Superfood: Lemons

Lemons are among the many superfoods. They contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids(antioxidant), limonene(anti-cancer effects), pectin(fiber), B-complex vitamins, copper, iron and potassium. When you think of lemons you think of just a yellow fruit, but there is so much more that these little yellow fruits do. They do everything from helping to clear acne to helping with digestion to helping to get rid of headaches. Here are just some of the benefits of adding lemons to your everyday diet:

Immune System:

Lemons are high in Vitamin C which is great for fighting off  infections, like the flu or colds. They’re also high in potassium which helps to control blood pressure and increase HDL levels. Lemons have more potassium than apples or grapes.

Cancer Fighting:

Lemons have 22 anti-cancer compounds! Found in lemons, is an oil called Limonene, which can slow or halt the growth of cancer.

Alkaline?

Yep, lemons aren’t acidic. They are actually alkaline inside your body. Adding lemon to your water will help make your water even more alkaline. This helps to restore balance to the body’s pH.

Weight Loss:

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which is a complex carb. This will help you feel full longer and fight off cravings.

Digestion:

Warm water stimulates the GI tract and helps move things along. Adding lemon to your warm water will add minerals and vitamins to help loosen toxins in your digestive tract and “detox” you.

Try drinking this mixture: Cup of hot water, ¼ lemon, T ground flaxseed.

 Natural Diuretic:

Talking about detoxing…Lemons help to flush out toxins at a faster rate and help to avoid UTIs. Lemon water also helps with getting rid of toxins in the blood to help clear acne prone skin. It even helps decrease wrinkles!

Try first thing in the morning: C warm water, ½ lemon

Don’t know how to fit lemons into your diet? Of course lemonade is always delicious, but you can add lemon to your everyday foods. Try squeezing fresh lemon over your salads as a dressing. Instead of butter on your veggies, try lemon. Of course fish, is always a good choice to add some lemon to. Adding a little lemon to your stews or soups is a great way to sneak it in. Lemon and coffee? They say that it helps to get rid of a headache. A little lemon will go a long way.