The Benefits of Lemon: Eat your way to health

According to the Institute of Health Sciences, lemon (Citrus) is a miraculous product that kills cancer cells. Research tells us lemon is 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy. Lemons have a pleasant (if sour) taste and are easy to incorporate into the daily diet. How wonderful to enhance your good heath through good eating while eliminating cancer cells! And best of all lemons do not produce the horrific effects of chemotherapy.

Megan Ware RDN LD (October 2015) reports this information comes from one of the largest drug manufacturers in the world. After more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, the findings revealed lemon (citrus) destroys malignant cells in 12 cancers, including colon, breast, prostate, lung and pancreas. The compounds found in the lemon are 10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, a typically chemotherapy drug, for slowing the growth of cancer cells. Lemon extract only destroys malignant cancer cells and it does not affect healthy cells, which is a danger inherent to chemotherapy.

Lemon has an anti-microbial effect against bacterial infections and fungi, and is also effective against internal parasites and worms. It also helps regulate high blood pressure and has an anti-depressant effect combating stress and nervous disorders.

Lemons have long been used to maintain the health of sailors. They achieved a healthy claim to fame onboard ships and were used by early explorers to treat scurvy, a then-common disease among the sailors. Scurvy was caused by a vitamin C deficiency from months at sea without any fresh produce. James Lind in 1747 found that lemons and oranges were extremely effective the treatment of scurvy.

The USDA National nutrient database reports one raw lemon, without peel (about 58 grams) provides 17 calories, 0.6 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat, 5.4 grams of carbohydrate and yields 51% of daily vitamin C. They provide small amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese.

The health benefits of lemons for lifestyle-related health conditions include: Lowering stroke risk, Combating cancer, Maintaining a healthy complexion, Preventing asthma, Increasing iron absorption, and Boosting the immune system.

For those with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) lemons may create an increase in symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation, however individual reactions vary.

The lemon tree is known for its varieties of lemons and limes. Because of their intense sour flavor lemons and limes are seldom eaten as a stand-alone fruit but are popular when used in smaller quantities or in combination with herbs and spices.  Lemons have a wonderful, tangy flavor and add zest to sauces, salad dressings, marinades, drinks and desserts.

Lemon water quenches thirst better than any carbonated drinks and provides us with plenty of vitamins, minerals and vital trace elements. Drinking lemon water, the first thing in the morning quickly rehydrates the tissues and helps push out toxins out of the system.

Benefits to starting the day with a lemon water include:

1. Replacing the body’s hydrating electrolytes.

2. Joint healing by helping reduce both joint and muscle pain.

3. Improved digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juice.

4. Improved liver function by increased enzyme production.

5. Liver cleansing by aiding release of toxins.

6. Fight respiratory infections and reduce inflammation.

7. Regulate bowel movement.

8. Aid your metabolism as a powerful antioxidant and also strengthens the immune system.

9. Reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by increasing potassium in your blood.

10. Cleanse blood and arteries.

11. Regulate blood pressure.

12. Alkalizes the body to keep a higher pH level, helping your body fight off diseases.

13. Revitalize your skin

14. Reduce gout pain by reducing the buildup of uric acid.

15. Protect your body through pregnancy helps the bone tissue formation of your unborn baby.

16. Relieve heartburn, Mixing a teaspoon of lemon juice per half glass of water

17. Kidney stone gallstones, pancreatic stones and breaks calcium deposits

18. Lose weight, Lemons pectin fiber aids in the suppression of hunger cravings.

19. Oral health, helps relieve tooth pain and fight gingivitis.

20. Prevent cancer, which cannot thrive in an alkaline environment

         (from Sep 23, 2015, DavidWolfe.com)

American Urological Association studies demonstrate that lemonade or lemon juice can eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents the formation of crystals. The Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reports lemon provides protection against inflammatory polyarthritis and arthritis.

Lemon has a wide variety of uses in the home.  Lemon is an excellent washing agent, because of its ability to remove stains. It repels mosquitoes, and drinking lemon juice with olive oil helps to get rid of gall stones. To improve indigestion and constipation add a few drops of lemon on your food (take care, it does not go well with milk), and it will aid in digestion.

To defeat the effects of dehydration, create your own electrolyte enhancing water, which is also effective for indigestion. The recipe: lemon juice, cold water, soda, salts (common salt or rock salt) and sugar/honey for sweetness, add some mint leaves or crushed fennel seeds for added flavor.

