Lemon and its uses

Lemons are common citrus fruits grown in many of our gardens in hot climates though available to those countries who do not grow them as well. Little is known by many about the health benefits of this wonderful fruit though in this article, I shall attempt to tell you of its qualities, and perhaps help you to find more uses for a fruit whose treasure hides behind a solid yellow skin.

Health benefits of lemons:

Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading micro organism and prevent infection. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut. These are pretty impressive qualities when you think of how available this fruit is.

The health benefits of Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water is believed to clear the digestive syatem and purify liver as well. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches. Lemon juice is also given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhoea. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.
Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.

Not only these but the following also apply and show what a wonder lemons are in culinary use:

Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glygerine. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and bring down your weight. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhoea. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.

And what about common illnesses and aging ?

Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diptheria. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair. Lemon applies over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.

And don't forget the skin.

The skin of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder can be applied to the hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.

Lemon is not usually allergic or toxic to many, so why don't you try its natural benefits first and then go on to medical treatment. It may surprise you that God provided a yellow fruit, and that all this goodness hides behind an innocent looking part of nature that we all take for granted.

Foods that fight cold

Everybody must have had cold at least once in their life time. It is common among people because it is contagious. Immunity is the one and only factor that is necessary to keep ourselves from catching a cold. This immunity can be boosted by certain foods that help us to fight against cold.

List of foods that will help you to fight cold are
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like lemon, orange, grape and strawberries, and also in vegetables like broccoli, tomato, potato and sweet red pepper. Vitamin C has high antioxidant property which protects the body cells from being damaged and fights infection.

Black Pepper: Black pepper is a spice and is used for seasoning. The spiciness of black pepper is because of the chemical called piperine which helps to loosen secretion during cold and even has the capacity to arrest cold. Adding pepper to the everyday food we cook is good.

Chicken soup is said to be good during cold or to prevent cold because of the black pepper we add to it. Any hot and spicy soup made with more pepper is good enough to fight cold. Pepper can be added to egg, pasta, rice or to any vegetable to add spice and flavor.

Garlic: Garlic has a lot of medicinal values and one among them is, it fights chest infection. It acts as a good antibiotic and antiseptic to cure any kind of infection. Garlic's antimicrobial action in mouth washes has proved to prevent throat infections and thereby chest infections. A few cloves of boiled garlic in warm milk or water or lemonade or honey or in any menu helps in fighting cold.

Honey: Honey is one of the best medicines for cold. It is easy to prevent cold using honey in children because they usually enjoy it. Honey can be eaten just like that, added in milk or water or in juice, poured over pancakes or bread. It has antibacterial and antimicrobial actions which can fight against respiratory infections and now used in treatment of MRSA too.

Ginger: Ginger has antipyretic and antibacterial action which can fight against fever and cold. Ginger is actually a spice and it can be used with tea and coffee, added to water or cola or lemonade or any fruit juice or even be chopped and used with other vegetables daily to fight cold. A hot brewed tea with ginger is considered very good to fight cold.

Whole grains: Whole grains keeps the immune system good to fight infections like cold and flu. They are found in whole grain bread, spaghetti, whole-grain cereals and brown rice.

Yogurt: Yogurt has beneficial microorganisms that enhances immune function in our body. It is a good everyday snack that fights cold.

Omega-3 fatty acids: The omega-3 fatty acids found in fishes like herring, salmon, sardines and in other foods such as walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, olive oil and canola oil boosts the immune system and fights infection caused by virus and bacteria.

To conclude, there are many good foods that keeps our body hail and healthy. Let's choose and eat them when we are well so that we can prevent diseases, as well as have a reserve to fight back when we fall sick.