By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Acai (pronounced Ah-sa-EEE) fruit showed up in the health food stores a few years ago. I figured it was just another trendy ‘superfood’ that would burn itself out, so I basically ignored it.

Recently I’ve noticed “Acai bowls” showing up at local coffee and smoothie shops. It wasn’t until my son’s girlfriend pointed out how delicious they were, that I finally decided to try them. Now, I’m hooked on my Acai bowl that I get from my local coffee shop. It’s absolutely delicious!

Acai comes from a type of palm tree that grows in the rain forests of South and Central America. They are small, about an inch in diameter and have just one pit, which makes them classified as a drupe, not a berry, as they are often called.

Acai fruit has sustained many primitive Brazilian and Amazonian populations, including the Caboclo tribe, with its massive nutrients and health benefits for hundreds of years.

Their dark purplish-red color may give you a clue as to their health benefits. Yes, they are very high in antioxidants, low in calories and sugar, and high in fiber. The dark purple color of the fruit means it contains lots of anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant similar to blueberries, cranberries, and dark grapes.

Most of the health benefits of benefits of acai are due to its very high antioxidant content. Acai has one of the highest ORAC scores of all fruits. ORAC, or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a scale that measures the number of antioxidants in foods. It’s no surprise that the acai berry is almost at the top of the ORAC list. Acai even scores far higher than goji berries or blueberries.

Some of the powerful antioxidants acai contains includes anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, protocatechuic acid, procyanidins and epicatechin, polyphenols, as well as vitamins A, C and E. They also contain healthy fatty acids including monounsaturated fatty acids and omega 3 fats, and plant sterols. Anthocyanins contain many benefits including skin health, anti-aging, fighting cancer, heart health, weight loss and more.

All good things!

Let’s take a more in-depth view of these benefits:

Skin health

The concentration of antioxidants in acai about 10 times higher than for red grapes, and acai is estimated to have 10 to 30 times the number of anthocyanins than red wine. So, if you are drinking red wine for its antioxidants, it may be time to switch to something better.

Anthocyanins are known for their skin-protective benefits. Oxidation can come from sun exposure, excessive stress, pollutants in the atmosphere, alcohol, smoking, poor dietary choices, etc. Antioxidants help fight the aging effects of oxidation. Antioxidants in acai also help protect the cells’ DNA, so that damaged cells or mutated cells that can lead to cancer are minimized. Antioxidants in acai also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin cell turnover.

The antioxidants in the acai berry also help to increase the efficiency of the cells’ absorption of nutrients, while the vitamins A and C in acai help skin cell turnover and production of collagen to fight wrinkles. Acai’s anti-inflammatory benefits help to reduce redness and inflammation in the skin, and fight acne.

Fights Cancer

Antioxidants help fight cancer because they protect the cells from damage and aid in reproducing healthy cells. Since acai is so high in antioxidants, it’s safe to assume they protect against cancer as well. According to Medical News Today, some of the things the acai berry antioxidants do that are beneficial to health include:

• Prevent cancer cell growth
• Induce cancer cell death
• Have anti-inflammatory effects
• Protect healthy cell reproduction to prevent cancer
• Inhibit the beginning of new tumors

There have been a few in-vitro and animal studies the evaluate the anticancer effects of the acai berry, but as of now, no large human studies have been conducted.

One study looked at mice eating acai and rates of bladder cancer. Those mice eating acai showed significantly reduced rates of cancer cells, and cancer tumor growth. Extracts of acai showed promise against breast cancer cells, and colon cancer cells as well. Studies of acai benefits on malignant melanoma demonstrated an 82% decrease in tumor volume compared to the control group.

These promising studies prove that we should be further studying the beneficial effects of acai berries fighting cancer in humans.

Helps Control Hunger, Aids in Weight Loss

Some health experts believe that acai berry may be able to suppress the appetite, by helping to control blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels go up in response to eating sweet foods or starchy foods, insulin is released. Insulin signals for fat storage, and insulin also causes feelings of hunger.