Lemon juice can treat a cold, flu or fever by breaking the fever and increasing perspiration. For dental care, fresh lemon juice is applied on the area of a toothache to get rid of the pain. Massage lemon juice on the gums to stop gum bleeding and eliminate odors that can come from various gum diseases and conditions. A drop of lemon can be added to your normal toothpaste. Or rub your teeth with the lemon pulp after removing the juice. Lemons are highly acidic, if your mouth starts burning, rinse your gums and mouth quickly with water.

The juice applied to the scalp can treats dandruff, hair loss and other problems related to the hair and scalp. The juice applied directly on the hair gives your hair a natural shine. A natural antiseptic medicine lemon can cure problems related to the skin, helps reduce the pain of sun burn, and helps to ease bee sting pain as well. Lemon juice is good for acne, eczema, has as anti-aging properties, and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Drinking lemon juice mixed with water and honey brings a healthy glow to the skin. Lemon juice can help fade the scars, and reduces the burning sensation due to sunburn and minor burns.

Lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey may help reduce body weight. Lemon water may soothe an asthma attack. Cholera and malaria can be treated with lemon juice, because it acts as a blood purifier. Lemon is an aromatic and antiseptic agent and is useful relaxation and muscle strain. Lemon has diuretic properties and can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins from the body.

Lemon juice can dissolve hardened up lumps on the skin, scars, calluses and corns, the soles of feet and the palms of your hands. Lemon’s antibacterial properties fight throat infections. Drinking lemon juice is helps heart problems, because it contains potassium and helps control high blood pressure, dizziness, and nausea. Lemon water is calming to the mind and body and reduces feelings of mental stress and depression.

Lemons should be picked at their peak ripeness because they do not ripen or improve in quality after being picked. Lemons should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Adding lemon to your diet is easy and can be a gastronomical joy. Here are a few suggestions:

Lemons are often paired with fish, shrimp, scallops, chicken and in many Mediterranean dishes.

Lemons pair well with savory as well as sweet dishes.

Lemon raspberry zucchini bars

Whole grain angel hair pasta with artichokes and lemon

Mango citrus banana smoothie

Spinach-pesto salad with faro

Lemon raspberry almond muffins

Lean green machine juice

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lemon.html

http://www.davidwolfe.com/20-incredible-things-that-happen-when-adding-warm-lemon-water-to-your-morning-routine/

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283476.php

Health Benefits of Cranberries, Black Walnuts, and Buttermilk

I should call this article the health benefits of scones. There are many ways to strengthen the immune system. The best ways are to spend time with those you care for, being kind to yourself, and good food never hurts---make a date for Teatime.

During the holidays I try do something special, something iconic and Christmas-y. To many of us in the USA, that means doing something reminiscent of a “Victorian, English Christmas.” This year I invited a group of friends to Christmas Tea at the Fleur De Lys Mansion B&B.

Tea refers to several different meals in countries, which were formerly part of the British Empire. Teatime is the time at which the tea meal is usually eaten, which is typically in the late afternoon, or early evening when tea is traditionally served.

The Fleur De Lys Mansion B&B is a gorgeous, luxury inn set in the grandeur of a 19th century mansion and features dark woods, leaded glass windows, fire places, granite tile, and deep, soft brocade couches. Fleur De Lys is located in St. Louis, Missouri’s grand, historic district of Compton Heights.

Our wonderful tea was prepared Jane Muscroft of Queen’s Cuisine LLC. Jane was born and bred in Melton, Leicester, England. She arrived in America in 2000 and moved to St. Louis in 2007. She gives cookery classes at a local supermarket chain, has a catering business, and sells pastries online and at local farmer’s markets.

According to Jane’s website, English afternoon tea dates back to 1840 and the home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, Belvoir Castle, which is just 12 miles from Jane's home town of Melton. Anna Maria Stanhope, the 7th Duchess of Bedford was visiting and asked for tea and bread to be served in her quarters as it was mid-afternoon and she needed a little something to stave off the 'sinking feeling' she was having. Typically a Victorian dinner was not to be served until 8 pm in the evening.

Over time the original bread and butter became sandwiches, scones and clotted cream were added as well as delicate little pastries and desserts.  Afternoon tea was born and became a social affair of Victorian Britain for the ladies of the upper classes. Afternoon tea was initially served in private residences. Then in the finest hotels of London began providing afternoon tea. Today afternoon tea is a tradition at the Ritz and Harrods in London as well many other tearooms, department stores and hotels around the world.

Jane tells us “Somewhere along the line, Americans got the idea that "high tea" meant "fancy," as in "high class." In fact, a high tea is simply a light meal with a meat dish or two, often eaten by laborers. The stereotypical tea with scones, clotted cream and jam is properly known as "cream tea." Add some dainty sandwiches and other pastries and it's called "afternoon tea."

