Lemon – juicy goodness and healthy recipes

Lemon would be one of my favourite flavours ever. If you’re lucky enough to have a lemon tree, chances are you have an abundance of beautiful fruit right now.

Lemon is not only delicious, it is also very supportive to good health. I do my best to have the juice of half a lemon in a warm (not boiling) water each morning to hydrate my body (followed by more water to protect my tooth enamel and further hydrate).

If you’re after a simple way to include this superfood in your diet, here are a few good reasons to drink a little lemon water daily…

It’s nutritious (and immune boosting)

Lemons contain more vitamin C than oranges – one lemon more than covers your recommended daily intake of the antioxidant vitamin C (one of the ways it helps to boost your immune system and ward off colds and flu). They are also a great source of many  micronutrients including vitamins A, E, B1, B6, folate and the essential minerals magnesium, calcium and  phosphorous (we could add adrenal and nervous system support to the list of benefits too).

Lemons support digestion

The citric acid (and minerals) in lemons assists the digestive process by stimulating stomach acid production (ensuring the absorption of other essential vitamins and minerals such as iron). It also supports the liver’s production of bile (which is also essential for proper digestion) and nutrient absorption.

Healthy, clear skin

By supporting the digestive system and the liver, drinking lemon water can lead to clearer skin. Also, the vitamin C in lemon water helps to support collagen production for smooth, healthy skin.

Waste not, want not

Also, don’t forget to make the most of the lemon zest. Not only does it add an amazing flavour to many dishes, it contains a spectrum of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can give your menu a nutritional boost. I zest the lemon into every salad I make and also add to many casseroles and curries.

Time-saving tip

Fresh is always best, but if you have an abundance of lemons, you can juice them into ice cube trays and add a cube to your hot water each morning for an extra quick lemon water.

My other favourite ways to include lemons/juice are:

• In a salad dressing – my favourite recipes here. Plus many of the salad recipes I have posted use lemons as a key ingredient.
• In a sweet treat  – my Lemon Macadamia cookies here or my immune boosting Lemon Jelly.
• In a sauce – I love my versatile Herbalicious recipe – lovely with seafood, chicken or lamb.
• I love a wedge of lemon obviously with fish or seafood, but also with a rich meat-based meal. For example, this Middle Eastern Beef brisket needs the lemon to cut through the richness of the meat (and make sure you absorb lots of iron).
• Lemon (or lime) is a must with Asian or Middle Eastern-inspired meals.
• You might also like my Immune Boosting Tea recipe.