L is for Lemons

Lemons...my biggest love-hate relationship.

I'm not overly eager for the taste of lemons. Lemon meringue pie, Lemon chicken, Lemon sorbet, Lemon tea, blah, blah, blah. I really can't stand the taste of lemon. But, every blog I visit,  every website I view, every healthy guru I know, LOVES lemons. This is a staple item in the shopping cart weekly for the health-minded....


So, I decided to do a little research......

OK Mr. Yellow prove yourself....

- lemons have strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune boosting benefits (they contain citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vit. C, pectin, bioflavonoids, and limonene - all immunity and infection fighters!)

- have been used for centuries as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser (Try this: drink warm water with lemon first thing in the morning....wait 10-15 mins - voila! You've won trip to the closest bathroom)

- on that note, there is a lot of research that states that drinking warm water with lemon (1 cup of water to 1/2 juice of 1 lemon), first thing in the morning, is highly beneficial - it recharges your system to make sure you absorb nutrients better throughout the day, flushes your kidneys, liver, and lymphatic system of waste and toxins, full of vit.C, increases acidity in your body which allows better absorption of calcium which you need to lose weight because calcium is found in fat cells)

- lemons are calming - some experts say they then help remove fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, etc. Try and find some lemon balm essential oil to sniff when you're feeling anxious.

- lemon is an antioxidant - kills those nasty free radicals swimming through your body

- natural hair lightener - remember Sun In as kids? Well, this is the natural Sun In...

-lemons have natural anti-septic properties - hence, lemon scented cleaners.

- glowing skin benefits - add a little lemon juice to a cotton pad (or use your finger) to place the juice on your face. Sleep with it on and wash away in the morning. A little tingle at first, but I'm willing to give it a try!

- Dr. Oz on his show created a Lemon Brandy Mask - creates a wonderful chemical peel - I think I want to try this! But, I need to buy some Brandy
Check out the show! http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/health-benefits-lemons

-Dr. Oz was on to something - there are so many beauty recipes that use lemons. Check out this site for hair rinses, anti wrinkle masks, teeth whitening,  chapped lips, etc. http://www.beautyandgroomingtips.com/2006/04/lemon-as-beauty-aid.html

Lemons have MORE benefits than I mentioned. To Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx?p=3#ixzz20sx3xTmW

Ok Mr.Yellow...I guess you and I will give this friendship another try. I've always known you were good for me...

 This week, my goal is to drink warm lemon water each morning. What's your goal for the week? I'd love to know your tips and tricks for lemon use!