Not many of us would instinctively reach for a lemon as a snack, but when used in cooking a savory dish, lemons are a flavor powerhouse and an exceptional source of healthy nutrients. Just ¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice contains 45% Daily Value of Vitamin C - all that for a mere 15 fat-free calories.
The Vitamin C in lemons is a natural source of antioxidant - the good warrior that fights the free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the bad guys in the body because they mess with the cells, cause inflammation and arthritis and plug-up the artery walls with plaque leading to diabetic heart disease. The more natural Vitamin C we can include in our daily diet the more antioxidants we have to fight cell deterioration and disease.
You may picture a childhood lemonade stand when I mention lemons. Those were the days! But now a healthier way to enjoy lemon in the diet is to use it as an ingredient for savory dishes and avoid the high-sugar drinks and desserts.
Serving Ideas for Lemons
The World's Healthiest Foods has these quick easy serving ideas for including lemon in the diet:
Place thinly sliced lemons, peel and all, underneath and around fish before cooking. Baking or broiling will soften the slices so that they can be eaten along with the fish.
Combine lemon juice with olive or flax oil, freshly crushed garlic and pepper to make a light and refreshing salad dressing.
If you are watching your salt intake (and even if you are not), serve lemon wedges with meals as their tartness makes a great salt substitute.
Lemon Recipes for LivingAfterWLS
Seared Halibut with Green Salad
Poached Eggs Over Sautéed Spinach Greens
Lemon Herbed Chicken Breasts
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