Practical Uses for Fresh Lemon Juice

There are more to this citrus fruit than Vitamin C

Sep 19, 2009

In addition to making lemonades, lemons can also be use as a cleaner and natural preservative as well as to maintain one's health and well-being.

Lemon, the yellow citrus fruit high in citric acid, has been a popular ingredient in a lot of food products as well as commercial beauty and sanitizing products. Discover some basic ways of reaping the benefits of this versatile fruit without spending a fortune on artificial flavoring, high-chemical beauty products and cleaning solutions.

Multipurpose Skin Cleanser

Lemons are very rich in Vitamin C, an essential nutrient for the skin. The citric acid in lemon juice contains astringent and bactericide properties that help prevent acne, hyper pigmentation, excessive oiliness as well as helping to lighten skin tone and being an effective anti-aging treatment.

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon, strain the pulp and put it in a spray bottle. Spray and massage onto dry face, then rinse thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day. This simple treatment can also be applied all over the body to treat body acne and is especially beneficial to oily skin.

Caution: undiluted lemon juice can irritate sensitive skin and those who may be allergic to lemons. Although it is best to use undiluted over the skin, water can be added to the juice as necessary to dilute it. Citric fruit juices can also increase skin’s photosensitivity, so avoid exposure to sun for at least an hour after use.

Cleaning Solution

A slice of lemon dipped in salt or baking soda can remove stains from glass, aluminum, porcelain and also polish copper and silver to a shine. Besides protecting your antiques and collectibles from harmful chemical cleaners, this mixture also cuts through grease to remove stains and perspiration on fabric when applied to affected spots.

A few sprays of undiluted lemon juice over the hair before washing can aid in effectively removing wax, coloring and other dandruff causing chemicals in hair products, too.

Natural Preservative

Citric acid is a weak organic acid that makes it a natural preservative. Marinating fish and meat by placing it on a tub of ice and squeezing a slice of lemon juice over it before storing it in the freezer can neutralize the unpleasant order and extend storage life.

Fruits that tend to oxidize and turn brown can also benefit from a few sprinkles of lemon juice for a short-term preservative that keeps after-meal dessert fresh.

Alkalizing the Body

The ideal pH (potential for hydrogen) for proper bodily functions should be 7.4, which is slightly more alkaline. When the body pH becomes overly acidic, it creates a condition known as Acidosis. The body can only detoxify and renew itself effectively when the cells are at the proper pH.

Unfortunately, much of the foods we are used to ingest – red meat, sweeteners and white flour; coupled with stress, pollution and manufactured medicine – has an acid forming effect in the system. Acidosis can cause allergies, low energy, skin problems, premature aging, obesity, bad cholesterol problems that lead to high blood pressure and a host of other conditions that are the basis of most degenerative diseases.

To restore the balance in our system, simply squeeze a quarter to half of a lemon’s juice into 8 - 12 oz of clean, filtered water and drink it once or twice a day. A pinch of ginger can be added for taste if preferred, but never ever add any form of sweetener because that would just defeat the purpose of alkalizing.

Although lemon is an acidic fruit, it contains alkaline minerals which are left once the acids are quickly broken down by the body. Hence, it has an alkalizing effect on the body when consumed.

Prevention of Kidney Stones

Regular intake of citric acid can aid in inhibiting kidney stone formation and break up small stones that are beginning to form. According to Kristina Penniston PhD, RD, of University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, the organic acid prevents small stones from becoming problematic by coating them to prevent other substances from attaching and building onto the stones.

Additionally, a traditional home remedy to prevent and treat kidney stones involves adding 1-2 teaspoons of extra virgin light olive oil (cold press) to a glass of lemon water. It is believed that olive oil acts as a lubricant to ease the stone passing through the urinary tract after being broken down by citric acid.

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The copyright of the article Practical Uses for Fresh Lemon Juice in Food Facts is owned by Joni Chng. Permission to republish Practical Uses for Fresh Lemon Juice in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.