MARCH 17-18, 2012 CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA

"You gotta dance like there's nobody watching,

Love like you'll never be hurt,

Sing like there's nobody listening,

And live like it's heaven on earth."

- William W Purkey

This is for every day. There is not a special day in one's life. Sure it might be your birthday, or your name day, or your wedding day, but every day is a special day. Every day that you open your eyes and take in a breath is a G.O.D. given day. Some of us might take this for granted. I do not. I know. I have had to witness an individual's last breath. And I will always be grateful for those who I was there for. I wanted to be there. The patient wanted me there. I have learned through the years take nothing for granted. The twelve step promises tell me that as quickly as it comes, just as quickly it can be taken away. It has happened, but I am never in 'that dark place' I am always in the light.

Be green and in the light today. Green is a sign that Spring is almost here.

Citrus anurantifolia (LIME) belongs to the family Rutaceae and is related to the other well known citrus fruits--oranges, grapefruits and lemons. To prevent scurvy, a deficiency in vitamin C, English sailors used limes.

The health benefits of lime include weight loss, skin care, good digestion, relief from constipation, eye care, and treatment of scurvy, piles, peptic ulcer, respiratory disorders, gout, gums, urinary disorders, etc.

The first fruit that comes to our minds when it comes to medicinal uses is perhaps the good old lime. I felt it was the first fruit my Nanny grabbed if we had a cut, bad digestion or gum/tooth problems. I used to love to suck on a lime when I was a child.

This sour citrus fruit can do what many specialist medicines cannot. Lime has been used for ages for treatment of various ailments. Lime is consumed throughout the world in sorbets, beverages, refreshing drinks, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, candies, sugar boiled confectioneries and many other culinary creations. The oil extracted from its peel or skin is extensively used in soft drink concentrates, body oils, cosmetics, hair oils, tooth pastes, toilet and beauty soaps, disinfectants, mouth washes, deodorants and innumerable other products. There are many varieties of lime found all over the world, particularly in the tropical and the Mediterranean climates.

Perhaps the best use is to drink either lime or lemon juice squeezed in room temperature glass of water in the morning. It is as great way to start the day.

So what is it about the limes. Limes have similar nutritional and health benefits as lemons. They provide an excellent source of vitamin C. They also offer a good source of folic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, flavinoids, and the important phytochemical limonene. Limes contain phytochemicals that are high in antioxidant and anticancer properties.

There are many other fruits that have phytonutrients that fight cancer. Examples are beta carotene for lung and breast cancer, lycopene for prostate cancer, and many more. Studies have shown that lime juice can affect cell cycles. It can modulate the decision a cell makes to divide (mitosis), die (apoptosis), or even boost the activity of white blood cells. Limes also have an antibiotic effect and are strongly protective against diseases such as cholera.

Until tomorrow...

For me, today is reminiscent of my childhood. It is a green day for my name, Patrick. I will always cherish my Uncle Sonny's green bagels from Fresh Meadows, Nanny's green jello, and Mom's green cupcakes. Today, Uncle Sonny was Rick. I have a green bagel on my desk.