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Lemon is the leader in ascorbic acid content among fruits. The beneficial properties of citrus are used in the treatment of colds, as well as to increase the body's defenses. Frozen lemon appeared on the list of traditional medicine relatively recently.
Is it possible to freeze lemons
Lemons are suitable for freezing. They are frozen in order to be used, if necessary, for cooking, as well as for medicinal purposes. Citrus fruits are frozen in several ways:
- using the whole fruit;
- in a crushed state with or without added sugar;
- slices, circles or quarters;
- separate parts: zest or juice.
When frozen, the juice is structured; after defrosting, such liquid is absorbed faster by the body. The blast freezing process helps to get rid of harmful substances that may have entered the peel after treatment with chemicals during cultivation.Frozen lemons can be stored in the freezer for several months.
The benefits of frozen lemon for the human body
When analyzing the qualities of frozen lemons, the question arises whether the fruits can be frozen and used. It seems that using fresh fruit is more justified if the body does not have enough vitamin C and needs to replenish its natural requirement. This conclusion is reached by those who are not familiar with the mechanism of action of frozen lemon.
The fact is that shock freezing affects the beneficial properties of citrus in a special way. Antioxidant qualities increase significantly: this is due to the structuring of vitamins C and E.
The composition remains the same after exposure to cold. Fiber, micro- and macroelements do not change their properties. The effect of the product on the human body is characterized in several directions:
- Antioxidant. The elements of the composition stop oxidation processes and prevent the spread of free radicals. For the human body, this property is expressed in increasing the protective mechanisms of cells, inhibiting the aging process, and normalizing the activity of the heart muscle.
- Immunomodeling. The benefits of drinking structured juice are enhanced due to its ease of absorption. Vitamin C prevents the development of viruses and improves immune function.
- Antimicrobial. This influence is associated with the influence of micro- and macroelements, as well as phytoncides, which citrus fruits are rich in.
- Anti-inflammatory. Warm water with frozen fruit shavings can relieve inflammation of the larynx. This is due to the influence of beneficial elements on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract with the concomitant effect of essential oils.
Lemons contain more than 50% liquid, so they act as diuretics. The fiber in the fruit helps improve digestion. According to doctors, the benefits of frozen lemon increase if the product is consumed regularly. To feel the effect of citrus, you need to take 70 - 75 g of lemon daily.
Benefits of frozen lemon for cancer
People started talking about the beneficial properties of frozen lemon relatively recently. The information that citrus fruit after freezing can influence cancer cells has stirred the public. When people talk about the use of lemon in the treatment of cancer, they mean its antioxidant properties.
The benefits of frozen lemon in the presence of cancer are possible if it is used systematically. The elements of the composition bind free radicals, preventing their movement within cells. In addition, vitamins C and E in combination with flavonoids prevent the spread of metastases and cleanse the internal space of toxins and harmful substances.
What are the benefits of frozen lemons for weight loss?
To get rid of extra pounds, use products that contain increased fluid and fiber content. This helps remove harmful toxins from the body. Frozen citrus can be considered such a product. In addition, it contains vitamins and microelements that can enrich the body with useful substances.
When losing weight, it is recommended to use frozen lemon, grated, the benefits of which are influenced by combinations of products:
- If you add the mixture to a glass of clean water and drink it before breakfast, the processes of activating the activity of many systems are launched in the body.
- If you take the mixture in combination with hot sweet tea, you will not lose weight. Excessive consumption of lemon mixture with sugar, on the contrary, can lead to an excess of sucrose and slow down the weight loss process.
The best option for using frozen citrus when losing weight is to prepare a drink with the addition of additional ingredients:
- ginger root - 70 g;
- lemon.
The ingredients are grated. To 1 tbsp. water add 1 tbsp. l. mixture and drink in the morning. The effects of the components help stabilize metabolic processes and remove toxins from the body.
Admission rules
Its effect on the body depends on control over the amount of product consumed. The method of preparing drinks or dishes with lemon is of great importance.
Ascorbic acid loses some of its beneficial properties during heat treatment, so adding slices to hot tea, as is common practice, is not recommended. A warm drink with juice added to it will be of great benefit.
According to doctors, cold water with a slice of frozen lemon deserves special reviews: such a drink will be beneficial for normalizing the acid-base balance and, if consumed regularly, will relieve the harm of the effects of acidification of the body - acidosis.
How to freeze lemon in the freezer
To keep lemons in the freezer for a long time, you need to properly prepare the fruit.For freezing, choose ripe fruits without damage, dents, or cuts. There should be no dark spots or punctures on the peel. The fruits are washed with warm water using a brush, dried and started freezing:
- whole lemons;
- parts of fruits;
- zest and lemon juice.
To protect fruits from proximity to other products in the freezer, they are placed in bags with clamps. Excess air is removed before closing the valve.
How to freeze a whole lemon
Whole fruits retain their beneficial properties completely after freezing. They are placed in the freezer, having previously been placed in bags. To defrost, use cold water, in which the fruit is immersed for 10 minutes, then begin cutting into circles or grating the zest.
After defrosting, citrus fruits are used completely; repeated freezing can deprive them of all their beneficial properties.
How to properly freeze lemon slices
Many housewives use lemon slices: it’s convenient and saves space in the freezer. The method of freezing slices differs from whole freezing and includes 3 stages:
- The lemon is cut into slices and placed on a tray at a distance from each other.
- Place in the freezer for 2 hours.
- The frozen slices are pulled out and poured into a bag. They are then placed in the freezer for permanent storage.
Freezing grated lemon
The benefits of grated and then frozen lemon are no different from the benefits of the fruit, which is frozen and then grated. Freezing the grated mass saves time and freezer space. The mixture is placed in portioned containers and removed for freezing.Portion freezing is convenient for use. To prepare the product, remove it from the freezer in advance.
Many housewives use mixtures with added sugar for freezing. In fact, sugar should be added after defrosting. The chemical reaction process between the citrus parts and the sucrose elements can lead to the loss of the beneficial properties of the mixture.
How to store lemons in the freezer
To prevent citrus fruits from losing their beneficial properties, it is necessary not only to freeze them correctly, but also to defrost them. The choice of method depends on which parts are used.
type of product | Shelf life | Defrosting rules |
Whole citrus | 3 - 4 months | Place for 10 minutes. into cold water |
A mixture of zest and pulp | 2 months | Leave for half an hour at room temperature |
Slices | 2 - 3 months | Any method is suitable |
Lemon juice, zest | From 3 months (portioned) | Leave for 10 minutes. at room temperature |
Restrictions and contraindications
Despite freezing, citrus fruits retain their properties, which may not be beneficial for some categories of people.
- Taking citrus can provoke an increase in stomach acidity, therefore it is contraindicated during periods of exacerbation of diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, colitis.
- In case of individual intolerance, citrus can provoke an allergic reaction in the body.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of citrus fruits so as not to provoke the development of allergies in the mother or child.
- Contraindication is children under 3 years of age.
Conclusion
Frozen lemon is a fruit with a set of beneficial qualities that are suitable for the treatment of many diseases.Proper preparation and freezing of citrus will not only preserve it for a long period, but also increases its ability to influence processes occurring in the body.
