Seven Health Benefits of Lemons

Just about everyone knows that lemons are a healthful fruit. They are used a lot in the culinary world for everything from flavoring for chicken to lemon meringue pie. They are full of vitamin C, minerals, flavonoids and many other good nutrients. They are also low in calories and useful for weight loss.

Here are some little known facts about the health benefits of lemons that I would like to share with you.

1. Lemons help balance the pH level in your body. Lemons can be quite acidic but once your body processes them they are alkaline.
2. Lemons are high in potassium. Lemons have 80 milligrams of this mineral. Potassium is important to help regulate blood pressure.
3. Lemons contain antioxidants. The vitamin C in lemons is an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals which promote inflammation and chronic disease.
4. Lemons are a mood booster. Lemons contain a high amount of negatively charged ions which help to improve mood and energy.
5. Lemons are an insect repellent. This is good if you have children or pets because it won't harm them and it will make the bugs go away.
6. Lemons have a high fiber content. Lemons have pectin which helps to keep you from getting hungry or overeating. 
7. Lemon juice helps your liver. The juice helps flush out toxins and causes the liver to produce bile.

All these things are great for maintaining good health and preventing disease. Years ago when I lived in California we had a lemon tree in our back yard. It was great to pick lemons off our own tree to make fresh lemonade. Lemons are readily available in any supermarket and not  too expensive. Many people drink warm lemon water in the morning to get their digestion going. Some folks drink lemon water throughout the day. However you like your lemons, they are a great super food.

Sources:

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/10-Reasons-Lemon-Juice-Good-You-14860617

http://www.thealternativedaily.com/21-extraordinary-uses-lemons/

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/lemon.html

I am working on building a new web site. It will be up and running shortly. Stay tuned. Your comments are always welcome.

Valerie Lull

Author

Ten Healthy Teas

valerielull923@gmail.com

How To: 4 Unique Uses for Lemon in the Home

First published on the blog of  The American College of Healthcare Sciences. www.achs.edu

By

Valerie Lull, MH. CHRM

Lemons are a staple of delicious cuisine - from mouthwatering lemon pies and puddings to lemon chicken to citrusy salad dressings. My family had a lemon tree in our backyard, and it was fun to pick lemons for fresh lemonade on a hot day.

If you're a fan of herbs and holistic health, you also know there are medicinal and cleansing properties to lemon Citrus Limonum (Risso) that have been used since ancient times. There are hundreds of ways lemons can be used in the home - from cleaning kitchens and bathrooms to natural flea repellent and air freshener. Here are four of my favorite techniques that you may not know of for using lemon around the house

                             

1. Lemons for Flea Management

One unique use of lemon juice is that it can discourage fleas. Lemons contain the constituent limonene, which is often used in flea-management shampoos and treatments. Plus, using lemon and a bit of water is much more economical than expensive flea control products.

Recipe: Natural Lemon Flea Spray

• Cut up six lemons
• Boil lemons in a quart of water for five minutes
• Steep lemons for eight hours in the covered pot
• Pour the liquid into a spray bottle (this will last about a week if stored in the refrigerator)
• Spray on your pet after bathing and avoid the animal's eyes
• Spray on pet bedding and toys

2. Lemon to Perk Up Wilted Lettuce

Have some greens that have been sitting in the fridge for a day or two? Perk them up with lemon juice! I can't stand wilted lettuce, and lemon is a fantastic, natural remedy to wake up those greens.

1. Put the juice of 1/2 lemon in a bowl of cold water.
2. Put the wilted lettuce in the mixture and refrigerate for one hour. Dry the leaves completely before putting them into a salad or sandwich.

3. Mighty Lemon in the Microwave

Have stuck-on food splatterings in your microwave? Lemons could be your answer. Lemon juice can be used to give your micro a good cleaning without scratching the surface or using a lot of effort. Give this recipe a try:

1. Mix 3 of lemon juice into 11/2 cups of water in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Run the microwave on high for five to 10 minutes. Let the steam condense on the inside walls and ceiling of the oven.
3. Wipe away food spots with a dishcloth. This will clean stuck-on food spots as well as fill your kitchen and microwave with a citrusy fresh aroma.

4. Lemons for Puppy Training

Some folks have trouble with barking puppies. Did you know that dogs are not fans of the taste of lemon juice, and they can be trained with a squirt of lemon juice in their mouths? Although, do take care not to spray near their eyes!

Lemon juice can also be used to keep pets off the furniture. Here is the recipe:

Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with 11/2 cups of water, add to a spray bottle, and spritz on your upholstery. This will also give the room a fresh, lemony scent and it can discourage jumping on the furniture.

These are just a few of the many creative ways lemon juice can be used in your home. Plus, doesn't it smell fantastic? It's inexpensive and it is better than using harsh chemicals when at all avoidable.

Don't forget to visit my website at www.valerielull.com   Also, check out my new digital book,Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. Available on www.amazon.com

Valerie Lull

Author

Ten Spices for Health and Longevity

www.valerielull.com

valerielull923@gmail.com

Lemons for personal use

Most people are knowledgeable about using lemons for cooking, and quite a few know about health remedies that include lemons. Another use for lemons is personal and cosmetic care. Below is a list of cosmetic things that lemons and lemon juice can be used for.

Clear skin - Lemon juice is loaded with Vitamin C which helps your skin stay clear and helps to decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Folks with acne can use lemon juice on their skin to help it stay clear.

Lighten Age Spots - Most people get brown spots, often called liver spots, on their skin when they get older. They come from sun exposure but are harmless. These spots can be lightened with lemon juice. Put some on the spot and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off. Do this daily and the spots will lighten.

