Hello dear friends of the community, especially in the trends communities @altruistc-steem, @naturalmedicine, @farms, @health. Today I want to share with you the different benefits that lemon has for health without neglecting the innumerable uses that can be given to this fruit in the kitchen. In our country Venezuela this fruit is extremely economical, and even those who do not have a lemon tree in the house and who do not have to ask the neighbor to give away a lemon.
Lemon is a very aromatic fruit, (Citrus Lemon) is well known for being a "medicinal food" par excellence thanks to the many healthy properties attributed to it, from combating hypertension and cardiovascular problems, to counteract stress and Fatigue or strengthen the body's defenses.
It should be noted that lemon is rich in vitamin C, these properties of lemon on health make it a fundamental food. It is very rich in vitamin C: 100 ml of homemade lemon juice provide 62% of daily needs. This vitamin is essential for the good state of the blood vessels, and very beneficial for the health of bones, teeth and skin.
In addition, the vitamin C of the lemon causes the formation of collagen that contributes to the good state of the skin and cartilages, and to the good healing of wounds. It also favors the absorption of iron that we can ingest with breakfast. On the other hand, it plays a transcendental role in the proper functioning of the immune system, which prevents infections and many other diseases.
All citrus fruits are valuable and rich in vitamin C, but lemon is perhaps the one that offers more benefits because it adds other qualities. Basically, its healing power is due to its low energy content, its balanced level in sodium and potassium and obviously, its high value in vitamin C.
The most natural, simple and effective way to enjoy the medicinal properties of lemon is to drink a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon or a whole lemon when you get up. In this way it benefits the action of vitamin C, terpenes and organic acids of the lemon at the most appropriate time of the day.
Different benefits of lemon for health:
Improve your mood
A little-known property of the lemon, and also due to limonene and other terpenoids, is that it favors good humor, because it reduces the levels of stress and agitation.
Remove skin blemishes
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Use a mask based on oats and lemon to gradually lighten the spots that appear on the skin especially on the face and hands-over the years. For its preparation mix a spoonful of oatmeal with half a lemon juice to form a homogeneous paste. Consecutively it is used on the spots and it is left to act for about twenty minutes before removing it with warm water. You have to apply the mask three times a week until you see results.
Take your juice without hurry
There are people who believe that you have to consume the lemon juice just after squeezing it so you do not lose vitamin C. The truth is that this vitamin is preserved in the juice squeezed quite well for several hours at room temperature.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is rapidly transformed into dehydroascorbic acid, a compound that until a few years ago was thought to have no activity as vitamin C, but today it is known to retain its properties. That's why you can entertain yourself a bit in taking your lemon juice.
It cleans, alkalizes and moisturizes
A glass of water with lemon is essential, this morning cup stimulates the body's purifying processes and favors its alkalinity, that is, the opposite of acidity, which favors all types of disorders, including cancer.
The best way to hydrate after having a body and an 8-hour session. Taking the lemon with water is the most appropriate, in addition, because the lemon alone is too aggressive with tooth enamel. In fact, to protect it, you can drink a glass of water with lemon through a straw
Simple treatment against acne
The astringent and disinfectant properties of lemon are useful to treat the subject. You just have to dilute it in a little water and apply it on the face after washing it well. Let it act all night and in the morning. The same idea is used to treat oily hair.
It should be noted that this remedy should be used only at night, since contact with it can cause wide skin.
It's good digestive
It is a great stimulant of the flow of saliva and gastric juices, qualities that make digestion easier. It helps fight dyspepsia and constipation. It is believed to be a good natural antiparasitic, and intestinal inflammation has also been responded to, which works as a spasm calming agent.
Relief for the throat
Not only for complaints and colds, but also for other complaints such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, severe throat pain, relief of lemon juice and honey is universal. Besides adding to the classic tea, you can gargle or swish with its juice: produce a quick relief and provide vitamin C.
Hepatic balm
Very popular for inflammations of the liver and gallbladder, since bile secretion is stimulated and helps rapidly metabolize fats. It is believed that toxins are eliminated and that a good cleansing method of the body is to drink lemon juice for a whole day to detoxify
Burning fats
It is believed that it eliminates toxins. Although scientific evidence is based on few studies, lemon helps burn fat. Low in carbohydrates and sugar, it is recommended in slimming diets and is available for those with diabetes.
Improve circulation
Its citric acids help to oxidize and eliminate the fats that impede the work of the heart and also neutralize toxic substances in the blood. A simple cup of hot water with lemon every day helps in the functioning of the entire cardiovascular system.
Effective antiseptic
It is also recognized as an antibacterial and healing potential. It is used to disinfect cuts, wounds and insect bites; to relieve rashes and fight acne. It is a good home remedy to treat sores in the mouth and neutralize the discomfort of oral herpes.
Against the flu and colds
Who has not drank a tea with hot lemon to relieve a cold or flu? It should perhaps be, together with honey, the most used home remedy in the world to combat these evils. It can strengthen the defenses, purify the body and provide a dose of vitamin C.
A lemon tea that I prepare at home when I have the flu. The ingredients and method of preparation are the following:
1 lemon
Ginger
A spoonful of honey
A glass of water.
Bring the water to boil along with the lemon, honey, and ginger. Then let it rest in the evening. It is an excellent I recommend it!
Against the pains
The perfect citrus to relieve rheumatic and joint problems. Its juice helps dissolve the toxins and crystals that cause gout, providing well-being and relief. Its alkaline power is an effective ally to relieve sciatica, lumbago and joint pains. Try taking hot or lukewarm water with lemon every day.
Deodorant
Lemon juice can also serve as an emergency deodorant when the one you use is over. Apply the juice directly on the skin. It may not last 12 hours, but it will help keep odors off.
Fight hypertension
By containing a high level of potassium and very low sodium content, it helps fight high blood pressure. The American Heart Association advises seasoning foods with lemon to lower salt intake. Besides giving it a good flavor, it adds its vitamin richness
The uses of lemon in the kitchen
It is difficult to imagine the kitchen without this fruit since fundamental in many recipes the flavor of the lemon is not appreciated in the final result, but it is used with good sense because it enhances the aromas of the food that it accompanies and offers an exquisite acid counterpoint.
Take the lemon out of the fridge, please
Do not squeeze the lemon that you just got out of the fridge, because you will get less juice and it will not be so aromatic. Take it out a few hours before and, before squeezing it, mash it with your hands. You will get much more juice!
Prevents other foods from oxidizing and spoiling
In addition, lemon juice is very practical, because it prevents many fresh fruits and vegetables from being oxidized. For this reason it is ideal to season any dish with cabbages, green leafy vegetables, avocados, artichokes or mushrooms.
Dressings and marinated with lemon
The preparation of dressings and marinated is one of the best ways to take advantage of the lemon, prepare a delicious and light seasoning mixing lemon juice and a bit of apple or pineapple juice, a splash of extra virgin olive oil and some herbs -Such as basil, parsley or dill. With this dressing you can flavor delicious salads and all kinds of dishes.
You can also combine lemon with cumin and coriander, very aromatic.
In the vegan kitchen, the lemon is used, among other things, in the elaboration of vegan cheeses based on nut creams (of cashew, for example), nutritional yeast and other natural flavoring ingredients.
Do not throw the shell, use it
As for the lemon peel, it can be used to flavor broths and soups, or to be finely chopped and used in sautéed, sauces and dressings.
You can also give a tasty touch to a sponge cake or homemade jam. Of course, when peeling the fruit, it is important not to take anything from the white part, as it is very bitter and can alter the flavor you want to give the recipe enough.
