Love Lemons

With the temperature changing there seem to be a few bugs going round at the moment. So, if you do just one thing to positively impact your health this week, make it introducing more lemons into your diet.

For years now I have been starting every day with a mug of warm lemon juice and I swear by it to keep colds and bugs away. It’s really refreshing and hydrates me so I know exactly how hungry I really am. It has become such a habit that when I was in Borneo for 2 months and the local supermarket ran out of lemons I searched for them everywhere I went – even asking in restaurants if I could buy a couple of their lemons if they were anywhere on the menu (much to the embarrassment of my fellow volunteers!). Six weeks without them and I had my first cold in over a year when I got home.

So why are they so good for you? Lemons are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fibre. Although acidic they actually have an alkaline effect on the body which means they reduce the chance of disease which breeds in an acidic environment. They also reduce inflammation by removing uric acid form the joints and aid digestion by loosening the toxins in the digestive tract.

Lemons contain pectin fibre which can help curb hunger plus they increase enzyme function which stimulates the liver to flush out toxins. High in vitamin C, lemon juice boosts your immune system and helps fight viral infections.

To reap the above benefits, try starting your day with the juice of half or a whole lemon in warm water. Drink before breakfast with a straw or after brushing your teeth to protect the enamel. If you’re feeling run down go for the whole lemon!