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