Why Sour is Sweet

Want some sweet news to start your day?

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Okay, here’s the real, without a doubt, truth about lemons!

If you’re like me then you love citrus fruits, like oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, limes and lemons! This is a great season to find them available in most markets. While lemons are generally not very sweet, the nutritional properties certainly are! 

One benefit all citrus have in common is of course, vitamin c!  

Lemons, in particular are gaining popularity in their use on many levels in regards to health. It may seem hard to believe that a little lemon, smaller than my hand could have healing abilities strong enough to support against challenging illness, symptoms of early aging and IBS. Seems lofty I know – but if it could…..would you use it?

Lemons are a great source for many vital nutrients such as, phytochemicals, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which are composites that contain antioxidants and cancer fighting properties. When you consume the whole fruit than you are receiving nutrition such as fiber, potassium, calcium and more! Lemons are high in antioxidants that replenish the skin with nutrients to smooth wrinkles and dispel blemishes. They contain pectin fiber which helps to maintain fullness and curb hunger. The juices will enhance enzymes to detox liver and cleanse the digestive system. Lemon is antibacterial, antiviral and supports immune health

Reports have shown that drinking lemon juice reduces inflammation by removing uric acid from your joints. All while promoting energy from the negative-charged ions and calming the nervous system. Pretty amazing right?!

Lemon Water 

Adding lemon and its juice to your drinking water gives this little fruit extra punch!

A good practice is to eat anywhere from a quarter to a half of a lemon per day to get the maximum benefits from this powerful fruit!

The combination of water, preferably room temp or slightly warm, and lemon is excellent for several reasons.

 

• Provides oxygen and hydration to the body
• Boosts energy
• Supports digestion
• Assists in flushing toxins and moving bile in the digestive tract
• Encourages better absorption of nutrients from food
• Helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. 
• Nourishes the skin

 

Todays’s Effort- Love the benefits of lemon

So, now you know that lemons are more than just a garnish! These power-packed fruits are a friend in fighting illness and boosting immunity. If you’ve never tried adding lemon to your diet, I encourage you to use it!  

Squeeze onto salads, fish, smoothies and water!

This month, lets take care of ourselves. Showing self – love is the best way to share love with others. We must become our best selves in order to give the best outwardly.

Enjoy this quick recipe for a refreshing, and energizing beverage first thing in the morning:

Lemon Spice Wake-Up:

8 oz  room temperature water

¼ – ½ lemon

2-3   extra lemon slices

½-1  tsp turmeric powder

⅛-¼  tsp cayenne powder

*choose Organic ingredients whenever possible

 

First squeeze the lemon into your glass, then add the spices. Add water and stir.

I like to use a mason jar and simply put on the lid and shake. Squeeze and drop in the extra sliced lemon for the fiber and bitters from rind and because it looks pretty.

Begin with the smaller amounts of spices and add more as you like.

By adding the spices like Turmeric and Cayenne, you are inviting additional health benefits into your diet. Turmeric contains curcumin. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Cayenne Pepper (also known as chili pepper) contains Capsanthin. This is the main carotenoid and is responsible for the color in red chili peppers. Often accounting for up to 50% of the total carotenoid content, it has powerful antioxidant properties.

Enjoy the boost of healthy minerals and vitamins in this super charged drink!

 

Be proud of yourself!

 

In Joy,

   Shaman

 

Join us every Sunday for the next edition of Starting Your Week Strong.

Discover ways to incourage more self- love in last weeks’ blog  The Gift You Give Yourself

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Are you curious about how to harmonize your health goals and fit wellness into your busy schedule?  Contact me today for more information about Today’s Effort Health Coaching.