If life gives you lemons…make lemonade

This is SUCH an easy recipe and just the thing for a day like today, in the garden, after work…I’ve adapted it from Patrick Holford’s recipe in Food Glorious Food.  I served this lemonade recently at a dinner and people just couldn’t get enough.  If you or whoever is to drink the lemonade doesn’t like “bits”, strain the lemon juice before adding to the syrup.  The lemon/xylitol syrup base will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

For 4 servings:

Juice of 2 lemons
2 heaped tbs xylitol/erythritol or (for zero calorie or ketogenic diet) 20 drops of pure stevia or to taste
50ml clean water (filtered if possible)
750 ml mineral water, fizzy or still, whatever you prefer
A sprig of mint, lemon balm or a slice of lemon to decorate
Ice cubes, if liked

1. If you are using stevia instead, you don’t need to make xylitol syrup at all.  Otherwise, place the xylitol and 50ml water in a small pan and warm till the xylitol is dissolved fully.  This prevents the sweetener sitting uselessly at the bottom of the jug or glass.
2. While the xylitol/erythritol is dissolving, squeeze the lemons, discarding any pips.
3. Allow the xylitol/erythritol syrup to cool slightly before mixing with the lemon juice.
4. Put the lemon juicesyrup mix in a jug in the fridge until ready to use.
5. Top up with 750ml mineral water and enjoy, preferably in the sun…

Why this is good for you
Natural, freshly squeezed lemon juice gives fantastic support to your liver to help cleanse toxins.  Provided the lemon juice isn’t heated, its also high in vitamin C.   So if you want clear, glowing skin or to boost immunity or stay younger longer, this is a pretty good “treat” drink.   Lemon juice is very low in natural sugars and xylitol doesn’t raise blood sugar.  And stevia drops which a natural calorie-free are even better.  This means this lemonade is fine for anyone who has diabetes or other blood sugar regulation problems (like energy or mood peaks and dips through the day).  It also won’t send your kids hyperactive like normal fruit juices or added-sugar drinks. 

Lemon juice aids detoxification because it is (when raw) packed with antioxidants (ever stop a cut apple from browning or oxidising  by smearing it with lemon juice?).  It is also alkalising (once metabolised, it promotes alkaline pH in your body tissues – this is important if you want to be well.  Most vegetables and fruits promote alkaline (healthful) pH balance in you!!  Milk, cheese, meat, fish and most grains are acid-promoting in your body.  You need lots of fruit and veg to balance them.