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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

A Lemon a Day can Keep the Doctor Away

Q: Dear Elena: I heard that lemons are good for you but I have also read that there is more bacteria on lemons in restaurants and they can do harm. Is this true?

A: Incorporating lemon into the diet is an easy habit to form and can fill your day with health-affirming benefits. This fruit is often overlooked as many reach for more all the rage fruits such as pomegranate and other exotic antioxidant powerhouses like the goji berry. Turns out, the lemon is much more than a garnish to a cocktail.

Lemons originally come from India where they were cultivated from a mix of lime and a citron fruit. The result is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and a high mineral profile that allows the lemon to hold its own alongside other bioflavonoid stars such as broccoli and sweet potatoes.

While its immunity boosting properties are well known, vitamin C's potential extends beyond the prevention of the flu. The antioxidant power of vitamin C also neutralizes free radicals. Free radical damage is responsible for many health ailments including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the host of symptoms that are mistakenly considered to be the natural and unavoidable signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dull eyes, and lack of muscle tone. Because lemon juice is alkalinizing in nature it helps in detoxifying your body. Taking 2 oz of l-ascorbic acid rich lemon juice a day helps the skin from the inside out to rebound from stress, environmental pollutants and the negative effects of sun rays. Lemon also delivers several important minerals to the body: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and it is also high in Vitamin B.

When added to hot water and taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, lemon's citric acid acts as a tonic for the liver as it stimulates the production of enzymes and increases bile production, which aids in digestion. Some studies show that lemon may relieve constipation, heartburn, as well as urinary tract infections. The citric acid in lemon has been coveted, too, for its blood-cleansing properties and is even used in some societies as an antiseptic and antidote to poison. If you really want to increase your antioxidant mix try adding lemon to a morning cup of green tea-this combination has been garnering some attention lately due to the discovery that lemons multiply the antioxidant power of green tea several times over.

Regarding the dirt and contamination found on lemons in some restaurants, unfortunately it is true. Several studies have found large amounts of dangerous bacteria on cut up lemon wedges served in some restaurants. The only way I see around this problem is to avoid exposure. Bypass using lemon wedges in public places unless you are certain that the place is clean and that the staff wash their hands. You could request that a lemon be washed for you before it is sliced, however, I see difficulty arising from that unless you are in a pretty upscale establishment. Stick to using you lemons at home and by organic for more mineral content.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist