Lemons, limes, lettuce and lamb are among the foods I’ll be discussing today. But first let’s take a look at lentils.
Lentils are an excellent source of a variety of nutrients, especially calcium (required by nerves, muscle, teeth and bones), potassium (needed for nerve transmission), zinc (for the immune system) and folic acid (for red blood cell formation). Lentils are also a good source of protein and make a useful addition to soups, casseroles or patés.
Lemons and limes are nutritionally very similar. Both of them are excellent sources of vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that’s vital for an effective immune system. A slice of lemon or lime with hot water in the morning is a great way to cleanse your system at the start of the day. They are also a wonderfully healthy flavour enhancer when squeezed onto salad, vegetables and fish dishes.
Lettuce, like lentils, is a good source of folic acid and potassium. It is also a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A – a vital nutrient for healthy eyes. There’s a variety of different kinds of lettuce, and I encourage you to try them all as each one will provide you with differing levels of important nutrients.
Lamb, like all meat, is a very good source of a wide variety of nutrients. However, there can be too much of a good thing, particularly with red meat, so I would advise you to eat it no more than twice a week. When you do want lamb, it’s always best to marinade it 24 hours, after which it will be much more tender and perfect to eat in curries and casseroles.
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