Fresh fruit is so delicious, not to mention a very healthy snack. Even those of us with diabetes can enjoy fresh fruit, in moderation. The link below is from the American Diabetes Association and gives some very valuable information on the benefits or incorporating fresh or even canned fruit into your diet. So I decided it was time to get serious about adding fresh fruit to my everyday meal plan.
I boughtt a fresh cantaloupe and a honeydew melon and cut them into large pieces and placed them in a large pitcher. I then added some red and green table grapes to the mix. Very handy to have this prepared and in the refrigerator. The melon is already cut and the grapes are removed from their stems. If you make it easy, you are more likely to start eating more fresh fruit. The smaller pitcher on the right is lemon water. And it is delicious!! And incredibly easy to make. This is a two quart pitcher filled almost to the top with fresh, filtered water and two giant lemons sliced thick and dropped in the pitcher. I added a heaping tablespoon of Splenda to help with the tartness of the lemon. But that is not a "must." You may like the tart water. If so, go for it. Lemon water is so incredibly good for you.
Some additional information about the health benefits from lemons from Livestrong.
Photo Credit lemons image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
Instead of merely decorating your water glass with a lemon slice, squeeze that lemon into your water. Many physical ailments can be remedied using natural vitamins, minerals and whole foods. Lemon water is one such natural remedy that has engendered positive results. It should be noted that packaged and pasteurized lemon juice will not aid in health. The lemons must be fresh--the heavier the better when choosing them at the grocery store. At about 50 cents each, lemons are an affordable health remedy worth trying. Known for their fresh, clean taste and antiseptic qualities, lemons just may be the natural answer to some of your health concerns.
Jethro Kloss details the value of lemons in his book, "Back to Eden." He describes how lemons prevent sepsis, or bacteria buildup, in the body. They are also anti-scorbutic, a term referring to their ability to prevent disease and to help purify the body of impurities. In her book, "You Are What You Eat," Dr. Gillian McKeith states, "A warm cup of water first thing in the morning (and even better with a squeeze of lemon) goes right through the bowels and cleans mucus out from the day before. Drink another cup in the evening too."
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Aid Digestion
Lemons can also relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, bloating, gas and cramping. Drinking lemon water regularly will aid in the cleansing of the bowels, which helps eliminate constipation and diarrhea. A teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water helps relieve heartburn. The juice of three to four lemons can also help ease the pain and decrease the flow of excessive menstruation, according to Ann Heustad in her article, "The Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water." It is best to mix the lemon juice in cool or warm water. Avoid extreme temperatures of water, "as they damage gastric stomach lining," Dr. McKeith suggests.
Stimulate the Liver
According to Kloss, lemon water dissolves uric acid and other poisons in the liver, liquefies bile and helps relieve malaria cases. Lemons are high in potassium and are extremely effective in treating biliousness, a symptom of liver disorder, which causes constipation, headaches, vomiting of bile and loss of appetite. People with liver complaints should drink the juice of one lemon in warm water one hour before breakfast each morning, according to Kloss.
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