Lemon: The Healthy Healing Fruit

Hello Neighbors!

Today in the 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin I presented a recipe for Lemon-Ginger Healing Tonic. This is a warm cleansing beverage to be enjoyed first thing in the morning as part of the 5 Day Pouch Test. The tonic works because lemon is an astringent that helps remove toxins from our bodies and we soon feel energy and we feel clean. This can be said of most citrus fruit. I think there are many cleaning products that have been sold on their "lemon fresh" claims.

Lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits are all antioxidant rich. And they are low-glycemic. That means they won't disrupt our high-protein diet with a sugar surge. Of course we all know that citrus is rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with properties that protects both the cells and the blood from free-radical damage. Vitamin C helps restore and regenerate the cells. Adequate intake of Vitamin C can decrease the incidence of colds and infection. It improves the skin, hair and nails.

To include Vitamin C from citrus in your diet add a squeeze of fresh juice to your water or tea. Season grilled protein with citrus. Add orange sections to your salads or main course meals. And of course, give the Lemon-Ginger Tonic a try. You'll love how clean you feel!

Lemon-Ginger Tonic
Begin each morning of the 5 Day Pouch Test with this comforting and cleansing lemon-ginger tonic. The lemon-ginger tonic will increase your energy and work to detoxify your stressed digestive system. In addition, this tonic has a cleansing affect on the liver, and increases the production of bile to clear any backlog in the common bile duct. Using this tonic as part of your 5 Day Pouch Test will leave you feeling cleansed and powerful with an eagerness to take full control of your pouch.

2 lemons, washed and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
3 cups boiling water
honey or artificial sweetener to taste

In a teapot or saucepot combine lemon slices, grated ginger and boiling water. Cover let steep 10 minutes. Pour tonic through strainer to remove solids. Drink warm adding sweetener to taste. Garnish with lemon slices if desired. Be sure to drink all three cups. This is best first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything else. If you are on Days 1 & 2 (liquid days) you do not need to wait 30 minutes after your last sip of tonic to have your liquid meal.

I like to start my day with this tonic even if I'm not on the 5DPT. Getting the day off to a clean start helps keep me on track.