IN bygone days, the lemon was regarded as good only for making lemonade. A lot of people did not think much of this fruit, with its rough and crude look compared to oranges or tangerines. Hence someone wishing to draw attention to their supposed contentment would usually say: “Give me a lemon and I won’t tell you how sour it is, but I’ll make lemonade!”

Nobody thought they should not judge the lemon by its appearance. Today, as the truth about the amazing health, culinary and cosmetic benefits of the lemon unfolds, the reaction is dramatically different. The almost universal, spontaneous reaction by people receiving a gift of lemons would be, “You are a life-saver!”
That probably explains why the price of lemons has been going up so steeply over time. Lemons are now in such great demand that they are being harvested and sold locally even before they mature fully.
Then there’s a new hybrid type that’s smaller and less juicy than the original lemon, but because demand vastly outstrips supply, the price will never remain constant, but will keep spiraling out of control.
Lemons of average size are now attracting a price of between $160 and $200 per fruit, compared to a parcel of three of four being sold for $100 previously; but nothing is putting the brakes on sales.
“Take it or leave it!” is what applies now; but the greatest news is that, more and more, people are beginning to experience the true benefits of this amazing gift of nature.

Origins
Scientifically known as Citrus limo, the lemon was brought to the Americas from Europe by Christopher Colombus around the year 1493, the year after he arrived in the Guianas.
One of the biggest discoveries made across the nation recently is that lemon juice normalizes diabetic sugar (glucose) levels, and many diabetics who add drops of lemon juice to their drinking water are living longer and healthier lives!

Some better known benefits of lemon include:
* It is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is vital for the functioning of a strong immune system.

* It effectively lowers the blood glucose levels of diabetics who add a few drops of the juice to their drinking water.

* Lemon is a citrus the use of which fights against infections.

* Lemon contains flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, and is therefore associated with a reduced risk of death from cancer.

* Lemon juice helps reduce some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which have become very common in persons (especially women) over 45 years old.

*Leon juice helps help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon

* Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory properties and offers protection against polyarthritis, a form of rheumatoid arthritis involving two or more joints.

Added information from ‘Health Tips Collection’ reveals that:
* It helps to produce white blood cells (WBCs) and antibodies in blood, which attack invading microorganisms and prevent infection.

* Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals, preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

* Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol)

* Lemon juice is found to be anti-carcinogenic, meaning that it lowers the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancers.

* Diabetics should take a few drops of lemon juice in drinking water to lower blood glucose levels.

* A few drops of lemon juice in hot water reputedly clear the digestive system and purify the liver as well.

* A few drops taken in water prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries, and so prevents high cholesterol.

* Lemon juice can be used as a mouth wash, or to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue

* A few drops added to drinking water or taken with a pinch of salt relieve the common cold

* Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infections

* It relieves colic pain and gastric problems/gastro-intestinal tract infections.

* It is used to prevent dehydration and shock following diarrhoea

* Lemon juice is used to relieve asthma.

* Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection

For cosmetic effect:
* Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you looking young.

* Lemon juice added to water for bathing or rinsing the face removes excess fat and makes you feel vibrant and refreshed

* It is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

* When applied with glycerin, it soothes dry skin and dries up ulcers and acne

* The skin of the lemon, if dried in the sun and ground to make a powder, can be applied to give your skin a glow.

For culinary use:
* The juice makes a delicious and nutritious lemonade

* The skin is used for making marmalade

* Lemon juice greatly enhances the flavor of any drink to which it is added.

* A few drops of lemon juice can excellently marinate seafoods and meats.