Acai can help balance blood sugar levels, slowing the release of insulin and helping you feel fuller and more satisfied. Like most fruit, acai also contains lots of fiber, which is good for digestion and moving things along—preventing bloating and gas. Beware, however, most acai bowls and smoothies contain other fruits, juices and sweet ingredients that raise blood sugar, defeating acai’s appetite suppressing abilities.

Helps Detox the Body

Acai berries contain lots of fiber. The fiber not only helps with digestion, but it improves gut health and encourages the growth of healthy probiotics. Acai berry cleanses have become popular because it is thought that the Acai berries do a better job of helping to detox the liver and the kidneys.

The fiber from acai berries cleanses the colon, removing harmful residue left behind from processed foods and undigested matter. These toxic substances can leak out of the gut into the body, creating more inflammation. This type of cleanse also helps to reduce constipation and help keep you regular, preventing foods from remaining in the intestines too long and being the cause of bloating, gas, food sensitivities, and slowed metabolism.

There are many advertisements for products including, “acai berry detox,” “acai burn,” “acai pure” and “acai berry edge,” promising quicker than normal weight loss. Some of the ads claim you can lose up to 20 pounds in one week. These claims are not science backed and other than a laxative effect it may have on your system, losing 20 pounds in one week is not a healthy way to detox or diet.

My opinion about detoxing or cleansing is that your body will naturally clean itself out if you are consuming whole, natural foods, including lots of high fiber fruits and vegetables. However, cleanses, in general, can have some merit, especially if you’ve been through a period of eating unhealthy foods and are having any digestive difficulties, brain fog or other negative reactions. Cleanses also work well to help mentally—as well as physically–and as a way for you to start fresh and get back on track with a healthy diet.

Slows Mental Decline

Age-related brain disease including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s and other types of dementia seem to be increasing. One of the theories on this is an increase in inflammation and inflammatory foods, especially vegetable oils, sugar and processed starchy foods.

Scientists are now looking at the value of anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compounds in the diet and how they can lower the risk of age-related mental decline. Several studies suggest that oxidative stress may be one of the biggest factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidant anthocyanin, which is found in high amounts in acai berries may help lower oxidative damage and lower inflammation, promoting better brain health.

This recent study also shows similar results in elderly people. Increasing polyphenol antioxidants significantly lowered the risk of dementia. The study compared participants with a lower intake of antioxidants to those with a higher reported intake. Those in the those in the higher intake group had a 50% lower risk of dementia.

Anthocyanins also have been shown to enhance and improve memory. They are thought to work in a similar way–by inhibiting neuroinflammation, activating signaling activity in the brain, and improving overall blood flow to the brain.

As with many other high-antioxidant foods, acai berries have also been associated with helping prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases related to inflammation and oxidation.

How to Consume Acai Berries

Acai berries tend to go bad and spoil within hours of being picked, so it’s extremely difficult to find them fresh or whole, unless you live close to the tropical jungles of South America.

Acai is often available in three forms: frozen, freeze-dried or powdered, or in juice. Frozen acai works great in smoothies or bowls. Just be careful if you happen to purchase acai bowls at a restaurant; they may have a lot of added sugars in the form of other fruit, juices, and add-ons. Acai is also available in capsules that can be taken as a supplement. My favorite form of acai is the frozen pulp that can be added to smoothies or bowls. Acai has a delicious, fruity, not—too—sweet flavor that is worth enjoying while getting all those antioxidants!

References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305576#diet
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-acai-berries#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/how-acai-berry-prevents-early-signs-of-aging/articleshow/85386018.cms
https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/tools/fact-sheets/acai-berry-and-cancer/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/acai-weight-loss-wonder-fruit#1
https://draxe.com/health/acai-berry-cleanse/

The post Is That Acai Bowl Good for You? appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

Many of you may have been using baking soda around your home for years without ever even knowing what it is. We did a little digging to uncover the mystery.

It turns out that sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a chemical salt that, in its natural form, is the mineral nahcolite. Baking soda can react as both an acid and a base, although in an aqueous solution it is a bit on the alkaline side.

Pure nahcolite is found in abundance in the Green River Basin, which cuts through several states in the central part of our country.

Sodium bicarbonate helps to regulate pH and keep it steady – a process known as buffering. It keeps substances from being too acidic or too alkaline. Its ability to neutralize the pH of any substance it comes in contact with makes it highly effective for so many things.

