Before we begin firing off 1,000,000 tacky lemon puns (when life offers you lemons…), we’ll get proper to it: We love lemons and we are able to’t get sufficient of ‘em.
Other than making a candy glowing probiotic lemonade or cool glass of lemon water, there’s rather more you possibly can squeeze (sorry, couldn’t assist it) out of 1. Yep, we’re speaking about how registered dietitians deem this beautiful sunshine-yellow fruit a goldmine for reinforcing longevity. From their excessive vitamin C content material to their potent antioxidant properties (to not point out their scrumptious lip-puckering taste), it’s no surprise people have discovered 1,000,000 and one methods to devour lemons. Forward, we’re sharing a number of the greatest lemon recipes to fill your summer time with pure sunshine and pleasure whereas we break down why they’re so darn good for you, too.
The various longevity-boosting well being advantages of lemons
If we had been to conjure up a (grocery) listing of the most well-liked elements within the Mediterranean food plan, lemons will surely take the crown. And it is no coincidence: The Mediterranean is residence to 2 of the 5 Blue Zones—the islands of Ikaria in Greece and Sardinia in Italy—the place people stay nicely into their lots of (and the place lemons abound). Researchers have truly listed lemons as one in all eight key fruits to devour as a part of the Blue Zone food plan.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty vitamin particulars. First issues firsts, simply two tablespoons of lemon juice accommodates about 50 p.c of the really helpful every day quantity of vitamin C. (It’s no coincidence that vitamin C is nice for staving away colds—you possibly can thank its highly effective antioxidants for his or her immune-boosting capabilities.) What’s extra, lemons are filled with polyphenols, that are natural plant compounds with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that may assist increase mind, coronary heart, immune, and digestive well being, to call a couple of. All to say: When life offers you lemons…you already know the drill…you employ them in each doable recipe. Sorry not sorry!
4 longevity-boosting lemon recipes to make you’re feeling like a ray of sunshine
1. Zesty lemon pasta
Don’t know what to make for dinner? This five-ingredient lemon pasta by Really feel Good Foodie is as comforting as a heat, sunny day on the seaside—and proof that generally much less is, in actual fact, extra. Making use of a whole lemon—zest and juice included—to taste freshly-cooked spaghetti, this minimalist dish comes along with gadgets you seemingly have already got sitting in your pantry. (Assume: olive oil, garlic cloves, and black pepper.) What’s extra, utilizing lemon zest is a good way to get probably the most out of the fruit, as this usually missed ingredient accommodates not solely a lot of taste but in addition some dietary worth within the type of calcium, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Get the recipe: Lemon Pasta
2. Garlicky lemon roasted cauliflower
Bland dishes are completed for, as a result of there isn’t a lot a squeeze of lemon can’t repair. Take, for instance, roasted cauliflower: Fairly neutral-tasting by itself, proper? However toss the florets with a couple of flavoring elements like on this roasted cauliflower with garlic, lemon, and parsley recipe by Feasting at Dwelling, and also you’ve obtained your self a homerun filled with longevity-boosting elements.
Get the recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Lemon, and Parsley
3. Spicy hen salad with lemon
Whoever stated the one secret ingredient for making hen salad is copious quantities of mayo was clearly mistaken. And we’ve obtained the receipts to show it. This hen salad, made with scrumptious elements like ginger, scallions, cilantro, soy sauce, and lemons by The Woks of Life, will provide you with an entire new perspective on this summer time BBQ staple.
Get the recipe: Chinese language Lemon Rooster Salad
4. Candy and bitter lemon bars
After all, a meal wouldn’t be full with no candy (dessert) ending. On as we speak’s menu? Candy and bitter lemon bars by Tastes Higher From Scratch. This straightforward recipe incorporates a delicious shortbread crust with an opulent and creamy lemon filling. Candy and bitter swoon.
Get the recipe: Good Lemon Bars
Cannot have sufficient lemon recipes? We agree. This gut-healthy gluten-free lemon chia loaf will not disappoint, both: