When Life Gives You Lemons... It’s National Lemon Day!

We've all heard the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Well, National Lemon Day is today (July 23), and there are plenty of lemons to go around. Lemons do it all, and that’s no exaggeration. Lemons have an incredible range. So, don’t just limit yourself to making lemonade; enjoy all the great things lemons have to offer. Whether that’s sipping a citrusy sensation, soaking in the health benefits, or cleaning your home with your favorite lemon-scented cleanser, lemons are special. So special, you might want to make them your main squeeze -- pun intended!

Skincare

Feeling good is also about looking good, and if you didn’t know, lemons can save the day when it comes to skincare and beauty. Lemons have been proven to work wonders on various skin types. Those pimples and acne scars that leave hyperpigmentation? Well, guess what? Lemons can fix that. Lemons contain citric acid, which works as a great exfoliant. Lemons also have high levels of vitamin C, which fades and brightens dark spots. Diluted lemon juice on the affected areas for 20 minutes and then washing it off is typically the solution. Since lemons are highly acidic, it is recommended that you proceed with caution, only apply small amounts, and immediately discontinue use if you find your skin becoming irritated. After application, Sun exposure is highly discouraged as you do not want your skin to damage. Other reasons you may want to use lemons on your skin include to prevent aging, control oily skin, detox your scalp, as an insect repellent, and much more. The next time you are feeling down about your skin, grab a lemon!

Cleaning

There’s nothing like a clean home. It just sets the perfect mood to relax in. As you may have guessed, lemons play a big role in cleaning products that are used around the house. You may notice a lot of cleaning products include a lemon scent, and that's not only because it smells good. The acidity levels in lemons remove stains and cut down on anything around the kitchen that may be greasy or grimy. Lemons also work as a disinfectant, eliminating bacteria. Microwaves, stove tops, kitchen counters, and cutting boards are just a few of the surfaces on which lemons perform to their best ability. Check out this video below that provides more insight on how to clean your home with lemon-based products.

Nutrition

While we are on the topic of the kitchen, why not discuss the goodness that comes out of the kitchen. There are so many dishes and desserts that use lemons. Lemon Pepper Wings are a tasty favorite that uses the tangy taste of lemons to its advantage. Lemon juice, lemon zest, and lemon pepper seasoning are all key ingredients needed to make the wonderful wings. We couldn’t finish this article without mentioning pasta; it’s only right, and if you saw it coming, cheers to you. The diversity in choices for pasta that includes lemons is extensive. There’s lemon chicken pasta, lemon shrimp pasta, lemon ricotta pasta, lemon basil pesto pasta, shall we keep going? Lemons take the crown when it comes to pasta, to say the least. After all those delicious, savory yet zesty meals, we’re going to need a dessert. Perhaps lemon cookies, lemon pound cake, lemon pudding, lemon bars, or lemon curd? These are all great desserts to enjoy on a Summer day, and especially on National Lemon Day!

Health

Just when it couldn’t get any better, it did. Lemons are saving your life and creating better ways for you to live. Did you know lemons can help prevent kidney stones? According to Healthline’s website, the citric acid that lemons contain prevents kidney stones “by increasing urine volume” and urine pH. This makes it harder for kidney stones to form. When it comes to digestion, lemons have that covered too. Lemons are helpful in the digestion process. Lemons are mainly made of soluble fiber, and soluble fibers improve gut health as well as slow the digestion of sugar and starches. But that’s not all. Lemons can also aid in weight loss. Drinking water mixed with lemons is a great substitute for juice and soda. Soluble fiber also plays a role in how lemons can help with weight loss. The soluble pectin fibers expand your stomach and lead to people feeling full longer, according to Healthline. 

Lemonade

In the Summertime, a lot of us look forward to a cool, refreshing drink, and what would this article be if we didn’t mention one of the most popular uses for lemons, lemonade? Lemonade is a part of the Summer Starter Guide and a delicious drink after a long, hot day at the beach, park, or any other outdoor activity you can think of. Lemonade is a mixture of lemon juice, sugar, and water. It keeps the body hydrated and is loaded with Vitamin C. Whether you purchase your lemonade from your local lemonade stand or you buy it at your local grocery store, we can’t deny that lemonade is one of the best uses of a lemon. On National Lemon Day, grab a lemonade and reflect on how squeezing lemons has given us the excellent creation of lemonade. 

Happy National Lemon Day!