Now, you may know about all the amazing ways you can use baking soda around your home such as:

– Cleaning coffee makers
– Cleaning drains
– Ridding hair of buildup
– Polishing silver
– Septic care
– Making toothpaste
– Making deodorant
– Cleaning brushes and combs
– Refreshing your fridge
– Easing itching and swelling
– Putting out a grease fire
– Breaking down ice on a sidewalk or driveway

But… did you know that drinking baking soda can be very healthy for you? Yes, it’s true, drinking something as simple as baking soda can drastically improve your health. What is even more amazing is that when you combine baking soda with other powerful ingredients, the healing powers are supercharged.

The only caution we have is that you stick to an aluminum-free brand of baking soda whenever possible.

Here are three of our favorite healthy baking soda tonics:

Ultimate energy booster and electrolyte replacer

Do you know that nagging, dragging feeling you get when you are about halfway through your 5-run, or partway through that spin class? The feeling like you can’t push your body one bit more?

Well, we have great news for you: this ultimate energy booster tonic will not only help motivate you to get moving, it will also help you go harder for longer no matter what physical activity you are doing.

This is because strenuous exercise leads to a buildup of lactic acid – which can cause muscle pain and fatigue. Baking soda has been found to boost performance in athletes due to its ability to neutralize lactic acid buildup.

Ingredients:

– ½ teaspoon unprocessed sea salt
– ¼ teaspoon baking soda
– 7 cups coconut water
– ½ cup lemon juice
– ¼ cup raw honey

Instructions:

1. Heat the coconut water on low and mix in baking soda until it is dissolved.
2. Add other ingredients and pour mixture into glass jar.
3. Shake well before use.
4. This will keep for a week in the refrigerator.

Coconut water: Although coconut water has a deceptively light consistency, it has higher levels of minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium and zinc than many fruits, including the famously healthy orange. Additionally, coconut water has high amounts of B-vitamins, such as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and pyridoxine.

One of the best benefits of coconut water is that it is extremely high in potassium. As your body sweats during exercise or vigorous physical activity, your level of potassium drops. Coconut water has approximately 250 milligrams of potassium and 105 milligrams of sodium in every 100 milliliter serving.

Raw honey: One of the substantial benefits of choosing raw organic honey from your area is that it contains immune stimulating properties from the area where the bees collected pollen. This means that it can actually help to desensitize you to local allergens, potentially lessening your allergy symptoms.

The supercharged acid reflux reliever

Because acid reflux typically results from having too little acid in your stomach, you can help improve this by mixing 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar into a 6 to 8 ounce glass of water.

Adding ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to this mixture will further help neutralize your internal fire. Be prepared, however: this mixture will foam – so wait for it to slow down before you drink it.

Green tea and baking soda metabolism booster

A recent study out of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences found that drinking green tea regularly can boost the effects of exercise to aid weight loss efforts. The study was conducted on mice that were fed a diet with high amounts of fat, exercised regularly, and given green tea extract. The mice showed an average body mass reduction of 27.1 percent and an average abdominal mass reduction of 36.6 percent.

There are three compounds in green tea that are thought to help promote weight loss: catechins, theanine and caffeine. These substances work together to block enzymes that are responsible for fat storage in the body.

When you combine the super-metabolizing powers of green tea with baking soda, you rev up your fat burning power while encouraging optimal pH ( 7.2) in the body. This is necessary for balance.

A pH factor that is not optimal will cause excess acid to be stored in fat cells. An acidic person can’t burn fat well, because doing so would release the acid that is stored in body fat – and this would throw the blood pH out of whack. If your pH is not balanced, you may also feel fatigued and ill.

Choose organic green tea and add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to an 8 ounce cup before drinking. Enjoy daily.

Speaking of baking soda…

My friend Susan Patterson wrote an entire book called The Baking Soda Secret, and she wants to ship it to you for FREE!

* How to use Baking Soda as a natural replacement for many products currently in your home like deodorant, toothpaste and even cleaning products.

* The exact recipe she uses to make healthy, energy-filled meals.

