As you know, most of are dehydrated. As you hydrate, you can also begin to alkalize your body for better health. (see Water Cure)
I recommend that many of my patients begin each day...first thing in the morning, before any other food or drink...with a glass of lemon water. Why lemon water you may ask?
The benefits are remarkable:
- After a nights sleep the lemon water provides an ideal flush to the body's systems...digestive, circulatory and elimination.
- The lemon juice in particular is a great cleanser and purifier of blood, liver and kidney's.
- Lemon juice (although acidic in nature) is anionic and therefore produces an alkalizing effect on the body. This is important because the more alkaline your body is, the healthier it is. Disease states only occur when the body pH is acidic. Being alkaline also helps further the detoxification processes.
- Lemon juice is a great source of Vitamin C: supports immune function. Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and B-vitamins are also in lemon juice
- Lemon juice supports digestive function and can relieve conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, flatulence diarrhea and constipation.
Lime and lemon add refreshing zest to almost any drink which cleanse and enhance immune properties of your already healthy glass of juice.
Nutritional Benefits
The nutritional benefits of limes do not differ very much from those of lemons. They are both excellent sources of vitamin C, B6, potassium, folic acid, flavonoids and the outstanding phytochemical, limonene.Limonene have anti-cancer effects and help increase the level of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens.
Health Benefits
Limes and lemons contain outstanding phytochemicals that
are high in anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. They are potent detoxifiers
with anti-biotic effect that is protective against bacterial
poisoning.
Asthma: Take a tablespoon of lemon juice at least one hour
before each meal to relieve asthma.
Burning soles/feet: Rub a sliced
lemon over the burning sole/foot/heel to relieve from pain and for toxin
elimination through the pores of the feet.
Cold: The anti-viral
properties in lime/lemon fight infections and halt the progress of a cold. Take
the juice of two lemons in half a liter of hot water and add honey to taste. Sip
it slowly before bedtime.
Constipation: Drink a glass of warm water every
morning with some lime/lemon. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon powder. This will help
your body to detoxify and relieve constipation.
Digestion: Lime/lemon
juice has amazing digestive qualities that are very similar to our digestive
enzymes. Thus it is effectively helps with digestion and relieves bloating and
belching.
Feet, tired: After a long day on your feet, soak your feet in
very warm water containing lime/lemon juice to enjoy the cooling, astringent
feeling. This will also help promote deep sleep due to the relaxing action on
the foot nerves.
Gums, swollen: Drink a glass of diluted fresh lime juice
with a pinch of sea salt to relieve the pain of swollen gums. Use the rind from
the squeezed lime and rub on the gums.
Heartburn: Add two teaspoon of
lime/lemon juice into a glass of warm water and drink to relieve
heartburn.
Inflammatory disorders: Even though lime/lemon juice are sour
and taste acidic, it is actually very alkalinizing in the body and is highly
effective in the treatment of inflammatory disorders like rheumatism, arthritis,
sciatica, etc. It also prevents the deposit of uric acid in the tissues, thus
reducing the risks of gout.
Skin, dry: Rub the peel of a lemon on dry or
scaly skin to restore softness and add moisture to the skin.
Sore throat:
Mix one part lemon juice with one part water. Gargle frequently and feel its
soothing effect on the throat. You may also add in a pinch of sea salt for added
effect.
Consumption Tips: The highest content of limonene is found in the
white spongy inner parts of the lemon. When juicing a lemon, put in the whole
fruit together with the peel, to get the most nutrition out of it (be sure to
wash and brush the dirt off the skin before doing so.)
Make it a habit to
put in the juice cut limes/lemons (together with peel) into your drinking water or juices,
to enjoy all its medicinal properties. With lemon juice in your drink, the
absorbability of the other nutrients in your drink is increased up to five
times!
Tip: Juice a glass of either lime or lemon juice and make ice
cubes out of it. When you have a drink, pop a few lime/lemon cubes into your
drink for a refreshing taste while enjoying its immense health
benefits. This is great to do if you find a great deal on lemons, buy in bulk and make lemon cubes!
Limes and lemons can be stored in the fridge for up to two
weeks. Although they can actually keep longer, it will soon lose its flavor
after too long.
When buying lemons, look at the stem end of the lemon.
There should be about four or five little lines radiating out of the stem. The
greater the number of these lines, the higher the mineral content of the
lemon.
A special thanks to Dr. Young
Nothing in these statements is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent disease. It is presented as information only.