Lemons

Nov
03

Lemons

Posted by Mark under Healthy Foods to Eat

lemons

When life gives you lemons make lemonade.

It’s an old saying that is very true. Lemons are probably the most often used of all the citrus fruits and an excellent source of vitamin C. The juice squeezed from a medium-sized lemon, (about 75mls) contains around 27mg of vitamin C or about half the recommended daily intake for women.

Incidentally the best way to get all the juice from a lemon is to pop it in the microwave for about 40 seconds at a warm setting, or simply just pop into some warm water for about the same time.

Lemon peel contains an antioxidant called rutin, which is another of the antioxidant group that helps strengthen capillaries and the walls of veins. But before you rush out and start grating lemon peel, remember lemons are often sprayed before harvesting with fungicides, so you should wash lemons thoroughly before grating.

Lemon peel also contains a substance called limonene. Limonene is lemony oil that can irritate your skin. Limonene is currently being investigated in the fight against cancer as it appears to have anti-tumour properties.
Naturally made Lemonade is probably one of the nicest drinks you can have.

Here is a recipe for natural lemonade.

8 or 9 large lemons (1-1/2 cups of lemon juice)
1/2 cup of clear honey (or sugar)
5 cups mineral water
1 lemon cut crosswise into thin slices (cartwheels)

Add the honey (or sugar) to the lemon juice and about a third of the water and stir. Add the remaining water.

If you prefer your lemonade pink add a touch of grenadine syrup.

Serve in a pitcher of ice cubes.