Jane’s scones inspired me and as a Christmas present for my sister-in-law I made scones for the first time. I choose to make Cranberry-Black Walnut Scones, which are made with buttermilk. I made this recipe because of the inherent healthiness of cranberries, black walnuts, and buttermilk!--- The wonderful flavor, and the way scones make breakfast, or tea, a transcendent experience was an afterthought, right? (Also, amazingly easy to make)

Cranberry & Walnut Scones

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Serves: 12, Yield: 12 Scones

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (I used bread flour-all I had-worked out great)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/3 cup sugar (I used turbinado sugar—much healthier than refined white)

2 tablespoons margarine (I used butter)

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk, nonfat

Cooking spray (I used parchment paper-no yucky sprays for me)

3 tablespoons walnuts, chopped (I put 1/3 cup right in the dough to take advantage of health benefits)

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

Directions 

Pre-heat oven to 400°F

Coat baking sheets with cooking spray, or use parchment paper.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar in a medium bowl; cut in margarine with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in cranberries.

Add buttermilk and vanilla, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened.

Spoon 2 heaping tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with walnuts and 1 ½ teaspoons sugar.

Bake at 400F for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden. Makes 12 (13) scones.

Health Benefits

Cranberries

The website teachervision.com tells us Native Americans made pemmican, deer meat and mashed cranberries mixed together as a survival cake that kept for long periods of time, long before the Pilgrims arrived in 1620. They used cranberries for their medicinal value in poultices to draw poison from arrow wounds. Cranberry juice was a natural dye for rugs, blankets and clothing. To the Delaware Indians in New Jersey cranberry was used as a symbol of peace. The German and Dutch settlers came up with "crane berry," because the vine blossoms resembled the neck, head and bill of a crane, which became the word cranberry we use today. The cranberry is one of only a handful of fruits native to the USA.

The health benefits of cranberry juice include relief from urinary tract infection, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart disease. It is also beneficial in preventing stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by dental plaque. Phytonutrients, which are naturally derived plant compounds, are present in cranberries and have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems.

Buttermilk

L.V. Anderson, on slate.com, tells us that the confusion surrounding this drink dates back to the 18th century or before. While some historical sources use the word buttermilk to describe the byproduct of butter making, others use it to describe milk that had gone sour from sitting around too long before being used to make butter. The butter by-product, buttermilk, could be either “sour,” if you started out with the off milk, or “sweet,” if you started out with fresh cream.

Before the 20th century, buttermilk could refer to at least three different categories of beverage regular old milk that had gone sour, the sour by-product of churning sour milk or cream into butter, and the “sweet” by-product of churning fresh milk or cream into butter. “By the late 1800s, buttermilk had taken on a more specific meaning and usage in the kitchen. Cookbooks started calling for the sour version of buttermilk in recipes for bread made with baking soda.”

Buttermilk helps improve the body’s immune system as it prepares to fight diseases. Buttermilk contains all essential nutrients required by our body, but contains few fats and calories. It is often included in weight loss diets. The vitamin B12 helps synthesize the fatty and amino acids, in addition to fighting anemia and stress, while promoting nerve cell growth. B12 is also aids in converting glucose into energy. The potassium and riboflavin in the buttermilk helps lower blood pressure, and the calcium improves bone health.

The cosmetic industry has made extensive use of it in beauty products. Buttermilk is good facial mask that softens, and the lactic acid brightens and exfoliates the skin to create a youthful look, while its astringent nature removes blemishes, freckles and tightens sagging skin.

Black walnut 

Walnuts were found in prehistoric deposits dating from the Iron Age in Europe. They are mentioned in the Bible; King Solomon's nut garden dates back to 940 BC. The Black Walnut ( Juglans nigra L.) is a native of eastern North America. They grow mostly alongside rivers from southern Ontario, Canada west to southeast South Dakota, south to Georgia and southwest to central Texas. Black walnuts were an important food for American Indians and early settlers.

The website grandmasherbs.com tells us black walnut is known as a vermifuge—worm and parasite remover. Worms and parasites are a problem even in the United States. It is thought that even with our standards of sanitation nearly a third of the population is infected with parasites. Parasites like ringworm, pinworm and tapeworm have been a problem with humanity for thousands of years.

