Summer is almost here, and for many of us it brings back memories of our good old childhood days when beating the heat meant sipping a refreshing glass of lemonade or limeade, bought from a humble stand on a street corner. Nowadays, though, lemon water is more preferred, because of its simple yet hydrating benefits — without the added sugar.
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Nutritionally speaking, lemons and limes are among the healthiest fruits out there; there’s definitely more to them than just being a beverage ingredient. Both are renowned for their long history of use in traditional medicine, thanks to the wealth of antioxidants they offer, particularly:
- Vitamin C — You can’t talk about citruses without mentioning this important antioxidant. The vitamin C in lemons and limes is known for helping shield cells from damage, absorbing iron from other foods and supporting the immune system.
- Flavonoids — These phytochemicals are valued for their potential to help curb the signs of aging and protect against illnesses. Flavonoids play a vital role in helping protect against diabetes, heart disease and cancer — illnesses that are occurring in epidemic proportions these days. One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry notes that citrus flavonoids can have protective properties against degenerative and brain diseases.
Other valuable nutrients in lemons and limes (with lemons having just slightly higher levels than limes) include potassium, calcium and folate, as well as fiber. Their sugar content is also significantly lower compared to other fruits, making them a safe option for those struggling with insulin resistance.
But that’s not all, because lemons and limes have myriad uses around the home. Here’s a list of things you can do with these fruits:
- Add them to your foods — The strong, sour flavor and acidity of lemon and lime can complement sweet and savory dishes. Use the freshly squeezed juice or add slices or chunks of the fruit. Just be careful if you have heartburn or digestive issues — their high acidity might worsen your symptoms.
- Use them to flavor your drinks — Citrus fruits go well with certain types of tea. As mentioned, you can also make citrus water by adding chunks of fruit to a jug of filtered water — refreshing and hydrating! If you use slices with the rinds on them, just make sure to wash the fruits thoroughly in a baking soda water bath before you slice them, to remove any pesticide residues or germs that could make you ill.
- Even the rinds can be used for cooking — The unique bitter flavor of citrus rinds makes them a popular addition to sauces, marinades and salad dressings. They can also be used in pastries and other baked foods.
- Use their juices as a marinade — Lemon pairs well with thyme and is a great choice for marinating chicken and fish, while lime goes great with garlic — use it to marinate meats. Want a little heat? Add a bit of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Use them for cleaning — The high acidity of these citrus fruits make them efficient in eliminating bacteria, which is why they’re a popular addition to cleaning products like bleaches or surface cleaners.
Need a few more ideas? Check out this article for 61 ways to use lemons around your home, from sterilizing surfaces and garbage cans to polishing metal and even to solve beauty problems like dandruff and acne.
So remember: When life throws lemons (and limes) your way, catch them and make sure to put these fruits to good use!