The humble lemon… and its extraordinary health-benefits!
Lemons are an excellent fruit source of the mineral phosphorus, required daily for repair and healthy functioning of the nervous system. Phosphorus foods rebuild and repair the brain, improve memory and promote creativity.
Lemons are one of the best fruit sources of the mineral sodium, which aids the proper elimination of waste, cleanses the lymphatic system and helps prevent arthritis and the hardening of arteries. Freshly squeezed lemon juice taken daily will protect and promote a clean and healthy digestive system.
Lemons are a rich source of Vitamin C, and therefore help maintain healthy skin. Vitamin C also plays a major role in the formation of collagen, helping to ward off those fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also an important antioxidant, capable of protecting cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
Topically, lemons act as a natural antiseptic and the juice can be used to ‘dab’ on any pimple activity. Skin likes to be slightly acidic and the bacteria associated with acne struggle to survive in an acid environment.
As part of our 7 DAYS of ME Cleanse lemon takes centre stage! We start each day with lemon water, have a great lemon based vinaigrette for some of our salads and poach our chicken in lemon and herbs (see recipe below).
POACHED LEMON CHICKEN RECIPE
3 single chicken breast fillets
1 lemon sliced
Thyme sprigs
Italian parsley
Water to cover
Himalayan or sea salt and pepper to season
Place your chicken fillets in a saucepan add the lemon, herbs, salt and pepper and just cover with water.
Simmer for 10 minutes then remove from the heat and then let it stand for another 10 minutes. Drain the chicken allow it to cool and then slice or shred for adding to salads.
