The saying goes, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.‘ This meaning of this quote is to teach us that when life dishes out bitter deals, think of a positive outcome.
This quote was in my head this morning as I was attempting to pick some lemons from my tree. There are so many about to ripen. I love the look of lemons, on my tree, or in a bowl on my kitchen table. They speak sunshine, and I call them happy fruit. I never think of them as bitter, even though they are. But what if you are not into sweet lemonade and making calorie-packed lemon cake, lemon curd or god forbid my fave, lemon meringue pie? Don’t waste your lemons. For my healthy readers, all is not lost.
The last few weeks have been so hot here in Spain, I have felt very lethargic. I am preparing to travel again and have rented my house in September. The heat has been hindering me to accomplish any physical work. I rise early, to beat the heat, clean up the garden and do odd painting jobs around the house. Being outside always lifts my mood and gets me in tune with nature.
Back to Lemons. In the next couple of weeks, I am going to have about 100 of them which will mean I need a plan of action. They all look so healthy, hanging off their branches, I do not want to see them shriveled and wasted. I pick a lemon off my tree and the first thing I do is smell it. DID YOU KNOW? The scent of a lemon can reduce your stress levels. That is why we all love the smell of fresh lemons. What a fantastic start to my day
How healthy are lemons?
Lemons are an incredible fruit. Packed with vitamin C, and just one cup of pure lemon juice will give me 187% of my daily requirement, so first I will be using my lemons to make lemon water. I can freeze sliced lemons or wedges or even make ice cubes. Freezing alone will not alter your vitamin C content. Health nerds and dieters have known about the benefits of drinking lemon water, for a long time.
- It is cheap to make, epecialy if you live in a country where you can have your own tree.
- Very low in calories and helps to flavour your water, so helps people on weight loss programs. Drink instead of sugary soda’s
- Helps with your digestion and detoxing. Drinking warm lemon water, first thing in the morning will stimulate secretion of gastric juices as it interacts with other essential enzymes.
- The citric acid found in lemon juice has been shown to protect your liver function.
- Helps your immunity, An important issue at this time.
- Keeps you hydrated, less bloated and relieves constipation.
- Promotes glowing skin, the vitamin C also helps with producing collagen to tackle those wrinkles, keeping your skin smooth.
So some washing chopping and freezing will preserve the fruit, I will keep some back for the fruit bowl, (love the yellow glow in my kitchen.)
Now to get creative. lemons and cosmetics
We do not have to eat our lemons for them to be beneficial, try making some moisturiser. Due to their antibacterial properties they make a perfect ingredient in keeping your skin free from breakouts. Try mixing a few drops of lemon juice with some coconut oil, for a hydrated and clear skin. You can also use lemons to lighten your skin, such as on elbows or knees. Cut a lemon in half and rub on the darkened area to see a difference over time. If you suffer with blackheads, after cleansing, rub some lemon slices over the areas of skin affected. You can also make your own skin toner by mixing lemon juice and distilled water.
Benefits of lemons, when used on your hair
Lemons are used to promote shinier hair and can also help with dry skin or dandruff. For the best results try adding 2 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar. If your hair has been exposed to the sun this will help. A word of warning though, Lemon juice does contain citric acid which can be harsh on people with eczema or psoriasis. It is always best to do a small skin test to avoid any irritation.
LEt them eat cake.
I have a really good friend who makes the most amazing lemon cake. I am hoping she will read this, I will have a bag of lemons for her to make a cake. Hopefully I will be allowed a slice, just a small piece. I can then sit in my garden and enjoy every morsel with my lemon tea, my shiny hair and healthy glowing skin………..Mmm, When life gives you lemons eh!
Please leave a comment below if you have other healthy options using lemons.
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