What is the benefits of lemon? Lemon (Citrus limonia) is a hybrid fruit that was created a long time ago. The first kinds of lemons were smaller and its bark or peel was shriveled. Also there is information that it was used in ancient time Mesopotamia about 6000 years ago. It is believed that lemons, as well as oranges, come from China and India. Around the year 700, it was imported into Persia, Iraq and Egypt. It is often used as an ornamental plant. In Europe the first lemon was imported to Genoa in the middle of the 15th century. Then it was brought to America by Columbus in 1493.
The name is derived from the Arabic name for this fruit. Lemon can be used completely in cooking. The bark contains essential oils, for refreshing juices that will enrich the taste of sweet and salty dishes. Before using lemons, it is advisable to wash the whole lemon, in order to remove dirt, and bacteria. When juicing, do not squeeze the lemon too hard because the juice could be bitter. Whole lemons can be stored in salt as well as most often being used to flavor drinks because of its acidic juice. Rarely when lemon is used for eating, alone without anything, but it is extremely versatile.
Its juice is often used to preserve the color of fruits and vegetables, so that they do not darken under the influence of oxidation. Lemon peels and juice are used in the preparation of sweet and savory dishes. Thats because the lemon slices are a popular supplement for hot and cold drinks, including the most famous cold drink made from lemon juice with added sugar is lemonade. Slices or rings of lemon are a traditional accompaniment fish dishes. With fried fish, they absorb the remaining fat with their acid
frying. White meat can also be marinated with lemon before thermal processing. Lemons also enhance the flavor of most other foods and can be used as a healthy substitute for salt.
It can be used in broths, sauces, marinades. It can also be healthy substitute for vinegar in various salads, where it can enrich the taste. It also gives a beautiful taste to sweet dishes, and it is used in the preparation of jellies, marmalades, ice cream, and it will give the cheese a special aroma and freshness. Lemons are used a lot to prepare dishes in north Africa, so tagines or lemon pickles are very popular delicacies in Morocco. Alcoholic drinks can also be made from lemons, and one of them is Limoncello, a sweet digestif that is served chilled from the freezer. Lemon peel can be candied and used for decorating cakes and puddings. The essential oils in the bark enhance the flavor of many dishes. It is also used as a spice for sauces and creams, cookies, cakes…
The energy value of 100 g of fresh lemon is only 29 calories. The minerals that lemons are rich in are calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese. Lemons contain vitamin C, B6, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid. Lemon (Citrus limonia) contains other nutrients dietary fiber and carotenoids. Lemon is almost synonymous with vitamin C.
It is certainly good during flu and cold seasons people consume lemons more often in order to strengthen the body’s resistance. In addition, scientists found that vitamin C contributes to slowing down the onset of colon cancer and inflammatory conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Lemon contains various and unique phytonutrients that have significant antioxidant and antibiotic properties.
These nutrients help to prevent cholesterol oxidation and its accumulation in blood vessels. Lemon is also a source of dietary fibers, which contributes to lowering cholesterol, and stimulate the intestines to work making you feel full. Thus helping to regulate body weight. Lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey promotes weight loss and helps with treatment of throat infections and gum disease. Lemons contribute to the health and beauty of the skin, thanks to its slow aging antioxidant properties that contribute to skin cleanliness and elimination blackheads and acne. Lemon juice can help gently remove blemishes on the skin. It is effective in the fight against dandruff and hair loss, and lemon juice gives after washing it gives shine and volume and slightly brightens the color.