Black walnut is an antiseptic, a germicide, a parasitic, and a laxative and can ridding the body of intestinal parasites and tapeworms, heals skin conditions, fungal infections, and balances sugar levels. The nut is thought to oxygenate the blood, provides a source of iodine and omega 3 fatty acids. It also is able to burn up excessive toxins and fatty materials.

http://www.food.com/recipe/cranberry-walnut-scones-440914

http://natural-medicinal-herbs.com/herbs/black-walnut.htm

http://www.food.com/recipeprint.do?rid=440914http://www.altmedicine101.com/buttermilk

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-cranberry-juice.html

http://qconline.us/About_Us.html

http://www.thefleurdelys.com/

Pineapple: The Excellent Fruit

For my gift to the hostess, I like taking a pineapple as a gift when I’m invited to dinner---forget the wine! Nothing tastes better than freshly juiced pineapple in the morning.

I love everything about pineapples. I love the look of pineapples with their geometric-patterned skin and spike-y, green leaves. The exotic smell—that makes me think of sunshine and blue sky. In the Colonial United States, families would set a fresh pineapple in the center of the table as a colorful, festive centerpiece. This symbolized the best in welcome and hospitality. Carvings of pineapples were put on doors as a welcoming symbol to visitors.

The scientific name of pineapple is Ananas comosus. Ananas, the original name of pineapple, comes from the Tupi (native people of the Brazilian coast) word nanas, meaning "excellent fruit." The natives of southern Brazil and Paraguay spread the pineapple throughout South America. Eventually it reached the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. The Maya, and the Aztec peoples cultivated pineapples. In 1493, Columbus found pineapple on the leeward island of Guadeloupe. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple)

In general, it is not a good idea to eat fruits with meat because they digest at different rates and this causes fermentation in the gut. However, fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is a fantastic digestive enzyme for proteins, meats.  Pineapple is an excellent paring with meats, as is the fruit papaya, which also contains enzymes.

Pineapple contains: B-complex; thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium and antioxidants and polyphenols, such as beta-carotene. One cup of pineapple has 70 to 85 calories. It is rich in fiber and is low in fat and cholesterol.

Pineapple benefits these health concerns: Digestion; Fertility; Inflammation; Heart health; Skin; Kidney stones; Strengthens bones; Gums; Lowers risk of macular degeneration; Intestinal parasites.

A local Osteopathic doctor always recommends his patience eat pineapple when they are fighting off viruses that cause cough and colds. The bromelain is effective in suppressing coughs and loosening mucus. Pineapple juice can be used as a facial peel—leave on the skin for two minutes then wash off.

How to choose a pineapple:  Choose a fresh one with a firm, plump body, without bruising or soft spots, and green leaves at the crown. If the outer shell is green, this does not mean the pineapple is not ripe. Do not worry if the leaves pull from the crown easily. Pineapples should be picked at their peak ripeness. They do ripen once picked. Canned or packaged pineapple should be packed only in it’s own juice, not heavy (sugar) syrup. Whole or cut pineapple should be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days at most. However, some experts believe pineapple will be softer and juicier if kept at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before cutting.

Pineapple Chicken Tenders

 http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pineapple-Chicken-Tenders/

Original recipe makes 10 appetizer servings

•                
1 cup pineapple juice

•                
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

•                
1/3 cup Tamari, or soy sauce (choose low sodium)

•                2 pounds organic chicken breast tenderloins or strips

•                skewers

Both soy sauce and Tamari are byproducts of fermented soybeans. However, Tamari contains little to no wheat (always double-check if avoiding gluten)

Directions

•                In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Remove from heat just before the mixture comes to a boil.

•                Place chicken tenders in a medium bowl. Cover with the pineapple marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

•                Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread chicken lengthwise onto wooden skewers.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken tenders 5 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. They cook quickly, so watch them closely.

Other Great Uses for Pineapple:

1.      Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

2.      Grilled Pineapple

3.      Acorn Squash (and Pineapple)

4.      Pico De Gallo

5.      Pineapple Casserole

6.      Polynesian Chicken

7.      Pineapple Sorbet

8.      Pineapple Jam

9.      Pineapple Fudge

10.      Sweet and Sour Vegetables

11.      Hawaiian Pizza

12.      Kabobs

13.      Pineapple Popsicles

14.      Pineapple Cheese Ball

15.      Tropical Fruit Salad

16.      Pineapple Marshmallow Salad

17.      Squid With Garlic and Pineapple

18.      Pork and Pineapples

19.      Honey Roasted Pineapple

20.      Cocktails!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276903.php

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-healthy-facts-about-pineapple

http://www.wisebread.com/20-delicious-ways-to-use-pineapple

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html