For over a year I have been sprinkling the peel of frozen lemon onto almost everything I eat and drink.

Lemon season peaks in May, June and August, so now is the perfect time to purchase and try this for your self.

Whenever possible I purchase organic lemons from the local farmers market. I always try to choose ones that are heavy for their size, free from dark spots and I find that the smaller ones are far jucier.

I wash the lemons and place them in the freezer and once frozen, I use the fine side of the grater to shred the peel and the inner lemon over the majority of the foods and beverages I consume.

It really is that simple.

Not only does it add a delicious flavour and aroma, it also has incredible health benefits too.

I sprinkle the whole lemon over cereal, salads, soup, spaghetti, pasta, rice, vegetables, ice-cream, yoghurt, water, smoothies, juices, tea, wine—absolutely anything that I want to add a little zest and extra taste to.

Before bed and first thing in the morning, I sprinkle the lemon directly into a glass of water, to ensure I’m well hydrated during and after a good night’s sleep.

Lemon peel has between five and 10 times more vitamins than the juice itself, so it is a shame that the most important part is often the bit that gets disposed of.

Doing this simple process has rejuvenated my health, kept me free from colds, enhanced my skin giving it a radiant glow, has helped me to fight mild illness as it has boosted my immune system and helped me battle infections.

Lemons have also has given me an increase in energy, helped to improve my concentration, kept me alert and focused and kept my brain functioning well due to the potassium content.

Lemons contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium, pectin fibre, citric acid and Vitamin C, and they assist with eliminating waste and the citric acid is known to remove toxic elements from the body.

Not only does it add a delicious flavour and aroma, it also has incredible health benefits too.

Fights bacteria and fungi
Antiviral
Helps regulate blood pressure
Assists with digestion
Helps treat acne
Contains antidepressant qualities
Fights parasites and worms
Aids bowel function
Balances PH levels
Reduces pain and inflammation in joints
Replenish body salts after a work out
Reduces stress, nervous disorders and anxiety

An added bonus is that lemons are great for the skin, two-three times a week, I apply this homemade treatment to my face, or use it as a body scrub.

For the body scrub, I add some sprinklings of grated lemon, one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of olive oil and half a cup of sugar and the juice of half of one squeezed lemon.

Rubbing in small circular motions, I apply it directly to the face or body, paying particular attention to dry areas. Then, rinse and my skin is freshly exfoliated and invigorated. For a more intensive treatment I leave on for five to 10 minutes. (If any irritation occurs rinse immediately.)

Jethro Kloss states in his book, Back to Eden:

“Medicinally, lemons act as an antiseptic—an agent that will prevent infection or putrefaction… They also assist in cleansing the system of impurities. The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is also a solvent for uric acid and other poisons.”

 

 

Sources:

Raw fruit nutrition information.

USDA Nutrient Database for Citrus

Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function

The hypocholesterolemic effect of lemon peels, lemon pectin, and the waste stream material of lemon peels in hybrid F1B hamsters.

National Health Institute Vitamin C Fact sheet.

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Relephant:

The 2 Week Lemon Water Challenge.

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Author: Alex Myles

Editor: Travis May

Photo: Author’s Own