Sour Lemon Has Sweet Rewards

Lemons originated in India or China and made their way west in the 11th century. Lemons are great for adding a touch of flavor to food, but we don't tend to drink the juice unless it's heavily sweetened. Why then, should the humble lemon be such an essential part of our diets? A quarter cup of lemon juice is low in calories and contains almost half the daily vitamin C needs for an average healthy woman. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which fights free radicals and alleviates the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C also helps fight the common cold. Lemons were effectively used against such diseases as rickets and scurvy in the 16th century. In modern times, the fruit is known for its flavonoids and cancer-fighting properties. Despite its sour flavor, lemon juice is quite refreshing. There are also some lemons, such as the Meyer, which have a sweet flavor.