* How to soothe skin irritated by eczema, bug bites, bee stings and more.

* A powerful flu-fighting tonic that can help banish symptoms in hours.

* Countless beauty hacks including a hair rinse, face mask, and dark spot remover.

All of this and so much more!

But, like I said, you have to hurry because she only has a handful of these left and if you don’t confirm your address your book will be sent to another lucky individual who will immediately start improving their physical, mental and home health with Baking Soda!

Click here to Claim your FREE Book Now (need shipping address)

The post 3 Ways to Drink Baking Soda for Better Health appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

By Ryan Mallett-Outtrim, TheAlternativeDaily.com

Lemon water is delicious and healthy. It’s an easy way to boost your intake of vitamin C, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. It can also improve your skin health and support weight loss, while aiding digestion. Plus, it can keep your breath fresh and lemony.

Oh, and did we mention it tastes pretty yummy?

Unfortunately, like everything in life, it’s possible to have too much lemon water. In excess, lemon water can have some surprisingly worrying impacts on your health. While a cup or two a day might not hurt, guzzling large amounts of lemon water can do more harm than good, and in the long term, snowball into serious health problems.

Bear in mind that there’s no set amount of lemon water that’s considered unsafe; we’re all different, and all have different tolerance levels. That said, here are six health issues that can arise from drinking too much lemon water. If you’re experiencing any of these, then it might be time to take it easy on the lemon water.

1. Lemon water can harm your tooth enamel

We all know that sugary treats are bad for your teeth, but did you know lemons are also pretty rough on your enamel? Lemons are highly acidic, and the American Dental Association warns their juice can erode your enamel if consumed in excess.

Signs of enamel damage include a yellowing of the teeth and a sensation of roughness. Run your tongue along your teeth; if they feel sand papery instead of pearly smooth, then you might have some enamel damage.

Another common sign of tooth problems is more obvious: pain or sensitivity. For example, if you feel a jolt of stabbing pain in your teeth whenever you drink something particularly hot or cold, then you might have a problem. In fact, if you experience any of the above, then it’s probably time to cut back on the lemon water and perhaps pay a visit to your dentist.

2. Lemon water can exacerbate cavities

Lemon water doesn’t just strip your teeth of their enamel; it can also exacerbate issues with cavities. Cavities are typically caused by bacteria that munch on sugar and excrete acid. Pure, natural lemon juice won’t do much to exacerbate cavities on its own. However, if you use a lemon concentrate or add a bit of sugar to your lemon water, then you’re creating the perfect environment in your mouth for the development of cavities.

3. Lemon water can mess with your tummy

For some people, lemon water can be quite soothing, but not everyone. We’re all unique, and our stomachs can have moods of their own. For some people, lemon water can put their stomachs in a seriously bad mood, causing pain and irritation. Anyone with a stomach ulcer should steer well away from lemon water, as it can worsen the pain and make you feel absolutely terrible.

Also, excessive consumption of acidic foods and beverages like lemon water has been linked to the development of gastroesophageal re-flux disorder. This is a gut condition that can lead to nausea, vomiting and heartburn.

4. Lemon rinds are gross

This is less of a problem with lemon water, and more of a concern with the rinds themselves. In 2007, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health found evidence to suggest as much as 70 percent of lemon rinds served in restaurants are contaminated with organisms like the notorious E. coli, which can make you extremely ill.

Regular consumption of lemon water with the rind submerged in the beverage can expose you to these contaminants, so be careful. If you regularly consume lemon water, ensure you either wash the rinds thoroughly or remove them entirely.

5. Lemon juice can give you migraines

This one certainly doesn’t apply to everyone, but lemon juice might give you one hell of a headache. A number of studies have shown a clear link between citrus and migraines. It’s worth noting these results aren’t consistent, with some studies failing to find a clear link. Nonetheless, there’s enough evidence on the table to lead many doctors to advise migraine sufferers to avoid citrus, especially if they suspect fruits like lemon exacerbate their migraines. So if you likewise experience migraines from time to time, you may want to consider avoiding lemon water.

