That’s Right,”Go Suck a Real Lemon!”
We’ve all heard the term”lemon,” referring to something that is poorly built or defective and we’ve heard the phrases, ”go suck a lemon,” ”that relationship went sour,” “like lemon juice on a paper cut” and ”when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” America even has lemon laws. Lemonlawamerica.com has a line on their website which reads,”The state lemon laws and other federal consumer protection laws could help you get rid of that lemon!” Have you heard of Lemon Socialism or The Lemon Party of Canada?
Unfortunately, most people have forgotten that a good medicine tastes bitter or sour, whether metaphorical or literal. A proper diet also requires we ingest more bitter and sour!
For decades scientists have agreed on four basic food tastes: sweet, salty, sour and bitter. In recent years, scientists also have agreed on a fifth sense, umami (savory), which is evoked by monosodium glutamate (MSG) in foods. Scary! It makes me think of a time when I was asked by an airplane stewardess if I wanted the” salty or savory snack”. So, as people’s taste buds are devolving and constantly requiring sugar and chemical enhancers, the lemon is becoming less popular and used more as a garnish or scent in a household cleaner. As Alfred E. Neuman said, “We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.”
Sour taste stimulates digestion, helps circulation and elimination, energizes the body, strengthens the heart, relieves thirst, maintains acidity, sharpens the senses, and helps extract minerals such as iron from food. With that in mind, let’s look closer at the reasons why we should all be adding lemons to our regular diet.
There is a misconception about the acidic nature of lemons. When, lemons, limes and grapefruits are metabolized inside our body, they produce alkaline residues which help neutralize pH levels in the body. An acidic pH breaks down the normal functioning of the biological systems resulting in degenerative conditions within the body and providing a receptive environment for disease. You can test this fact the next time you have heartburn, indigestion or a sour stomach. Yes, have something sour. Squeeze a fresh lemon and mix it into your water. Drink it and you’ll feel the results in minutes as your body’s pH stabilizes.
Lemons are a great source of B6, iron, potassium, antioxidants and pectin. They offer dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, manganese, magnesium, zinc and other nutrients.
Lemon is also a diuretic and will help you flush out toxins and bad bacteria. It also will help you lose weight and break up fat in your body.
Those suffering from urinary infections, arthritis, rheumatism, colds, fever, allergies, diphtheria, dehydration, water retention, gastric problems, heartburn, osteoarthritis and high blood pressure can highly benefit from drinking a fresh lemon or two a day.
Lemons are also used externally for acne, dry lips & skin, exfoliation (especially for blackheads and wrinkles), to soften the cuticles, prevent dark circles around the eyes, gingivitis, hair lightening, dandruff, bug bites and as sunscreen. Simply squeeze a couple lemons, mix it with water and add to a spray bottle or dip a cotton puff into the mixture and apply. For nails and cuticles, soak your fingers in warm water and lemon. You can also make a terrific facial mask made of lemons and other ingredients found around the house such as plain yogurt, honey, eggs or olive oil.
You can also use lemon juice to marinate seafood or meat, which also kills bacteria.
Squeeze a bit of extra lemon in your cocktail!
Many use lemon juice to clean cutting boards, glass, copper, porcelain, bronze and aluminum. Additionally, it is used to get rid of odors around the house.
Lemons have a calming and soothing effect and especially helpful for those who suffer from depression or lack the ability to concentrate. Lemon is invigorating and increases well-being and physical energy. Try lemon essential oil or aromatherapy.
Lastly, the lemon tree is beautiful. It is amazing that from the soil we can receive such a refreshing, stimulating and colorful fruit.
When life presents you with artificial lemons, tell it to go suck a real lemon!
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