Organic Connections Lemon Peel (Organic Loose) - 454g

Lemon
By: Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.)

An alkalizing, hydrating boost of vitamin C.

Lemons initially became of interest in 1747, when Scottish physician, James Lind conducted the first ever clinical trial with lemons. He theorized that citrus fruits could cure scurvy and in his studies, he used lemons to cure scurvy in sailors. We now know that scurvy is caused by a deficiency in vitamin C and citrus fruits like lemon are a good source.

Today, people are interested in using lemons for their alkalizing effect on the body, as a liver cleanser, digestive aid, weight loss aid and as a tool for better hydration.

What is Lemon?
Most people have tasted the sourness of this beautiful, yellow fruit. Lemon trees are native to Asia, however they now grow all over the world and today's largest producers of lemons are found in China, Mexico and India. Lemons have many culinary and medicinal uses and all parts of the lemon can be used, from the juice, pulp and peel.

What is Lemon used for?
Lemonade of course! Anyone who had a lemonade stand as a child knows the thirst quenching power of lemons on a hot day. Lemons are common staple in cooking and it's unique sour flavor is used in cocktails, salad dressings and marinades for fish. It also is used as a short term preservative for foods that oxidize and turn brown after being sliced like apples, bananas and avocados. It can also be used as a cleansing and deodorizing agent.

Medicinally, lemon has been used as an antimicrobial and is an old remedy for curing the common cold. Lemons rejuvenate the skin, purify the blood, detoxify the liver, get rid of bad breath and keep you hydrated. There is some evidence that lemons can help resolve kidney stones and Meniere's disease.

Of great interest and controversy, is lemon's ability to alkalize the body despite it's acidic nature. Those who promote an alkaline diet, often recommend starting your day with fresh lemon water to kick start digestion, detox a sluggish liver and to alkalize your body.

How does Lemon work?
You may be wondering - how does lemon alkalize your body when lemons are naturally acidic?

Lemons have a high amount of citric acid, which is considered a weak acid that is easily eliminated by your body. While lemons are acidic outside of the body, they become alkaline once inside your body because the minerals naturally found in lemons (calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese) dissociate and become alkalizing salts that override the presence of the weak citric acid. This doesn't occur with citrus fruits that have higher levels of sugar, like oranges, because sugar itself is acidic in nature and and the higher levels in oranges negate the alkalizing salts.

Lemons are naturally high in vitamin C (one lemon has about 53mg) and bioflavonoids, which boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. They also stimulate the liver and kidneys to function better and in the process, promotes detoxification. This also stimulates weight loss because it is hard for a toxic body to lose weight because some toxins are stored in our fat cells.

How do you use it?
If you want to alkalize your body, try starting your morning with lemon water. Squeeze ½ a lemon into a glass of warm or room temperature water and drink 30mins before breakfast. This will also keep your bowels regular and help you digest better.

You can add fresh squeezed lemon juice to the water you drink throughout the day or squeeze fresh lemon over salads, vegetables and fish for added flavor.

You will get more juice from a fresh lemon if it's at room temperature and you can leave a fresh lemon out on the counter for 1 week or in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. When buying lemons, choose one that is heavier with a thinner skin because they tend to have more juice.

Lemon Quick Facts

Parts Used
· Juice, Pulp, Rind.

Applications
· Culinary Excitement, Antibacterial, Common Cold, Weight Loss, Liver Detoxification, Alkalizing The Body, Kidney Stones, Meniere's Disease

Dosage
· No Known Optimum Dosage.

Works Well With
· Water, Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Herb Articles – Burdock, Fiber

Important Information
· Use Lemon Cautiously If You Suffer From More Severe Heart Burn Or Ulcers Because Initially, The Acidity Of The Lemon Entering Your Stomach Can Be Irritating. Once Your Body Absorbs The Lemon, It Will Then Become Alkaline.