6. Lemon juice can make mouth ulcers worse

Mouth ulcers (canker sores) are horrible. They hurt and make eating unpleasant. Due to their highly acidic content, lemons can make these ulcers even more painful, according to the American Dental Association. So if you’re prone to mouth ulcers, then keep away from lemon juice.

What’s your experience with lemon water? Let us know about the good, bad and ugly in the comments below!

— Ryan Mallett-Outtrim
(The original article source is here)

In India, Ayurvedic practitioners use lemon to heal stomach issues, referring to its value as a “promoter of gastric fire”.

The Romans used lemons as a cure for all types of “poison.”

Historians report that 12th century Egyptians prized lemons for their “vast medicinal power.”

And in 1953 Sir Edmund Hillary uncovered a new secret weapon—something never tried before by other climbers. It was a special all-natural healing tonic —that research showed could dramatically boost their level of fitness…and thus, increase their chances of finally reaching Everest’s summit.

What was in that Tonic? …Copious amounts of hot water with lemon to combat the acute effects of dehydration at altitude.

Let’s take a look at some of the other powerful benefits of lemons and lemon water…

> 13 Ways that lemons heal & flush your body (benefits for blood pressure, digestion, sleep, cancer, diabetes, detox & more)

Take this short quiz to discover the one veggie you should avoid.

Quiz: The #1 Veggie To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your gut)

A: Broccoli
B: Corn
C: Kale
D: Spinach
E: Other

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover The #1 Veggie To Avoid

The post 6 Scary Reasons To Avoid Drinking Too Much Lemon Water appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

This blog is republished from our good friend Danette May.

You already know that any movement you do gives your mood a big boost and makes a big difference in your weight loss efforts.

There’s no shortage of ways to move your body, but you may be wondering if your time is better spent walking or running?

Either one is good, but which one is better?

When it comes to only how many calories you burn per hour, running is the better workout. Your exact calorie burn depends on how much you weigh and how fast you run, but running expends more energy.

Want an idea of the difference in calorie burn between running and walking?

Consider these statistics for a person who weighs 155 lbs.:

• Running 30 minutes at 5 miles per hour burns 298 calories
• Running 30 minutes at 6 miles per hour burns 372 calories
• Running 30 minutes at 7.5 miles per hour burns 465 calories
• Walking 30 minutes at 3.5 miles per hour burns 149 calories
• Walking 30 minutes at 4 miles per hour burns 167 calories
• Walking 30 minutes at 4.5 miles per hour burns 186 calories

Though running clearly provides a greater impact on how many calories are burned, that doesn’t mean that doing it is easy.

Depending on your physical condition, running for 30 minutes (or longer) may be out of the question.

So, does that mean that you have to walk for more than an hour in order to get the same amount of impact?

The good news is there’s another option.

It’s called High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT.

Studies have shown that by going back and forth between walking and running you can eliminate the need to run long distances and still get a big effect.

How does HIIT work?

A HIIT workout has you doing a hard workout for a very short period of time, then resting while still doing something active. That means that you get your heart rate way up, and then you recover and catch your breath, then do it again.

When you ask your body to push itself you create a brief oxygen shortage. When your body recovers, you take in more oxygen to make up for the loss.

The result is that you burn more fat.

Studies have shown that a HIIT workout can burn more calories in a shorter period of time as a result of the EPOC effect.

There are a lot of other advantages to doing a HIIT workout.

Besides a better fat burn, it also boosts your metabolism for as long as 48 hours after your workout. It takes less time than a regular workout and you don’t need any expensive equipment.

(The Original source article found here)

Did you know that certain exercises can help you slow aging and help you to look younger, but other specific types of exercises can actually age you FASTER.  Not good!

Make sure to AVOID the types of exercises that accelerate aging in your body.  My colleague Steve Holman explains which exercises to avoid at this article:

This exercise accelerates AGING in your body (plus 5 tips to look 10 years younger)

Steve also shows you on that page which specific format of exercise helps reverse aging!

The post Walking VS Running appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Lemons and limes are some of the most popular citrus fruits in the world.

Lemons and limes are often used interchangeably for cooking purposes, but what about their health purposes? Are lemons and limes alike? Though they have a lot in common, they’re also distinctly different in some ways.

