THE LEMON FRUIT IS FROM the family of Citrus.It is yellow or light green in colour. It has a lesser sour taste than lime, due to the acidity. It is also very juicy. Wonder how sweet the lemon fruit is?
In cooking, lemon juice can be used in marinades for fish, and tenderisers for meat. Lemon juice is used to make drinks like lemonade, soft lemon drinks, and lemon vodka. Also, lemon juice is used as temporary preservatives on certain foods that oxidise by turning brown after being sliced, as the acid in the lemon denatures the active enzymes, thus prevents it from changing colour. Lemon juice is also used as a cleaning astringent; it is used to heal tanning on the knees and elbows.Due to the tenderness of the face, lemon juice mixed with sugar or honey serves as exfoliating and brightening agent on the face. Lemon juice can also be used as a dye to brighten the hair naturally.
Not only can you use lemon juice for food and the body; it can also be used for cleaning kitchenware – half lemon dipped in salt or scouring powder is used to clean copper cookware.
The oil from the lemon fruit peel is almost as beneficial as the juice.The oil is used as a wood cleaner and polish. It is used as a non-toxic insecticide treatment.
Water and lemon therapy
Below are the benefits of drinking a cup of water with a slice of lemon fruit every morning:
1) Lemon juice flushes out unwanted materials from the body. It boosts the liver to produce bile, which is an acid that is required for relief of indigestion symptoms like heartburn.
2) Lemon juice increases the rate of urination; therefore toxins are released at a faster rate, which helps keep the urinary tract healthy. The citric acid in lemons helps maximise enzyme function, which fuels the liver and aids in detoxification.
3) Lemon is high in vitamin C, which aids in preventing and curing cold and inflammation.It is also high in potassium, which facilitates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.
4) The vitamin C and other antioxidants help lessen wrinkles and blemishes as well as prevent fundamental damage.
5) Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which is the major substance in lemon, promotes wound-healing, and it is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue and cartilage.
6) Lemon has been known to help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis.It also promotes fresher breath.
7) Lemon juice in warm water supports the immune system by hydrating and substituting fluids lost by the body.
8) Lemon is high in pectin fibre, which helps combat hunger resulting in weight loss.
