Archived Health & Wellness

Plant a lemon tree in your garden – TODAY!

Besides looking pretty and having the most delightful smelling flowers, lemon trees are beneficial in other ways! According to a number of studies, there are indications that compounds found in lemons are highly beneficial in helping kill off cancer cells. So cut up some lemons, slice them into your drinking water, eat them, squeeze them over your salads, make them part of your daily diet!

Flavonoids and limonoids, which are nutrient-packed pigments that give colour and taste to fruit, are helpful in preventing cancer from forming, slowing the growth of existing cancer, or kill some types of cancer cells. Citrus flavonoids have potential antioxidant (substances that protect cells from being damaged), anti-cancer, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

The acidic taste of lemons is due to its citric acid, which is a natural preservative and which aids digestion. Studies have found that citric acid is helpful in dissolving kidney stones.

Lemons are also an excellent source of ascorbic acid or Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Foods rich in Vitamin C help the body develop resistance against infections.

Lemons are also a good source of the B-complex vitamins such as Pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and folates, as well as minerals such as iron, copper, potassium and calcium. Potassium is helpful in controlling blood pressure.

Martha Stewart’s Lemonade Recipe

To make approximately 2 litres, pour 3 cups of fresh lemon juice (from about 20 lemons) through a sieve into a jug. Add 2 cups of superfine sugar and stir until it has dissolved.

Stir in 4 cups of water and add ice. Then garnish with fresh lemon slices.

You could add fresh mint leaves too!