These two fruits are well known for their acidity and sourness, which makes them useful in a variety of dishes, salads, soups and drinks.

Lemon and lime essential oils made from the rinds are often used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. They’re also included in many household cleaning products for their fragrance and antibacterial properties.

Many people often mistakenly think limes are just unripe lemons but that is not the case. Lemons and limes are two totally different citrus fruits but closely related.

Lemons grow on a small evergreen tree that is actually native to Asia. Limes are thought to be a hybridized fruit and actually come in several varieties from various parts of the world. Lemons and limes are now grown all over the world.

However, lemons — formally known as Citrus limon — are typically grown in moderate climates, while limes — or Citrus aurantifolia — grow better in tropical and subtropical regions.

Round vs Oblong

Lemons and limes definitely look different—if you look closely. Lemons are bright yellow and oblong, while limes tend to be smaller, rounder, and green. Some types of limes actually do turn yellow when ripe, but they do not turn into lemons.

Harvest

While limes are not unripe lemons, they are unripe limes and are harvested before they ripen. When harvested early and while still green, they have a rich, sour flavor and more citric acid. Once a lime is mature and yellow, they lose their acidity and their sour taste and become bitter.

Lemons are picked when ripe, yellow and mature.

Taste

Lemons and limes have a similar taste and are often used as substitutes for each other. But they do taste different. Lemons have a distinctly sour taste, while limes tend to be slightly more bitter but seem to have more flavor. Lemons contain about 2% sugar, while the bitter lime only contains 0.5% sugar. Limes tend to be more acidic than lemons. Some lemons, like Meyer lemons have a much mellower and sweeter taste.

Lemon vs Lime Nutrition

While neither lemons or limes have huge amounts of vitamins and minerals, both lemons and limes have generous amounts of vitamin C. Lemons win out here though, as they have substantially more vitamin C than limes do.

Ounce for ounce, (or gram for gram) lemons have more vitamin C. For example, 100 g of lime contains approximately 29mg of vitamin C, while 100g of lemon contains 53mg of vitamin C. In addition, they also have more potassium, vitamin A, vitamins B6 and folate.

Both lemons and limes have some great health benefits—let’s take a look.

Strengthen Immunity

Lemons and limes contain a good amount of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, which helps to strengthen the immune system, helping your body fight colds, flu, and other pathogens. Vitamin C helps to increase white blood cells, our little ‘army’ that fight off illnesses and infections.

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant which helps prevent damage to the DNA of our cells, protecting and helping insure we have healthy cell reproduction. This review from the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism shows that vitamin C helps reduce the duration and severity of respiratory tract infections.

Lemons and limes also fight inflammation. You can also keep your immune system strong by avoiding foods containing sugar or processed foods, eating probiotic rich foods and getting regular exercise.

Good for the Heart

Vitamin C is also valuable for the heart, helping you fight heart disease and lowering blood pressure. One study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston looked at the diets of 126,399 adults over a period of eight to 14 years and found that each serving of fruits and vegetables was associated with a 4 percent decreased risk of heart disease. It was found that the vitamin C-rich fruits and veggies, like lemons or limes had the biggest impact.

Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2014 found daily consumption of lemons or limes was associated with a decrease in blood pressure, as well.

Prevents Kidney Stones

The citric acid in lemons or limes helps to prevent painful kidney stones. Lemons and limes are also slightly diuretic, helping to increase urine volume and cleanse the kidneys.

One small study published in the Journal of Urology treated 11 participants with lemonade therapy for nearly four years. Researchers found that stone formation dropped significantly, from an average of one kidney stone per year down to just 0.13 per year. And this study showed that treating kidney stone patients with lemon or lime juice increased urinary citrate levels and decreased the amount of calcium in the urine, suggesting that citric acid may be a potential alternative treatment for preventing kidney stones.

Cancer Fighting Citrus

Lemons and limes share powerful cancer-fighting benefits. These citrus fruits have lots of antioxidants in them, fighting free radical damage which can negatively alter our cells and make us more prone to developing cancer. Lemons and limes’ phytochemicals include flavonoids, flavones, triterpenoids and limonoids.

