I am a little behind in posts. A LOT has happened during the last month, as I took another three week hiatus from my second job {that CPA thing} and have spent time with the husband {SANS medical school AND rotations} during his winter break. Before catching you up on the happenings worth mentioning, I have to take a moment to share a moment that changed my life three weeks ago while eating at a darling seafood
bistro in Santa Cruz:
Lemon. In. Clam. Chowder.
Try it. You won't be sorry.
In fact, I can't get enough lemon lately in anything.
Before you get ahead of yourself and ask WHY I might be craving something so random {every day, all day}, let me assure you: no, my eggo is not preggo. Instead, it might have something to do with my vacation diet not consisting of nearly enough things green or juiced.
I'm pretty good at listening to my body, and here are some of the reasons I expect why it is subconsciously telling me to devour anything that has to do with this gorgeously vibrant jewel of nature:
Lemons are low in calories, 29 calories per 100 g, one of the lowest among the citrus groups.
Lemon contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber (7.36% of RDA). Lemon is one of the very low glycemic fruits.
Its acidic taste is due to citric acid (up to 8% in its juice), which is a natural preservative, & aids digestion. Studies found that citric acid helps dissolve kidney stones.
Lemons are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful water soluble natural anti-oxidant. This vitamin is helpful in preventing scurvy, resist against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood.
Lemons contain a variety of phytochemicals. Hesperetin, naringin, and naringenin are flavonoid glycosides commonly found in citrus fruits. Naringenin is found to have a bio-active effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator. This substance has also been shown to reduce oxidant injury to DNA in the cells in-vitro studies.
Lemons contain a small level of vitamin A, and other flavonoid anti-oxidants such as α, and ß-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Lemons contain a healthy amount of minerals like iron, copper, potassium, and calcium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
It seems that my need for a post-holiday-obesity-detox is physically manifesting itself! Isn't that fascinating? Back to work, and back to eating right.
.JPG)
