Before we begin firing off 1,000,000 tacky lemon puns (when life provides you lemons…), we’ll get proper to it: We love lemons and we will’t get sufficient of ‘em.
Except for making a candy sparkling probiotic lemonade or cool glass of lemon water, there’s way more you’ll be able to 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 boosting 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 marvel people have discovered 1,000,000 and one methods to eat lemons. Forward, we’re sharing a number of the best 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 have been to conjure up a (grocery) checklist of the preferred substances within the Mediterranean food plan, lemons would definitely 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 properly into their tons of (and the place lemons abound). Researchers have truly listed lemons as one in all eight key fruits to consume as part of the Blue Zone diet.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty diet particulars. First issues firsts, simply two tablespoons of lemon juice comprises about 50 p.c of the beneficial every day quantity of vitamin C. (It’s no coincidence that vitamin C is great for staving away colds—you’ll be able to thank its highly effective antioxidants for their immune-boosting functions.) What’s extra, lemons are full of polyphenols, that are natural plant compounds with antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that may assist boost brain, heart, immune, and digestive health, to call just a few. All to say: When life provides you lemons…you already know the drill…you employ them in each attainable 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 Feel Good Foodie is as comforting as a heat, sunny day on the seaside—and proof that typically much less is, actually, extra. Making use of a complete lemon—zest and juice included—to taste freshly-cooked spaghetti, this minimalist dish comes along with objects you seemingly have already got sitting in your pantry. (Suppose: olive oil, garlic cloves, and black pepper.) What’s extra, utilizing lemon zest is an effective way to get essentially the most out of the fruit, as this usually missed ingredient comprises not solely a lot of taste but additionally 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 finished 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 just a few flavoring substances like on this roasted cauliflower with garlic, lemon, and parsley recipe by Feasting at Home, and also you’ve obtained your self a homerun full of longevity-boosting substances.
Get the recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Lemon, and Parsley
3. Spicy rooster salad with lemon
Whoever stated the one secret ingredient for making rooster salad is copious quantities of mayo was clearly mistaken. And we’ve obtained the receipts to show it. This rooster salad, made with scrumptious substances like ginger, scallions, cilantro, soy sauce, and lemons by The Woks of Life, offers you a complete new perspective on this summer time BBQ staple.
Get the recipe: Chinese Lemon Chicken Salad
4. Candy and bitter lemon bars
In fact, a meal wouldn’t be full with out a candy (dessert) ending. On right this moment’s menu? Candy and bitter lemon bars by Tastes Better From Scratch. This simple recipe includes a delicious shortbread crust with an opulent and creamy lemon filling. Candy and bitter swoon.
Get the recipe: Perfect Lemon Bars
Cannot have sufficient lemon recipes? We agree. This gut-healthy gluten-free lemon chia loaf will not disappoint, both: