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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 has appeared on the list of traditional medicines relatively recently.
Can lemons be frozen
Lemons are suitable for freezing. They are frozen in order to be used when 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 structuring of the juice occurs, after defrosting, such a liquid is absorbed faster by the body. The shock freezing process helps to get rid of harmful substances that could get into the peel after being treated 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 lemon, the question arises whether it is possible to freeze and use the fruit. It seems that the use of fresh fruit is more justified in the event that the body does not have enough vitamin C, and it needs to meet its natural needs. This is the conclusion 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 after exposure to cold remains the same. Fiber, micro- and macroelements do not change their properties. The effect of the product on the human body is characterized by several directions:
- Antioxidant... The elements of the composition stop oxidation processes, prevent the spread of free radicals. For the human body, this property is expressed in an increase in the protective mechanisms of cells, inhibition of aging processes, and normalization of the activity of the heart muscle.
- Immunomodulating... The benefits of using structured juice are enhanced by the ease with which it is absorbed. Vitamin C prevents the development of viruses, improves the activity of the immune system.
- Antimicrobial... This influence is associated with the effect of micro- and macroelements, as well as phytoncides, which are rich in citrus fruits.
- Anti-inflammatory... Warm water with shavings of frozen fruit can relieve inflammation of the larynx. This is due to the effect 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 and therefore act as diuretics. The fiber in the fruit helps to improve digestion. According to doctors, the benefits of frozen lemon increase with regular use of the product. To feel the effect of citrus, you need to take 70 - 75 g of lemon daily.
Benefits of frozen lemon for cancer
The beneficial properties of frozen lemon have been discussed relatively recently. The information that citrus, after freezing, is capable of affecting cancer cells, stirred the public. When people talk about using lemon in cancer treatment, they mean its antioxidant properties.
The benefits of frozen lemon in the presence of cancer are possible in the case of its systematic use. The elements of the composition bind free radicals, excluding their movement inside cells. In addition, vitamins C and E in combination with flavonoids prevent the spread of metastases, 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, products are used, in which the content of fluid and fiber is increased. It helps in flushing harmful toxins out of the body. Frozen citrus can be considered such a product. In addition, it contains vitamins and minerals 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 product combinations:
- 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 triggered in the body.
- When taken in combination with hot sweet tea, weight loss will not occur. Excessive consumption of a lemon mixture with sugar, on the contrary, can lead to an excess of sucrose and slow down the process of losing weight.
The best option for using frozen citrus for weight loss is considered to be the preparation of a drink with the addition of additional ingredients:
- ginger root - 70 g;
- lemon.
The ingredients are grated. To 1 st. water add 1 tbsp. l. mix and drink in the morning. The effect of the components helps to stabilize metabolic processes and the removal of toxins from the body.
Admission rules
Control over the amount of consumed product depends on its effect on the body. The way of preparing drinks or dishes with lemon is of great importance.
Ascorbic acid loses some of its beneficial properties during heat treatment, therefore, it is not recommended to add slices to hot tea, as is customary everywhere. A warm drink with added juice will be of great benefit.
Special reviews, according to doctors, deserve cold water with a slice of frozen lemon: such a drink will be beneficial for normalizing the acid-base balance and, with regular use, will eliminate 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, ripe fruits are chosen, without damage, dents, cuts. There should be no dark spots or punctures on the peel. The fruits are washed with warm water using a brush, dried and frozen:
- whole lemons;
- parts of the fruit;
- zest and lemon juice.
To protect the fruit from being adjacent to other foods in the freezer, they are placed in clip-on bags. Excess air is removed before closing the valve.
How to freeze a whole lemon
Whole fruits after freezing completely retain their beneficial properties. They are placed in the freezer, after placing them in bags. For defrosting, use cold water, in which the fruits are dipped for 10 minutes, then they start cutting into circles or rubbing the zest.
After thawing, citruses are used completely, repeated freezing can deprive them of all useful properties.
How to properly freeze lemon wedges
Many housewives use lemon wedges: this is 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, laid out on a pallet at a distance from each other.
- Put in the freezer for 2 hours.
- The frozen slices are taken out and poured into a bag. Then they are put into the freezer for permanent storage.
Freezing grated lemon
The benefits of grated and then frozen lemon are no different from the benefits of a fruit that is frozen and then grated. Freezing the grated mass saves time and space in the freezer. The mixture is placed in portioned containers and removed for freezing. Freezing in portions is convenient for use. For cooking, the product is taken out of the freezer in advance.
Many housewives use mixtures with added sugar for freezing. In fact, sugar should be added after defrosting. The process of chemical reaction between citrus parts and sucrose elements can lead to the loss of the beneficial properties of the mixture.
How to keep lemons in the freezer
In order for citruses not to lose 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 |
Lobules | 2 - 3 months | Any method is suitable |
Lemon juice, zest | From 3 months (portioned) | Leave on for 10 minutes. at room temperature |
Limitations and contraindications
Despite being frozen, citrus fruits retain their properties, which may not be useful for some categories of people.
- Taking citrus can provoke an increase in gastric acidity, therefore it is contraindicated during periods of exacerbation of diseases such as gastritis, ulcers, colitis.
- With individual intolerance, citrus can provoke an allergic reaction in the body.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the use of citrus fruits is recommended to be reduced so as not to provoke the development of allergies in the mother or child.
- A contraindication is children under 3 years of age.
Conclusion
Frozen lemon is a fruit with a range of beneficial properties that are useful in the treatment of many diseases. Proper preparation and freezing of citrus will allow not only to preserve it for a long period, but also increase its ability to influence the processes occurring in the body.
