Spring is here, and perhaps the warmer weather is giving you a craving for that perfect glass of not-too-sweet, not-too-sour lemonade. But did you know that the bright yellow fruit can do much more than liven up your beverage? Read on to find out the many benefits and reasons to celebrate whenever life (literally) gives you lemons!
Nutrition Benefits
The lemon is a small citrus fruit with numerous nutritional benefits. Firstly, lemons are very high in vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a huge role in the immune system, tissue maintenance, and many other body systems. One regular lemon has approximately 31 milligrams, which is nearly half of what adults need per day. (If you are really looking to boost your vitamin C intake, make sure you use the peel of the lemon in your cooking – it contains nearly double the amount!)
A few important minerals can also be attained from lemons. Potassium and calcium, which are particularly important for bone and heart health, are both components of the fruit. There are even small amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and B-6.
Picking and Preparing
When shopping for lemons, look for bright yellow fruits that are firm and somewhat heavy for their size. Lemon juice is also available if you are planning on only using the liquid portion and want to skip the juicing process.
Not only does it contain many nutrients, it also has many uses! Lemons can be utilized in various ways, from eating raw, adding to water or drinks, using the juice or zest (that’s the grated peel) in recipes, adding to dressings, desserts, and more. The acidity of lemon juice makes it a great option in many recipes, and it can often be substituted for vinegar or other acidic liquids.
The properties of lemon, especially its acidic juice, have made it useful in ways other than cooking. Lemon juice has been used for years in cleaning products, beauty products, and even science experiments! To check out some of the fun ways you can use lemons, check out the link below.
