…A Powerful & Versatile Fruit
Did you know that lemons have so many different benefits? They can be used as a facial treatment, helps with a weight reduction program, aids gut health and so much more.
When you rub half a lemon on your face it helps to prevent acne and blackheads. It is antibacterial. When applied directly to the skin it helps fight wrinkles and any other signs of aging. It is also exfoliating. However, should you have sensitive skin, I would not advise applying this directly to your skin, rather dilute it with water, or avoid it, as it could burn or cause irritation.
If you are able to tolerate it directly on your skin, don’t leave on for too long. Gently rub the inside pithy part of the lemon onto your cleanly washed face and leave for only a few minutes. You will feel your pores tightening. Then splash off with cool water (ensuring the residue of the lemon is all off your skin) and pat dry with a clean soft towel. It does leave one’s face feeling rejuvenated. It also gives your skin a clearer glow. I enjoy this treatment every so often. As with all things, don’t overdo it.
First thing in the morning, I always start my day with fresh lemon juice squeezed in warm water. It is a metabolism boost and also very good for your gut health. Lemons are full of antioxidants, removing free radicals/toxins from your body. Lemon water also gives you a feeling of satiety, so it’s great to sip throughout the day as part of a healthy calorie controlled diet. I love adding freshly squeezed lemon to baked chicken or fish and enjoy the tasty baked peels.
During cold and flu season, it is beneficial to drink hot water with freshly squeezed lemon, add a piece of fresh ginger (can crush it, if you like) and a spoonful of organic local honey.
It certainly helps for sore throats and the combination of the lemon & ginger will help your body to fight the infection.
Lemons have a diuretic effect and are a great boost for your liver and may help in the prevention of kidney stones. They contain a high content of Vitamin C and are a source of flavonoids and soluble fibre. This great little fruit may help reduce your risk of heart disease, anaemia and are reputed to help in the prevention of cancer.
Lemons can cause acid reflux in some people, so if you are prone to this, you may like to avoid them. Eating a fresh lemon can cause pain to your teeth and erosion to the enamel on your teeth, it is not worth that adverse effect. I don’t do this as it does affect me, however drinking fresh lemon diluted in warm water I find most beneficial. I do find that baked lemon skins are fine when eating with my dinner. Lemons are known to help your nervous system as they keep blood vessels soft, therefore reducing blood pressure. Lemons have been used for generations in eastern medicine, as they are high in potassium which is crucial for maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Lemons are also reputed to help prevent Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s as they aid your brain in avoiding toxic substances. It is the hesperidin, which is a flavonoid in lemons (and other citrus fruits) that helps to restore neurogenesis (the process by which neurons are formed in the brain). This helps to improve memory function.
It would be great to work alongside you to restore your health and vitality. I am a holistic therapist and lifestyle mentor and value natural health.
To your Optimum Health & Wellbeing
Catherine
Main – Photo by Abigail Chiazzaro on Unsplash
