Earlier this month I had a lovely email conversation with a long term reader of the blog Katie Rainbird. Katie has an Adv. Dip. Nutr. Med. and one of the things we were discussing was calcium levels. Katie offered me the following advice (Please note this advice was for me and you should seek your own advice with regards to your diet):
Take digestive stimulants before eating to increase the absorption of calcium and other nutrients from supplements and food, try:
squeeze ½ lemon into water. Drink alongside or before meals.
I was already a fan of hot water and lemon, but now that the weather is warming (only very slightly here in Melbourne) I thought I would try and find a cold drink alternative. With some help from Pinterest, I came up with a very tasty drink, which has the added bonus of doing good things for me.
The three key ingredients are lemons, cucumber and mint leaves and I love this combo – such lovely fresh flavours. On a hot summer’s night a dash of vodka would go pretty nicely with it too!
I will list some of the reported benefits from consuming these ingredients below, but they may not be right for you, please undertake your own research and seek independent advice as required.
Lemon:
- contains citric acid which is a natural preservative, aids digestion.
- is an excellent source of ascorbic acid (provides about 88% of DRI). Ascorbic acid or vitamin-C is a powerful water soluble natural anti-oxidant.
Cucumber:
- is an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.
- is 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body eliminate toxins.
Mint
- contains good amounts of fiber, iron, copper, calcium, folic acid, omega-3 concentrates, and it is low in calories.
- is also known as a good source of ascorbic acid, potassium and manganese.
Lemon Water
Ingredients:
- 12 cups water
- 2 lemons
- ½ cucumber
- ½ cup mint leaves
Method:
1. Slice up lemon and cucumber. Take leaves off the bunch of mint.
2. Fill up a glass container with 12 cups of water and add your ingredients.
3. Place in the fridge over night.
4. Scoop out water and as much fruit as you like to your glass.
5. Enjoy
Do you have a tasty lemon drink to share?
- 12 cups water
- 2 lemons
- ½ cucumber
- ½ cup mint leaves
- Slice up lemon and cucumber. Take leaves off the bunch of mint.
- Fill up a glass container with 12 cups of water and add your ingredients.
- Place in the fridge over night.
- Scoop out water and as much fruit as you like to your glass.
- Enjoy
NB. I will post my new monthly menu plan later this week along with some updates on the menu planner here on the blog too.