Highlight Hair - Using lemon juice is a way you can get highlights in your hair without the use of harsh chemicals. Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with 3/4 of a cup of water. Use this to rinse your hair. Sit in the sun till your hair dries. Do this for about a week. At the end of the week you should see results.

Breath Freshener - Rinse your mouth with lemon juice, then swallow it. It will kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause the odor. Then rinse your mouth and teeth well with water. If the lemon juice stays in your mouth it can damage the enamel on your teeth.

Dandruff - Using lemon juice is a very easy way to combat dandruff. Massage about two tablespoons of lemon juice into your scalp and rinse with water. Then mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice with a cup of water and rinse again with it. Keep doing this until you notice the dandruff getting better.

Lip Exfoliator - Put some lemon juice on your lips before you go to bed. Wash it off in the morning. This will help to remove dead skin cells and dried skin.

Strengthen Nails - Women like long nails but they can become weak and brittle. To combat this soak your nails in lemon juice for 10 minutes and then rinse well. Doing this once a week will help strengthen  your nails and remove any yellow tinge on your fingernails.

Sources:
http://www.thealternativedaily.com./21-extraordinary-uses-for-lemons/
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/uses-for-lemons
http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/style/makeup/face/10-ways-to-use-lemon-juice-in-beauty-regime.htm#page=3

Go check out my website at www.valerielull.com Check out my new book.

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
www.valerielull923@gmail.com

Seven Health Benefits of Lemons

Just about everyone knows that lemons are a healthful fruit. They are used a lot in the culinary world for everything from flavoring for chicken to lemon meringue pie. They are full of vitamin C, minerals, flavonoids and many other good nutrients. They are also low in calories and useful for weight loss.

Here are some little known facts about the health benefits of lemons that I would like to share with you.

1. Lemons help balance the pH level in your body. Lemons can be quite acidic but once your body processes them they are alkaline.
2. Lemons are high in potassium. Lemons have 80 milligrams of this mineral. Potassium is important to help regulate blood pressure.
3. Lemons contain antioxidants. The vitamin C in lemons is an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals which promote inflammation and chronic disease.
4. Lemons are a mood booster. Lemons contain a high amount of negatively charged ions which help to improve mood and energy.
5. Lemons are an insect repellent. This is good if you have children or pets because it won't harm them and it will make the bugs go away.
6. Lemons have a high fiber content. Lemons have pectin which helps to keep you from getting hungry or overeating. 
7. Lemon juice helps your liver. The juice helps flush out toxins and causes the liver to produce bile.

All these things are great for maintaining good health and preventing disease. Years ago when I lived in California we had a lemon tree in our back yard. It was great to pick lemons off our own tree to make fresh lemonade. Lemons are readily available in any supermarket and not  too expensive. Many people drink warm lemon water in the morning to get their digestion going. Some folks drink lemon water throughout the day. However you like your lemons, they are a great super food.

Sources:

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/10-Reasons-Lemon-Juice-Good-You-14860617

http://www.thealternativedaily.com/21-extraordinary-uses-lemons/

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/lemon.html

I am working on building a new web site. It will be up and running shortly. Stay tuned. Your comments are always welcome.

Valerie Lull

Author

Ten Healthy Teas

valerielull923@gmail.com

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 

Lemons

Lemons, Citrus Limon are little powerhouses of health. They may have a sour taste but they are very good for your health. Lemons began as a cross between limes and citrons. They are considered evergreen shrubs and were originally from Asia. During the California gold rush in 1849, they saved the miners from scurvey and were quite costly, up to $1.00 per lemon. As far as nutrition goes, they contain quite an impressive list of nutrients. They have Vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamin, magnesium, iron, pantothenic acid, fiber, pectin, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, folate and copper.

Lemons are good for many things. They have antioxidant properties that fight free radicals which are substances generated by cell metabolism that need to be neutralized in order to be healthy. They help keep your skin clear by supporting your liver in removing toxins from the body which helps to decrease blemishes. Lemons are good for your digestion, and for keeping your pH in balance. They contain 22 compounds that fight cancer. One of these is limonene which has been shown to fight cancer in animal studies. They contain potassium which helps keep your blood pressure down and they they have negative ions which increase the flow of oxygen to your brain. Lemons also contain fiber which helps fight diabetes and heart disease. Lemons are antibacterial, antiviral and boost the immune system.

Lemons and lemon juice are used extensively in cooking for everything to lemon bars and lemon pie to salad dressing. One problem is the large amount of sugar that is added to decrease the sour taste. The sugar negates the healthful properties of the lemon. Lemon water is very good for your health and so is lemonade. Lemonade can be made with stevia to take care of the sugar problem and can be mixed with other fruits to add interesting flavor, like raspberry, or cherry.

One very good remedy to help detox your liver is to have warm lemon water at the beginning of each day. Take the juice of 1 or 2 lemons, depending on the size of the lemon, and mix with 8 to 10 oz.of warm or room temperature water. Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and wait at least 10 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. This helps to detox your liver, increase the flow of bile and and improve digestion. Be sure to use fresh lemons. Lemon juice that comes in a bottle loses its nutrients in processing and over time.  I have been using this remedy for several months and it has definitely helped my digestion and elimination. If you are worried about the acid of the lemon destroying the enamel on your teeth you can use a straw to drink it. Another way to use lemon is as lemon tea. Lemon tea can be used by itself, or added to other teas and blends for flavor. It is a great source of vitamin C for winter colds and flu.

Now I realize that there some people who just can't handle unsweetened lemon juice first thing in the morning and that is fine. There are plenty of other sources of vitamin C. Just because I recommend something does not mean you have to do it. Take what fits you and your situation and leave the rest, but for those who are lemon lovers this is a great way to accent your health and help prevent disease.



Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net
Web site: www.valerielull.com