No doubt that lemons and limes are most famous for their vitamin C content. They offer so much more. Lemons and limes contain a variety of protective phytochemicals, including polyphenols and limonene. Limonene is found predominantly in the peel though a small amount can be found in the juice of the fruit. To list a few of the health benefits for lemons and limes:
Immune Booster
We all know that vitamin C is an immune booster. Citrus peel, hence limonene, has also been shown to have positive effects on one’s immune response and also boost antioxidant status.
Cancer Fighter
Preclinical studies have shown limonene to inhibit breast cancer by detoxifying potential carcinogenic compounds. Other studies have found that those who used citrus peel in cooking, baking, or tea had a lower risk of squamous cell skin cancer. No need to eat large volumes of citrus peel, even a small amount of zest will boost your consumption of this cancer-fighting compound, while simultaneously adding flavor to your foods. Additionally, lemons are known to be anti-angiogenic. Angiogenesis inhibitors function to block the growth of blood vessels that support tumor growth.
Supports Digestive & Liver Function
Lemons and limes contain citric acid, which facilitate digestion by aiding in the secretion of gastric juice. Additionally, citric acid helps to open up the bile ducts in the liver and the gallbladder promoting proper bile flow. Vitamin C supplies antioxidants that your liver needs to detoxify your body and hormones. Support these functions by starting your day with a tall glass of water with a squeeze of lemon or lime!
Enhances Iron Absorption
Vitamin C and citric acid improve one’s absorption of non-heme iron, the iron that is found in plant-based foods.
Skin Health
Vitamin C plays a major role in the production of pro-collagen, the body’s precursor to collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the body. It’s the primary substance of connectives tissues that provides structural support holding your body together and is essential for the health of your skin, and also you gut, joints, ligaments, bones hair, nails, teeth, heart, and liver.
Selection & Storage
The juiciest lemons and limes will be firm and heavy for their size. The aromatic and healthful oils so plentiful in the peel of lemons and limes can add a burst of flavor to many foods. When zesting citrus, remove only the thin outer layer of the peel as the underlying white pith is quite bitter.
Store lemons at room temperature if you plan to use them within a week. For longer keeping, store in your refrigerator crisper drawer. Limes are more perishable than lemons, so you may want to consider storing limes in the refrigerator if not using immediately. Have too many lemons or limes that may spoil? Freeze fresh juice in an ice cube tray and make lemon or lime juice cubes. Sprinkle lemon or lime juice on sliced apples, pears, or avocados to prevent them from turning brown.
Recipes
Versatility at its finest. Lemons & limes liven up vegetables, fruit salad, salad dressing, vegetable juice, fish, poultry, tofu, broth, soup, salsa, dips, sauces, and marinades.
Ginger Lemon Refresher
This drink was inspired from Suja’s Ginger Love – it’s gingery, tart, slightly sweet, and packs a punch.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
16 fluid ounces filtered water
1-1 ¼ ounces ginger juice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
40 mg (essentially a pinch) pure stevia powder
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!
Lemon Mustard Salmon Salad
* Recipe adapted from Cancer Fighting Kitchen Cookbook written by Rebecca Katz
Ingredients
1 (7 ½ ounce) can wild salmon
3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Pinch of sea salt
3 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Place the salmon in a bowl and break it into small pieces with a fork. Stir in the mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, cayenne, salt, celery, and parsley. If needed, adjust the flavors with lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Pineapple Green Tea Sorbet with Fresh Fruit
Ingredients
1 pineapple
Juice of 1 lemon
½ cup cool strong brewed green tea
½ cup berries; strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries
Instructions
Core and cut pineapple into small pieces, be sure to preserve as much juice as possible. Freeze overnight. Place pineapple, lemon juice, and green tea in food processor and blend until smooth. Top with berries. Serve immediately.
If you’re looking for more information on lemons, consider this resource.
Hope you’re safe and well!
Warmly,
Natalie