General,  Nutritional information

When life gives you lemons…

lemons
…hoard them! Possibly the most versatile ingredient in the kitchen, the virtues of the lemon extend beyond culinary use. The Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice was an effective protection against a whole range of poisons.
use lemons on a daily basis and always have at least half a dozen to hand. I’m a bit of a lemon fiend. Unsurprisingly, neither Hugo nor the hens are fans and make a big show of their distaste with comical grimaces and much foot-stamping. I have actually seen Hugo growl menacingly at a stray lemon slice in his bowl.
Although acid in taste, lemon juice has an extremely alkalising effect on the body. Rich in vitamin C, it also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, beta-carotenes, vitamin B5 and soluble fibre such as pectin. It has an abundance of flavonoids which, working synergistically with vitamins, have a powerful antioxidant effect. The main flavonoids to be found in lemons are hesperdin, rutin and quercetin. These are extremely beneficial to the blood vessels and have an anti-allergy action.
Lemon juice will even decalcify your cookware and work as an insect-repellant! Lemons have a powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect and also increase bile secretion. They help to drain and detoxify the liver and kidneys and cleanse the whole body. I think you’ll quickly come to appreciate the value in drinking the juice of a freshly-squeezed lemon first thing in the morning.
Squeezing lemon into your food lowers the overall glycemic index of the meal. It is a significant digestive aid – citric acid stimulates the secretion of gastric enzymes. In cases of over-indulgence and even food-poisoning its alkalising, antibacterial powers are of great help.
From acne and allergies to intestinal worms and verrucas, the not-so-humble lemon has a multitude of medicinal uses, but it is in the kitchen that the lemon really comes into its own. It may be used in the preparation of sweet or savoury, cooked or raw and hot or cold dishes. Use it in salad dressings as a delicious and healthy alternative to vinegar and in marinades for meat or fish.
Gremolata, an Italian creation, is simply a mixture of equal parts lemon zest, parsley and garlic. It is a tangy, versatile topping that can be added to just about any savoury dish to enhance its flavour. Try selling that to your dog. fruit
<a href = “http://www.naturalnews.com/Infographic-15-Reasons-You-Should-be-Drinking-Lemon-Water-Every-Morning.html”>15 Reasons You Should be Drinking Lemon Water Every Morning</a>

20 Comments

  • apuginthekitchen

    LOL, I also had a dog once that used to growl and bark and toss the lemon. Hugo, tell Mum to keep them out of your dish.
    I love lemons, really all citrus but lemons are king. I had stopped eating them due to severe GERD but notice you said they have an alkalising effect, I would love to start using lemon again so may give it a try, slowly to see if I react. I miss lemon!!

    • The Healthy Epicurean

      Dogs really don’t do lemons do they 😀 I think they take them as a personal affront! Citrus fruits burn a bit on the way down when you have GERD if your oesophagus is damaged but have an alkalising effect afterwards. Worth a try anyway…

      • apuginthekitchen

        Yes lemons no for dogs but mine love oranges or tangerines or clementines they go crazy over them. Yes I have esophageal erosion so everything causes problems for me. Thanks I will try a little lemon in my water, I like that and it’s good for me.

          • apuginthekitchen

            Its true the pugs eat very healthily, I made them a jar of lacto fermented veggies without the onion and garlic. They eat that with regular ground veggies, broccoli, carrot, celery, kale and spinach, steam roasted chicken, pumpkin, plain non fat yogurt. When they get a snack it’s fruit like orange or blueberry. Yes If I ate that way I would probably be healthier and not have this GERD problem. Tell Hugo he is invited to Brooklyn to the doggie spa with Izzy and Nando.

          • apuginthekitchen

            But unlike the beautiful place you live in Hugo ( i hope you thank Bossy every day for your wonderful home) you have to watch out for cars here in Brooklyn. We do have a beautiful park where local dogs run and play. I think you would like it!!

  • Sally

    I get very annoyed if I run out of lemons – I’m a total citric addict from a slice in my g and t to eating them raw in salads, or preserved……love them.

  • Stacey Bender

    Wow, what a great bit if information in favor of the mighty “humble” lemon. I am glad I use them as often as I do and will even be upping the anti now.
    Buddy asked me to tell Hugo and BHF that he will eat lemon juice on his fish now and perhaps they should do that too.

    • The Healthy Epicurean

      Thank you and shall pass on Buddy’s excellent advice to Hugo. I have a sneaking suspicion though that he won’t be having any of it – he can be rather stubborn food-wise. And if he won’t, BHF won’t either!

  • emmasouthlondon

    Fascinating information about lemons!
    No good for dogs or the chickens, but lemon and orange rind seem to be great for keeping the neighbours cats off the vegetable patch – I sprinkle sliced citrus rind and scatter – it looks a bit odd, but with as many cats as we have around here, drastic measures are called for!!
    Emma 🙂

      • emmasouthlondon

        I’m afraid so… there are lots in London, and a family of foxes lives just next door. So far, my chickens and the garden hasn’t suffered too much though.
        The citrus peel is the best deterrant I’ve found. And I’ve tried quite a few!
        Emma 🙂

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