Take This 16-Day Lemon Challenge For Great Skin, Weight Loss And More

Growing up in a conventional household, I didn’t have much of a grasp of the use of lemons beyond making lemonade in the summer. To be honest, we didn’t even use real lemons for that, we just used the frozen concentrate!

As I’ve become more and more interested in natural holistic living and healthy real-food eating, it’s become abundantly clear that lemons are a priceless addition to a conscious lifestyle.

Have fun joining us for this lemon challenge which will teach you many new ways to use this valuable and multi-talented citrus fruit.

A brief history of the lemon

What we know as a lemon is actually a cross between two other citrus fruits, the citron and the bitter orange. Lemons are native to Asia and were brought to the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

In the 18th century, sailors were given lemon juice to help cure scurvy, even though the existence or effect of vitamin C was not yet understood.

Prior to the 19th century, lemons were mostly grown ornamentally and also used for medicine. As time went on, culinary uses expanded, and lemons are now commonly used in sweet and savory dishes worldwide.

Nowadays, most lemons are produced in California, Arizona, the Mediterranean, South Africa and Australia.

Lemon juice can support digestion, help with weight loss and more

We’re all familiar with the distinctive mouth-puckering flavor of a lemon, and that aroma that makes your mouth water. But did you know that behind these surface attributes, lemons have some amazing health benefits too?

Lemons support detox and digestion

When you smell the sourness of a lemon and begin to salivate, it isn’t just your mouth responding, it’s actually your whole digestive and detoxification system. Your organs begin to produce the substances needed to digest food, including acids and enzymes.

Drinking lemon water is a well-known helpful habit that helps flush your system and supports the organs of detoxification. For example, this study found that lemon juice helped protect the liver in mice.

Lemons help with weight loss and metabolism

A carry-on effect from improved detoxification and digestion is, of course, weight loss! Studies with mice have shown that the polyphenols in lemon help fight obesity.

Lemons boost the immune system

The vitamin C content of lemons is known to play a role in immunity by protecting virus-fighting leukocytes and supporting the production of white blood cells. If you were to consume a whole lemon, you’d get 139 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.

Lemons support heart health

A 2015 study showed that, of over 100,000 study participants, those who consume the most fruit and vegetables have the highest blood plasma levels of vitamin C, and experience at least a 15 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Lemons could also have direct cholesterol-lowering effects thanks to the antioxidants and limonoids contained within. A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine showed that patients had 20 to 30 percent lower cholesterol after a month of consuming limonin and vitamin E. So that salad dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice is pretty dang healthy after all!

Lemons fight cancer

A number of studies have demonstrated that the limonin compound found in lemons is an effective weapon against cancer. Human cancer cells were treated with lemon compounds in this study which found that apoptosis (cancer cell death) was successfully induced. It was also found to be effective against colon cancer in rats.

More research is needed in order to discover the exact mechanism of the anti-cancer action, but in the meantime, why not keep consuming lemons?

Lemons help keep skin looking great

The antioxidant content and gentle acid quality of lemon juice is effective in brightening and regenerating skin, removing marks and discolorations. In addition, vitamin C is an important component in the process of collagen production, which we all know is important for keeping skin firm, elastic and youthful.

The 16-day lemon challenge

So now that you’re well-versed in all the amazing benefits of lemons, are you ready to get started with some lemony habits on a daily basis? We’ve put together a varied list of activities you can do with lemons, to improve your health and beauty and take care of your household naturally. Let’s get started!

DAY 1: DRINK IT IN THE MORNING

Of course, we will start with the quintessential lemon activity. You’ve probably seen this tip all over the internet; it’s nothing new! However, the trick is in the consistency. Mix the juice of half a lemon with room-temperature or warm water and drink it first thing. Stick with this habit throughout the rest of this challenge. You’ll feel more awake and your digestion and skin will thank you.

DAY 2: MAKE NATURAL MOUTHWASH

Did you know the alcohol in mainstream mouthwash can actually worsen bad breath by disrupting the friendly bacteria of your oral microbiome and reducing saliva production? Try this natural mouthwash which supports a healthy mouth environment, plus eliminates the smell of onion or garlic as a bonus. Use the juice of half a lemon, one teaspoon each of cinnamon and baking soda, two teaspoons raw honey and one cup of hot water. Mix together and keep in the refrigerator in a glass jar. Rinse your mouth with water after use to remove acid which could damage your enamel.

As a side note, you shouldn’t use lemon juice directly on your teeth as a teeth whitening agent, contrary to popular advice on the internet. Although there may be a temporary increase in the appearance of whiteness, a 2014 study reports that the citric acid in fruit can reduce the surface hardness of teeth by up to ten percent, leaving the enamel eroded and vulnerable to further staining.

DAY 3: CLEAN OUT YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Today’s challenge is simple: Replace your mainstream (toxic) cleaning product with the unmistakable power and freshness of real lemon! Simply put one or two lemon peels in the garbage disposal and run them through with some water. While you’re at it why not put some lemon peels in the bottom of your trash can as well, to deodorize and disinfect it.

DAY 4: PRESERVE IT

Make like the Moroccans and preserve lemons in glass jars with salt. Simply cut the nubs off each end of the lemons and quarter them, but only cut 3/4 of the way down leaving the end attached. Gently spread the quarters of each lemon and sprinkle a teaspoon of salt inside. Then pack tightly into a jar, alternating a lemon with a teaspoon of salt. Top up the jar with cooled boiled water and let sit at room temperature for three days, shaking daily. They will be ready after about three weeks and can be used in many delicious recipes. Your foodie friends will be super impressed!

