Here's The Tea On Lemon

Growing up, I didn't care for the taste of lemon. I thought it was too sour and had an overpowering flavor. My parents use to add lemon to their water and iced tea, but I wasn't a fan of the tart taste.

I remember working in a southern kitchen [back home] when my kitchen manager instructed me to add lemon juice to the sliced Granny Smith apples. Unaware of the purpose of lemon juice with apples, I asked my kitchen manager.

"The acidity of the lemon keeps the apples from turning brown prior to serving," he explained.

Prior to using lemon juice for the preservation of apples, I'd used carbonated water or lemon-lime soda for the same purpose. Lemon juice was the efficient way to preserve the apples [at my cooking station] longer than with carbonated water or soda.

On the other hand, I remember my parents introduced lemon to me by adding lemon juice as a component to aid in boosting immunity, combating kidney stones, and easing appetite hunger.

Alternatively, lemon is scientifically known as Citrus limon. The bright yellow and oval-shaped fruit is part of the flowering plant family, Rutaceae. Lemon originated from Northern and Eastern India.

Within traditional Palestinian medicine, components of lemon were used for dissolving skin lumps, hair care, stings and burns, and as a remedy for acne and eczema.

Equipped to combat cardiovascular issues.

Heart stroke and attacks are the leading causes of failed cardiovascular health.

Consuming Vitamin C-enriched foods, like lemon, is great for boosting your cardiovascular [and overall] health.

The fiber and plant compounds, hesperidin and diosmin, found in lemon can lower bad cholesterol.

Additional plant compounds, limonene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and naringin, found in lemon possess anti-cancer properties to combat causes of cardiovascular complications.

Research proved eating Vitamin C-enriched fruits can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, like heart disease and heart stroke.

According to The Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, lemon-infused water can protect against inflammation and arthritis.

In a 2012 study, the antioxidant, flavonoid, found in lemon can lower the risks of strokes in women.

A 2014 study conducted in Japan proved active participants who consumed lemon daily lowered blood pressure.

According to The Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, consuming lemon and walking can improve and lower high blood pressure.

In a 2019 study, flavonoid-packed foods can help protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Kidney stones, leave me alone!

Growing up, it was common to hear about people suffering from kidney stones. I haven't experienced life with them. Based on others' experience with kidney stones, it didn't seem if kidney stones aren't a good thing.

Dehydration, eating salty or sugary foods, and insufficient exercise are leading causes for kidney stones to form.

Luckily, lemon juice affects the formation of kidney stones.

Studies showed consuming lemon[ade] can lower the risks of kidney stones.

According to The American Urological Association, studies showed lemon-infused beverages can halt the development of kidney stones and crystals.

These days, I've found enjoyment in baking and cooking with lemon. I've come to appreciate the alert and tart flavor of lemon. Whether I've used lemon on my homemade apple tarts, infused beverages, or creating savory broths and gravies, lemons elevated many food dishes I've experimented with.

You can find lemons at your local farmer's market and grocery stores. Should you have a green thumb, lemon trees are sold at local hardware stores or garden centers.

Freshly squeezed lemonade is divine on a summer day for the children. For the adults, add a few shots of potato vodka for an adult beverage to help you relax and enjoy the summer!

Which ways do you lemons contribute to your healthy lifestyle?

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