Mar 21, 2015

Lemon Water

8 Benefits to; 

Drinking  Lemon Water First Thing Every Morning
Lemon Water


1. Hydration  - 

This is I feel the most important benefit – Our body is literally on a fast while we sleep and is in a mild state of dehydration when we wake, lemon water can re-hydrate your body within minutes of drinking it which is why it is so good first thing.

Lemon water – warm water and lemon juice helps to replace fluids that are continually lost by our body, being dehydrated causes rapid aging and deterioration of the body, we feel exhausted, stressed, cant think straight, constipated – the list goes on.

We are 70-75% water, it is essential to keep those body fluids up. when we are properly hydrated we are full of energy and feel vibrant.

 2. Digestive Aid – 

Lemon juice doesn’t actually flush the body as you may read, but it helps the liver and kidneys to do their cleaning job, it helps produce the acids we need for good digestion. The acids in lemons are of a similar composition to our saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices – the body’s natural digestive acids.  Lemons are also high in minerals and vitamins which help shift toxins in the digestive tract. Lemons turn alkaline when digested by the body and so help to relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, acid reflux and bloating. The citric acid in lemons helps to produce enzymes, which aids healthy digestion and stimulates the liver.

3. Lemon is a Natural Diuretic – 

A natural diuretic, therefore helping the body to release toxins –  helps detoxification and keeps the bloating away.


4. Clears Skin – 

With all that flushing and hydrating we are obviously going to improve the look of our skin and we all know vitamin C is fab for our skin right? Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is key to the production of collagen, a protein which aids in the growth of new cells and blood vessels to give skin its firmness and strength. Vitamin C also helps create scar tissue and ligaments,  it helps our skin repair itself . The vitamin C contained in the lemon rejuvenates the skin from within our body and gives us a vibrant glow!

5. Immune Builder – 

One of the easiest, cheapest and most effective ways to boost the immune system –  high in antioxidants and vitamin C, drinking lemon juice or lemon tea regularly helps to fight of disease and illness. Lemons are also high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function and control blood pressure. Lemons are anti -inflammatory – inflammation can cause many health problems. People with Asthma and other respiratory symptoms would all benefit hugely from drinking lemon tea/water.

6. Freshens Breath – 

Lemons can help clear bacteria in the mouth assisting with the health of our teeth as well as keeping our breath nice and fresh. The acid in the lemons can erode the enamel on the teeth though,  so be sure to rinse with fresh after after your lemon drink.

7. Lifts our Mood –

Just the smell of a lemon can clear our mind and so lift our mood, back in my aromatherapy days, we were encouraged to use lemon essential oil and have it near us while studying to help us stay clear and focused as well as happy!

8. Weight Loss – 

Last but definitely not least, lemons help us hugely with keeping our blood more alkaline and people with healthy alkaline levels tend to lose weight more easily and faster than those who are high acid, the body is very sluggish and slow when in acid state and so it would be very difficult to lose weight,  for us to lose weight we need our system to work well and eliminate properly, lemon is helpful in this way too. So get that lemon tea going and lose those extra pounds!

Of course just lemon water alone will not bring all these benefits, but an overall healthy diet, lots of water and lemon tea in the mornings will bring huge health benefits.

Turmeric Powder

 

Description

Turmeric powder is a bright yellow spice powder made from dried turmeric rhizomes. While its slightly peppery and warm flavour; vibrant colour; and preservative roperties make it a great culinary ingredient, the presence of ‘curcumin’ makes is suitable for cosmetic and medicinal purposes too. Records show that turmeric has been used for such purposes as early as 3000 years ago, during the ancient Vedic times. Turmeric is also used in Hindi spiritual ceremonies and prayers.

How to Select

• Although turmeric powder is readily available at almost all grocery stores and supermarkets, it is advisable to buy only good brands and from only reliable sources as it is prone to contamination and artificial colouring to make it attractive.
• Always verify the freshness, by checking the date of packaging and expiry, and buy only a fresh lot for maximum flavour and aroma.
• When time permits, it is better to buy the dried rhizomes and grind them yourself to avoid additives and contamination.


Culinary Uses
• Turmeric is an indispensable spice, which imparts a musky flavour and yellow colour to curries.
• Almost all Indian vegetable dishes use turmeric either separately or as part of the masala (spice mixture).
• It is also used in recipes comprising rice, lentils and dry beans.
• A small pinch of turmeric powder would is enough to add a pleasant orange-yellow hue to salad dressings.
• As awareness about the ill effects of pesticides and fertilisers rises, people have started soaking and rinsing their vegetables and greens in water mixed with turmeric and salt, as it helps remove a lot of chemicals from the surface.


How to Store
• Turmeric powder should be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
• Too much heat will volatilise and dissipate its aromatic essential oils, while high humidity will cause it to cake. Sunlight will cause it to fade.
• Older stock should always be used first.
• Tightly close the container after each use to retain its aroma and flavour.

Health Benefits
• Turmeric powder is an effective remedy for chronic cough, cold and throat irritations. Milk boiled with a pinch of turmeric powder and ajwain had with a little honey gives immediate relief.
• Turmeric powder mixed with lime and salt helps in treating sprains and swellings.
• Turmeric powder is often used to stop the blood run resulting from a knife cut or other small wounds.
• Curcumin, a potent antioxidant, is believed to be the most bioactive and soothing portion of turmeric.