Lemons are Very Healthy

Lemons are very healthy, many recipes include lemons, lemons have copious amounts of vitamin C. Studies have also shown they may help protect us from breast cancer and other cancers. The sour taste of lemon enhances both sweet and savory flavors. Not only the meat inside the lemon, the lemon juice but also the skin or rind of the lemon is very healthy.

We all know about the juice and the pulp, what about the rind? Researchers have shown lemon peel or rind is full of bio-active compounds. These compounds provide numerous health benefits.

The peel of a lemon has large amounts of fiber (along with vitamin C). In addition to fiber and vitamin C, there are small amounts of potassium, magnesium and calcium contained in the beautiful yellow exterior of the lemon.

A compound called D-limousine is found in the peel, it gives the lemon it’s aromatic smell. D-limousine may also be responsible for the many health benefits the lemon is known for.

The peel or rind of a lemon contains 5 antibacterial compounds that may inhibit microorganism growth. In addition, the peel is high in antioxidants which protect our cells from oxidation and aging, one of the many reasons Lemons are very healthy.

Lemon Peel fights Cancer

This yellow fruit does more than fight certain cancers, it is also known to lower the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Just like we have been told before with vitamin C, lemon rind promotes our immune health.

In addition to all the benefits listed above, studies have suggested lemon peel was not only antibiotic but anti-fungal as well, so it works well with skin infections.

The main compounds in lemon rind include flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin (the Main fiber in the rind). It has been found these compounds may protect from high blood pressure, bad cholesterol and heart disease.

All the health benefits are amazing, but it doesn’t stop there! Lemon works great as an all-purpose cleaner, fridge and trash-can deodorizer, stainless-steel cleaner, Kettle cleaner, and Body scrub. So, you see it goes beyond lemons are very healthy.

More uses for lemons

Deodorizer: Put some lemon peel I the bottom of your trash can and in the fridge.

Cleaner: fill a jar with lemon peel, fill jar with ammonia. Let it sit for 1 month. Remove the peel and mix the remaining solution with water in equal amounts.

Stainless steel: Sprinkle salt on the soiled item, scrub any stains with lemon peels, make sure and rinse thoroughly.

Clean your kettle: fill kettle 3/4 full of lemon and water, bring to a boil to remove mineral deposits, let sit for 90 minutes before rinsing.

Body Scrub: Mix finely chopped lemon peel with some sugar and avocado oil. Massage onto wet skin. Rinse well when done.

In my world, I love anything lemon. I use lemons in cooking all the time, my favorite recipes include lemon. Cut an apple squeeze lemon juice on it, keeping the apple from turning brown and the lemon is delicious with the sweet apple. Apples are great in a fruit salad, my mom always included them. And so, this entry would not be complete without a delicious recipe that includes lemons because lemons are very healthy.

Lemon Squares

Makes up to 16 squares depending on the size

Preheat oven to 335 degrees.

Ingredients

1          cup      flour
1/2      tsp       salt
1/4      cup      sugar
1/2      cup      butter (1 stick)
1/4      cup      powdered sugar for serving

Topping

1          cup      sugar
2                      eggs
2          tsp       grated lemon zest (peel)
2         Tbsp    fresh lemon juice
1/4      tsp       baking powder
1/4      tsp       salt

Grease 8 x 8-inch glass dish with butter or cooking spray

Crust:

Combine flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl, work the butter in by hand until it is crumbly. Press the crust into the greased 8 x 8 glass dish and bake for 20 minutes

Topping:

While the crust is cooking combine in a bowl, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, baking powder, salt. Mix well

Remove crust from oven, pour topping mixture over top while crust is still hot. Return to the oven, bake for additional 20. Minutes or until it is set

Take from oven and let it cool slightly, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

For more things with lemon check this out https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/collections/gallery/lemon-recipes-freshen-up-week/62qw7l1d