🍋🍋Lemons, aah lemons. Always beloved, but I never quite realized how much we rely on them on a weekly if not daily basis until this shelter-in-place. While others are hoarding toilet paper, cleaning products, and masks, in our home it’s lemons. 😂 About 10-15 per week. But the stores don’t seem to be in short supply, so I feel ok about our lemon consumption.
And how did lemons get such a bad rap anyway? As in “we got a lemon”. Lemons are far from being unuseful or unwanted, and have numerous health benefits. A rich source of vitamin C, fiber, and electrolytes, as well as smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals (B vitamins, potassium, zinc and magnesium, lutein and xeaxanthin).
Here’s the top 5 reasons why lemons are especially important for your health during these times.
Boosts Immunity. A good source of Vitamin C, one medium-sized lemon provides 31 mg of Vitamin C (half of the RDI). Vitamin C strengthens your immune system by warding off infections and other pathogens.
Alkalizes the Body. Although lemon is acidic in its natural form, once metabolized it has an alkalizing affect on the body. Alkalizing your body brings many health benefits. In an alkaline environment, certain microbes can’t flourish and cells and tissues function optimally.
Soothes Respiratory Disorders. Lemon has been helpful in relieving breathing and respiratory problems in both short and long-term respiratory disorders. Drinking warm lemon water can help soothe asthma attacks and bronchitis, as well as loosen congestion and shorten the duration of symptoms during an illness.
Reduces inflammation. Resolution of inflammation is important for your body to repair. Lemons are loaded with antioxidants, powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They help reduce swelling, necessary for the body to start repairing damaged tissues. Additionally Vitamin C is a building block for collagen, a protein that is used to repair damaged tissue throughout the body.
Helps regulate stress levels. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and stress, which can cause our adrenals to release cortisol, a stress hormone. High levels of cortisol over the long term can have adverse health effects. Vitamin C in lemons can help minimize the effect of cortisol. Adding lemon to water can increase water consumption and help you stay hydrated.
Stay tuned…this week Ellie will share our #1 use of lemons that is both easy, kid-friendly and delicious!
