Use lemon juice in salad dressings.VERY LOW
When life hands you lemons, eat ‘em! That’s right, get ready to pucker up, because lemon juice helps lower blood sugar, thanks to its incredible acidity (just thinking about lemons starts your salivary glands gushing). Because of that acidity (see Chapter 2 in Part 1 to brush up on the acid effect), even a little lemon juice can lower the GL of any meal. Lime juice should have a similar effect.
Four tablespoons of lemon juice will give you almost half the vitamin C you need for the day. Remember, antioxidants like vitamin C make cholesterol less likely to stick to your artery walls. Lemons are also packed with a natural disease-preventing compound called limonene that may help lower cholesterol and is even being studied for its potentially potent anticancer powers.
The citric acid in lemon juice also helps stave off kidney stones by reducing the excretion of calcium in the urine. Lemon rind is rich in a compound called rutin, which strengthens the walls of veins and capillaries, potentially reducing the pain and severity of varicose veins.
Looking for a juicy lemon? Give it a squeeze. The softer the lemon, the thinner the skin and the juicier the fruit is. To maximize juice output, bring lemons to room temperature and roll them firmly back and forth on the counter a few times with the palm of your hand before cutting.
Use lemon juice in salad dressings.
Serve plenty of lemon slices alongside fish, which wouldn’t be the same without them.
Add lemon to tuna the next time you make yourself a tuna sandwich.
Spritz your water or seltzer with lemon juice to add flavor (possibly encouraging you to drink more water) and lessen the blood sugar impact of whatever you’re eating.
Use lemon juice in marinades for meat or poultry. Combine lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh rosemary, and minced garlic, then add the meat and refrigerate overnight, if possible.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice on vegetables, pasta, soups, rice, and stews. It will add so much flavor without any sodium, so you’ll be able to cut back on salt.
Barley Risotto with Asparagus and Lemon
Barley Salad with Snow Peas and Lemon Dressing
Black Bean Spread with Mexican Flavors
Broccoli with Lemon Vinaigrette
Cantaloupe and Blueberry Compote with Green Tea and Lime
Grilled Chicken Salad with Oranges
Lemony Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Mediterranean Split Pea Spread
Penne with Asparagus, Ricotta, and Lemon
Roasted Moroccan Chicken Thighs with Squash and Pearl Onions
Tuna and Cannellini Salad with Lemon