Friday, October 11, 2013

Making Lemonade Out of Lemons

In the not so distance past, I used to always ask for water with "no lemon" because I didn't like the taste in my water. Then I read one little article about the health benefits of lemon, and I was sold.

I started squeezing an entire lemon into a cup of water each morning, and drinking it on an empty stomach. This routine has provided amazing benefits in the way I feel each day. It is cleansing and hydrating, and I really feel that it boosts my energy. I buy lemons in bulk in those mesh bags in the produce department. They are smaller and much juicier than the big shiny lemons you buy individually. I go through a bag per week.

Some people prefer warm water with lemon in the morning, but I drink it cold as a post-exercise refresher.

We tend to think of lemon as a garnish, but, like parsley, it is a garnish with amazing health benefits! Lemons contain fiber, calcium, huge amounts of vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6, potassium, folate, and even some Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Check out these fun facts:

-Lemons can be used in a whole host of beauty routines, including highlights in hair, nail strengthening, treating dandruff, and clearing up acne (literally rub a cut lemon all over your face!)

-Lemon is a natural liver cleanser and digestive aid

-Lemons are naturally antibacterial

-Lemons can protect against intestinal parasites

-Lemons help reduce gallstones and kidney stones

-Lemons have a host of anti-cancer properties

-Lemons help strengthen your blood vessels

This past summer, my girls wanted to have a lemonade stand. This requires hours of me squeezing lemons and making simple syrup and mixing huge quantities of lemonade in my kitchen...so naturally I procrastinated as long as possible. The dreaded day finally came, and one of my neighbors came over to buy a cup.

I happened to be outside refilling their supply, and the neighbor said to me, "This tastes great! What brand is it?"

I said, "I made it."

And she said, "I know, but from what mix?"

God's mix, lady!

Have a happy, lemony day!

2 comments:

  1. i drink lemon or lime every morning, too! i squeeze a half a lemon into a quart of water and drink that before breakfast, during my morning routine. in the summer i drink it cold, on cool mornings anywhere from warm to hot, depending on what my body wants...thanks for listing all the health properties--i wasn't aware of all of them! enjoy!

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