Time to squeeze some lemons because

Saying that lemons are a superfood is an understatement. Not only do they add abundant flavor to a variety of dishes, but they also boast a ton of health benefits. The flavonoids within the juice are said to contain antioxidants, which is why lemons are useful in treating so many ailments and conditions. Here are 10 reasons to enjoy them ASAP.

1. Prevent kidney stones: Drinking one half-cup of lemon juice every day raises citrate levels in the urine. Studies have shown that this could protect against calcium stones in the kidney.
2. Soothe a sore throat: Mixing lemon juice with honey can help alleviate the discomfort that comes from a nasty sore throat.
3. Support weight loss: Beyond the old notion that the Master Cleanse was the only way lemons could help you lose weight, new studies have shown the ways lemon juice supports your goals. Lemon juice contains pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to aid in weight-loss struggles.
4. Start your day right: Leave caffeinated drinks behind, and start your day off with hot water and fresh lemon juice to stimulate your digestive track and add vitamin C.
5. Stop an itch: When it comes to poison ivy or insect bites, rubbing lemon juice on the area can soothe the skin, since it has anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effects.
6. Aids in digestion: Dr. Oz is a big believer in the power of lemon juice for weight loss. He suggests drinking a mixture of lemon juice and flaxseeds in order to eliminate waste more quickly from your body.
7. Anticancer properties: Studies have supported the anticancer activity of citrus liminoids, compounds that protect your cells from damage that can lead to the formation of cancer cells.
8. Potassium power: Bananas aren't the only way to get a big helping of potassium in your system. In addition to vitamin C, lemons offer 80 milligrams of this mineral that helps your body stay strong and nimble.
9. Bring down a fever: Forget the days of starving a fever! When your temperature goes up, drinking a lemon juice mixture can help bring your fever down faster.
10. Balance pH: While lemons may seem quite acidic, they're a surprisingly good source of an alkaline food that can help balance your body's pH.

source : pop sugar

A complete guide for Healthy Joints

Did you know about 21 million adults have osteoarthritis -- the wear-and-tear condition that causes achy joints and may eventually lead to can't-get-up-from-the-sofa pain.

Depending on risk factors, joint pain can affect anyone, though osteoarthritis mostly starts as our bodies begin to show the effects of aging. In women, it occurs more frequently after age 50; in men, it's more likely before age 45. The sites of joint pain are different. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in their hands, knees, ankles, or feet, while men are more likely to develop it in their wrists, hips, or spine.

Let us first see why it occurs. The follwoing are some of the main reasons for Osteoarthritis

• Previous Injuries
• Aging
• Loss of muscle mass
• Inflammation
• Excess weight

Here are the basics of how to keep joints moving smoothly

1. Eat Healthy Food

Studies show the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help not only reduce symptoms associated with joint pain but also change the levels of inflammation that may be causing some of the pain. Fish oil slows the production of inflammation-signaling cells. The best sources are fish such as salmon and tuna. 

Calcium and Vitamin D helps keep bones strong. Dairy products are the best sources of calcium, but ther options are green, leafy vegetables like barcoli and kale,

2. Maintain Healthy Weight

Keeping your weight within a healthy range is the best thing you can do for your joints. Weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, hips, and back, have to support some, if not all, of your body weight. That's why so many overweight people have problems with these areas of the body.

Losing weight reduces pressure on your knees, hips, and back and helps prevent joint injury. In fact, a weight loss of as little as 11 pounds can reduce arthritis pain by 50 percent for many women. Research has shown that with every pound gained, a person puts four times more stress on the knees. 

3. Exercise for Healthy Joints

Exercise can help you lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Some research suggests that aerobic exercise -- activities that get yourheart rate up -- can reduce joint swelling. Experts suggest that varying your exercise will show best results in having healthy joints. Low- or no-impact aerobic exercises (swimming, walking, or cycling) twice a week, strength exercises (lifting light weights or household items) twice a week, mixed with stretching and relaxation exercises. You don't want to overtax any one area, because that'll increase pain, and then you might avoid exercise altogether. 

For more:  (CookingLight.com's Personal Coach: Weight training )

4. Add ice

Icing your joints after exercise can help you manage pain and prevent swelling. When you exercise, you draw a lubricant called synovial fluid to your joints. But if the fluid sticks around too long after exercise, it can cause cracks in the cartilage. Ice gets the fluid out of the joint and into the lymphatic system, the garbage disposal of the body.

5. Good Posture

A good posture protects your joints all the way from neck to down your knees. Best way to improve posture is by walking. Stand and sit up straight during your work. Swimming can also improve posture. Do consider your joints before lifting and carrying.