Why Lemons Are More than Iced Tea Garnishes

When’s the last time you actually ate that slice of lemon perched on the side of your glass of water or iced tea? Lemons have somehow gotten a reputation of being pretty to look at but irrelevant to eat. But in spite of their role in the restaurant industry, lemons boast of more health benefits than the average fruit. Lemons have incredible health-boosting powers thanks to a perfect balance of vitamin C, magnesium, citric acid, and bioflavonoids that help our bodies fight infection. They’re also a great weight loss and detox aid because the juice of lemons serves as a digestive aid and liver cleanser.

We’ve all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but a lemon? From acne to anxiety, canker sores and fever, lemon seems to be an incredibly healing fruit. If you can’t stand the taste or simply can’t keep enough of them around the house for the whole family, there are other safe and natural ways to incorporate lemons into your diet. Since the rinds of lemons are full of beneficial nutrients as well, all-natural lemon capsules and powders are the only practical way consume a lemon in its entirety and reap all of its benefits.

Lemon even has the power to make traditionally unhealthy foods significantly better for you. Hot artichoke dip is always a fan favorite at parties, cookouts, and sporting events that revolve around finger foods. Next time you’re assigned to bring the dip, add in some lemon powder to sneakily improve the health of everyone at your party. This lemon-infused hot artichoke dip recipe is sure to please your crowd:

Ingredients

• 1 16 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup whole milk yogurt
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely minced scallion greens
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon powder
  

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the artichoke hearts, yogurt, Parmesan, scallion greens, basil, garlic and lemon peel in a small mixing bowl and mix well.
• Place in a small oven-proof casserole or dish, transfer to the oven and bake until bubbling hot for about 12 minutes.
• Serve immediately with thick pita chips.

This recipe takes only twenty minutes to make and yields one cup of dip, which you can multiple as needed. Try shaking lemon powder onto a meal of fresh fish to reduce the acidity and bring out the natural flavors in the juices. Add a spoonful of lemon powder to your smoothie to add even more nutritional value to your healthy breakfast routine. Shake some lemon powder on your popcorn instead of salt to give it a uniquely delicious flavor without all that unwanted sodium. And don’t forget to bite into that lemon lingering on your glass next time you’re at restaurant for a quick vitamin fix on the go!