Sometimes the simplest things can be
pretty amazing. Nature not only provides us with beauty but the practicalities
of food. Some of the things we consume, however, have powers beyond the norm of
filling the belly - they have, some might say, magical powers. One such item
that can be lifted out of the innocuous is the humble lemon.
The glistening yellow fruit is one of the
world's greatest foodstuffs. We don't eat it in its natural form as it is too
sour, but it features in the cuisine of every country across the world. Whether
it is to add zip to a salad dressing or zest up some fish, the lemon earns its
position as an ingredient we can't do without.
The qualities of this tart fruit full of
juice however, go way beyond its ability to lift a dish and add zing. It is not
often considered nutritious, yet it is packed with vitamins and powerful
anti-oxidants. Here are some very good reasons why you can benefit from
placing a lemon tree in your garden.
Of course remember to grow citrus in pots and move into a conservatory or greenhouse for winter.
Nutrients
Thanks to the citric acid in lemons, they
contain less natural sugar than other citrus fruit and so, are less calorific -
just 29 calories in 100g. Lemons are also free from cholesterol and fat. Their
real value comes from the high concentration of vitamin C. A single lemon can
provide 88% of your RDV (Recommended Daily Value) of this essential vitamin.
Vitamin C is beneficial in fighting the symptoms of and reducing the risk of
the common cold (not a cure), and is also widely accepted as aiding immunity,
reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and pre-natal health problems, and
also eye disease and reducing skin wrinkles. Interestingly, a single lemon can
also provide you with 7% of your fiber RDV. Lemons also contain various
complexes of vitamin B as well as essential trace elements iron, calcium,
potassium and copper.
Anti-oxidants
Over the last couple of decades, our understanding
of anti-oxidants has greatly increased. Although the research world continues
to study their seemingly magical properties, it is united in the view that
anti-oxidants play a huge role in our general health and in particular, the
ageing process. A number of foods have been designated as 'superfoods, ' as in
being a great deal more beneficial than others, usually due to the high
concentration of anti-oxidants. Lemons haven't yet earned this tag, but they
contain a good level of flavonoids such as naringen and hesperin,
anti-inflammatories known to boost the immune system, and protect cell DNA.
Around the house
If you have a lemon tree in the garden,
you can find a great deal of uses for it other than culinary. The citric acid
in lemon is a natural preservative, but it also makes a great cleaning product.
Have you ever noticed that so many proprietary cleaning products have a lemon
fragrance? Lemon is one of nature's greatest and most powerful smells. Not only
does it smell good in itself, but it overpowers
other odors. Got a smelly microwave? Put some fresh lemon juice in a bowl of
water and turn it on for a few minutes – the odor will go. Put half a lemon
in an odorous fridge, the smell will go. Lemon has properties for beauty too.
It's the best natural hair lightener and a great conditioner too. Some also say
lemon acts as a bleach, reducing freckles and age spots.
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