Nutrition: Rise and Shine with Lemons, by Chloe Elgar

Most nutritionists (especially holistic nutritionists) include lemons in their daily practice. For me, my day hasn’t started until I am sipping on a 1 litre mason jar filled with warm water and freshly squeezed lemons. Lemons provide us with an abundance of nutritional value and support.

10 Top Health Benefits of Lemons

1. Lemons are alkalizing for your body; when you eat or drink the juice of a lemon- the ‘acidic’ properties of the lemon enter your body, which stimulates a series of responses that create a more alkaline balance in your digestive system. This also is helpful when it comes to blood sugar regulation!

2. Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C; lemons are one of those fruits that are a fantastic natural source of vitamin C and the flavonoids that are excellent when it comes to fighting flus and infections.

3. Lemons help to cleanse your bowels; Ingesting an acid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar) stimulates the release of Hydrochloric Acid into your stomach, which begins the process of digestion, stimulates hormone release, ‘wakes up’ your organ systems and in summary- gets things going. By stimulating these natural responses in your body, lemons help to support and increase the bowel cleansing that takes place upon waking, leaving you feeling fresh, light and ready for your day.

4. Lemons promote ‘gastric fire’ in Ayurvedic medicine; in Ayurveda, lemons and limes are an important part of the daily regimen. Depending on your constitution (lemons for vata & limes for pitta), the citrus fruits are vital in regards to creating healthy patterns for your body.

5. Lemons have been reported to have an abundance of anti-cancer properties (antioxidants); not only are lemons high in vitamin C, they also contain a list of antioxidants that have been noted to aid in cancer prevention and cancer treatment .

6. Lemons + Liver = Lovers; Our livers LOVE lemons. Lemons provide a number of roles in relation to liver support. Our livers tend to house most of the toxins in our body- and lemons help to stimulate the breakdown and release of these. Also, lemons act as a stimulant for the release of bile from the gallbladder – which begins the process of breaking down fat in the liver.

7. Lemons are anti-aging; lemons supply a large number of antioxidants that are great for anti-aging, neutralizing the free radicals that build up in our bodies over time due to toxic overload.

8. Lemons have powerful anti-bacterial properties; Due to their acidic nature in general, lemons are helpful in fighting bacteria. Moreover, studies have found that the juice of lemons destroys the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases.

9. Lemons are a great substitute for your morning ‘rise & shine’ drink, not only because of their powerful citrus flavour & their ‘gastric-fire’ quality. When combined with ginger and/or cayenne, lemon juice is a great substitute for coffee/caffeine. Especially when you make it a regular, daily habit, your body’s ability to adapt to this new pattern will help to regulate all of your body’s systems including your digestive system and your circadian rhythm (sleeping / waking cycle).

10. Lemons are BEAUTIFUL gifts from Mother Nature. Need I say more?

I hope to have made a convincing discussion today. Lemons are incredible for your body, mind and spirit and you can’t do yourself any harm (but will do yourself a LOT OF GOOD)- by introducing lemons into your every day.

This is how I do it:

1. Grab a glass (or a 1 litre mason jar)

2. Take 1 organic lemon, wash (if need be), cut it in half, and squeeze both halves into the glass/mason jar

3. Fill the glass half way with room temperature water (filtered, if you can) and half way with boiled water

4. Do a few morning stretches, take a seat, put on some beautifully relaxing/morning music

5. If you are feeling really adventurous- juice some fresh ginger and/or turmeric &/or add a sprinkle of cayenne to your water.

6. Enjoy and repeat, daily.

Cheers & Love!

Originally posted at Chloe’s Countertop

chloe bio photoChloe Elgar, founder of Chloe’s Countertop, is a Holistic Nutritionist, Natural Food Entrepreneur (Certified Nutritional Practitioner) and a passionate writer. Chloe leads clients on a journey to rediscover conscious self-love through a happy, healthy and healing relationship with food. Chloe incorporates her background in Psychology and English with the passion and knowledge as a Holistic Nutritionist into her practice. Having grown up with eating disorders and an unhealthy relationship with food and body image, Chloe offers a warm and empathetic approach to her life and practice. For more information about Chloe, please visit chloescountertop.com.