DAY 5: FRESHEN YOUR LAUNDRY

Collect up all those dish rags and towels that never quite smell right and put them through a wash with a few drops of lemon essential oil! If you don’t have the essential oil, use a few pieces of lemon peel. This also works great if you accidentally left a load sitting damp for too long and it gets that musty smell. You don’t need toxic commercial products to get things clean and fresh. If you want to go the extra mile for lemony-fresh laundry, make sachets for your drawers with some dried lemon peel (leave out in the sun or use a dehydrator). Try adding spices such as cinnamon sticks, clove buds or cardamom pods.

DAY 6: SPICE UP YOUR COOKING

Now that you’ve gotten into the flow of using lemons every day, what are you doing with all those peels? Why not grate the zest off using the small holes of your grater, and freeze it for later use? It’s a delicious ingredient in sweet baking or savory seasonings. A recipe we like is Herb & Lemon Zest Butter, which you can make by simply chopping herbs, softened butter, salt and lemon zest together until they are combined. Then roll the whole lot in some parchment paper and keep in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy it, perhaps with some baked fish or fresh homemade gluten-free bread.

DAY 7: MAKE SALAD DRESSING

One of the easiest ways to incorporate more lemon into your diet is to whip up a simple homemade salad dressing. This beats those store-bought dressings with their inflammatory oils and added sugars and flavorings, hands down. You should be eating lots of fresh and cooked greens each day anyway, so why not make them taste delicious? Just squeeze the juice of half a lemon and add two or three tablespoons of olive oil, some sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix well with a fork or whisk and drizzle over a salad or lightly cooked greens. A similar mixture can be used as a marinade for fish or meat too, with the added benefit that the acid in lemon juice helps tenderize proteins.

DAY 8: HIGHLIGHT YOUR HAIR

If you’ve ever used commercial hair dye, you’ll know it’s pretty nasty, smelly stuff. Try creating some highlights naturally by applying lemon juice to your hair and sitting out in the sun. You can also use a hair dryer to increase the effects.

DAY 9: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Use a teaspoon of lemon juice mixed with a little honey to wash your face and leave skin feeling soft and refreshed. As an added benefit, age spots and acne scars have been known to fade with regular application of lemon juice. Another option is to mix sugar, finely-chopped lemon peel and olive oil to make an exfoliating scrub. Simply massage onto skin in the shower, rinse and emerge feeling positively radiant.

DAY 10: POLISH YOUR SILVERWARE

If you have tarnished silverware or jewelry, clean it with this non-toxic lemon paste. Combine one part baking soda with four parts lemon juice. Dip a cloth in the paste and wipe the item, then rinse and dry with a clean towel. Alternatively, just let the items soak in the mixture, then rinse and dry. Make sure you don’t use this method for any jewelry that contains gemstones or pearls as they may get damaged.

DAY 11: DEODORIZE YOUR FRIDGE

Keeping with the trend of freshening up the home, why not put some chopped lemon peel in the refrigerator today? It will give a fresh citrus scent and absorb other odors.

DAY 12: KEEP FOOD FRESH

Lemons do more than adding great flavor to food and drinks, they also retain freshness. Today, try one of these tricks to enjoy more vitality in your meals. Squirt lemon juice over the top of guacamole to keep it from going brown. Revive a wilted head of lettuce by putting it in a bowl of cold water and lemon juice in the refrigerator for an hour. Or keep your fruit salad looking and tasting fresh by spritzing it with lemon juice.

DAY 13: DEEP CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE

Never fear, you don’t need to spend tons of time and effort scrubbing those cooked-on bits of food off the inside of your microwave! Try this clever lemon trick: Mix the juice of half a lemon into two cups of water. Heat on high in a microwave-safe bowl for five minutes, or until the inside of the microwave is covered in lemony moisture. Then wipe everything away with a cloth, leaving a shiny, fresh and deodorized surface.

DAY 14: CLEAN YOUR HOME

Here’s another use for all those peels. This recipe will take some time to come to fruition, but it’s worth it. Put the lemon peels you’ve collected so far in a mason jar and cover with white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for two weeks, then strain and mix half-and-half with water. This makes a great natural all-purpose cleaner that cuts grease and kills germs.

DAY 15: TAKE CARE OF YOUR NAILS

Get that spa-fresh look at home with a little lemon juice. Use the juice of half a lemon in a cup of warm water to soak your nails for a few minutes, then tidy the softened cuticles. Finish up by rubbing a piece of lemon peel on your nail to bring out natural whiteness. The same trick works for feet that need more TLC as well.

DAY 16: TRY AROMATHERAPY FOR BETTER SLEEP

And finally, here’s a night-time trick using your new favorite fruit, the lemon! (If you’re not tired of them yet!) Place half a lemon on your nightstand and sleep with the aroma filling the air around you. This method will deliver all of the homeopathic benefits of lemon aromatherapy, which include decreased anxiety and stress, increased concentration and productivity and soothed allergies. Lemon has been used in aromatherapy since ancient times so why not take advantage of those benefits while you sleep?

We hope you’ve enjoyed this lemon challenge! We’ve only just scratched the surface of everything you can do with lemons. Hopefully, your creativity has been ignited and you’re inspired to use this healthy fruit for years to come.

Free book reveals how to fight disease and heal your body with lemon! Click Here =>

— Liivi Hess