When Life Gives You Lemons

When life gives you lemons….

There are several health benefits of lemons because they are high in vitamin C, fiber, and contain various beneficial plant compounds.

Probably the most popular choice is adding lemon to the water you drink. Just one squeezed lemon provides approximately 21% of a person’s vitamin C daily value.

Take note of these 7 ways your body may benefit from lemon water.

• Promotes hydration. 

• Good source of vitamin C. 

• Supports weight loss.

• Improves your skin’s quality.

• Aids digestion.

• Freshens breathe.

• It helps prevent kidney stones.

After you drink your lemon water and feel rejuvenated, why not clean the house?

Here are 5 ways to incorporate lemons into your cleaning routine.

1. Deodorize the drain in your kitchen sink by putting the juice of a lemon into a glass of water and pouring the lemon water down the plughole.

2. Keep your fridge smelling sweet by putting half a lemon on a small saucer.

3. To clean and deodorize the microwave, mix ¼ cup of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of vinegar, and 6 drops of lemon essential oil together. You can use a sponge or dishcloth to apply this paste to the inside of the microwave. Rinse with water and leave the door open for 15 minutes to dry.

4. To clean windows, rub the cut surfaces of a lemon quarter over the glass, then wipe off with a damp cloth, and dry with a dry cloth or paper towel. 

5. To remove sweat stains from clothes, scrub gently with half and half of lemon juice and water.

Save money on those harmful cleaning products and grab a bag of lemons instead! 

Why not try out some recipes that require lemons—since you have that large bag available.

Fresh Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 fresh lemons.
• 1/3 cup honey or any sugar substitute, like a powdered monk fruit blend.
• 4 cups cold water (or sparkling water).
• Ice and lemon wedges for serving.

Instructions

• Juice the lemons and add the juice to a blender along with the honey.
• Blend the lemon juice and honey until smooth. 
• Add the lemon juice and honey mixture to a pitcher along with the water and stir it well.
• Add ice and lemon wedges, and serve.

If you’re feeling fancy add in 25-30 mint leaves. 

It is best to store healthy homemade lemonade in the refrigerator without the ice, for 5-7 days.

If you are a true lemon lover then we suggest making this delicious yet healthy lemon bar dessert. Bonus, there are only 7 ingredients.

Lemon Bar Recipe

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST:

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup maple syrup

FOR THE LEMON FILLING:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup lemon juice (2-3 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

FOR THE TOPPING: (if you want to save calories skip this)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350°. 
• Line an 8x8 pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a small bowl combine the flour, butter, and maple syrup until well mixed.
• Scoop the dough into the pan and spread it out to the edge of the pan to form a thin layer.
• First, bake the crust at 350° for 20 minutes, then let it cool for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine all of the ingredients for the lemon filling in a medium bowl and mix until smooth, making sure to break up all of the yogurt lumps.
• Pour the filling into the baked, slightly cooled crust, and smooth the top.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes, until set.

Let the lemon bars cool, then simply lift the foil out and place on a flat surface. Use a knife to cut the lemon bars into squares. You can use a small mesh strainer to sprinkle the powdered sugar over the bars and enjoy!

One more idea. If you like low-maintenance gardening, then the lemon tree is a great option. To see how to grow your own lemon tree indoors or outdoors, we recommend implementing some of the suggestions here.

Remember, when life gives you lemons, there are a ton of great uses for them, so don’t throw them away or give them back. Keep them and make lemonade, clean your house, and share with your friends!

Speaking of sharing and friends, the Impact community would love to see photos of your lemons and what you made with them. Remember to use #impacthealthsharing when posting on social media.