Another compound identified in limes was found to block colon cancer cell growth by 67%. Other studies show both lemons and limes to be effective in fighting other types of cancer, including breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. This study from Saudi Arabia, showed that lemon fruit extract helped kill breast cancer cells.

Lemons and limes also contain compounds like hesperidin and d-limonene, which have both been shown to have cancer-preventing properties. This makes lemons and limes some of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.

Aids Digestion and Increases Iron Absorption

Iron is an important mineral for our bodies; it helps build red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of our bodies. Deficiencies in iron can cause anemia which can result in dizziness, weakness, fatigue and a lowered immune response. Vegans and vegetarians have a more difficult time absorbing iron, especially if they only eat plant-based foods. Women who are menstruating also have higher iron needs. Athletes and people who live at higher altitudes also need a great supply of iron in their diets.

Vitamin C, in the form of ascorbic acid helps to enhance iron absorption from foods. This is also why cooking foods high in iron with a type of acid, like lemons or limes to enhance absorption. One of the best ways to get some extra iron in your diet is to cook in a cast-iron skillet. Adding a squeeze or two of lemons and limes helps to leach iron from the skillet which cooks into your food.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition even found that consuming 100 milligrams of vitamin C with a meal, increased iron absorption by 60 or more percent.

Aids in Weight Loss

Lemons and limes are very low in calories, yet they add mouth-watering flavor to water and increase your saliva, preventing a dry mouth. Drinking lemon water can help with weight loss. Many times when we reach for a snack, we are actually just thirsty, so a glass of lemon or lime water helps to fulfill your thirst and help you stay away from munching. And the sour flavor actually help you feel slightly more satiated.

If every day you traded in a glass of high sugar juice or soda, you avoid almost 40,000 calories in a year! That is over 11 pounds of fat! Plus you avoid all the toxic corn syrup and its negative health benefits it has on your body.

Hydration

Lemons and limes contain citric acid which actually helps your body absorb water better. Lemon water has gained a lot of popularity as ‘the’ drink to have first thing in the morning. The reason is that lemon water helps to hydrate you, helps your body wash out toxins and excess fluids, and balance your pH. Lemons and limes also contain a good balance of electrolytes which help your body re-establish its fluid levels better than plain water.

It is considered much healthier to have a more alkaline pH which helps to prevent disease and boosts the immune system. Even though lemons and limes are very acidic, they help our bodies become more alkaline. Some research shows that a more alkaline diet can be beneficial for things like pain relief, bone health, and preventing cancer.

Lemon or lime water provides a burst of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that isn’t found in regular water. While lemon water gets the spotlight as the new healthy drink, limes are also rich in vitamin C, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Lime water benefits are similar to the benefits of lemon water and can boost antioxidant intake, support weight loss, and keep you healthy and hydrated with an added dose of flavor.

Add lemon or lime juice to most all of your dishes. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime can really enhance the flavor of vegetables—especially the more bitter ones like broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts and spinach. Lemon or lime juice, combined with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs or spices, makes a delicious all-purpose salad dressing or a great base for marinades, especially fish or chicken.

Lemon or lime—both of these are highly beneficial to your health and relay a variety of health benefits, so use them in drinks, dishes and desserts, and pucker up!!

If you are interested in some of the other powerful benefits of lemons and lemon water… check out this article from our friends Alternative Daily.

You know already that lemons can help with weight loss and renew your energy, but did you there is fruit that can absolutely destroy it.

Blueberries vs. Strawberries vs Oranges… (the #1 WORST fruit for energy)

According to the best-selling author and world-renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Steven Gundry, there’s one fruit people over 40 should never eat.

This fruit can disrupt your hormones. Both sapping you of energy and forcing your body to create “sticky” fat cells that can NOT be “burned off” with normal diet and exercise.

Do you know the fruit I’m talking about? Make sure you do by clicking the one below you think it is, and get the answer from Dr. Gundry himself on the next page:

>> Blueberries

>> Strawberries

>> Oranges

>> Goji berries

References
https://draxe.com/limes/
https://draxe.com/lemon-nutrition/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/difference-lemon-and-lime.html
https://draxe.com/benefits-of-lemon-water/

The post Lemons vs Limes, which is healthier? appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.