggested that the black tea had a protective effect on the heart.

For those of you who are worried about caffeine, you can use the decaffeinated tea which is available everywhere. A serving of black tea has roughly 1/2 the caffeine of a cup of coffee and green tea has about half the amount of caffeine that is in a cup of black tea. 

Don't hesitate to write comments about this blog. Send me your favorite iced tea or lemonade recipe and I will publish it in an upcoming blog.
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Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas

Lullval@clearwire.net 

Web site: www.valerielull.com