4 Amazing Health Benefits Of Lemon Pepper

Written by Maanasi Radhakrishnan

Last Updated on May 10, 2015

Image: Shutterstock

Are you fond of using lemons as one of the ingredients in your cooking? Well, if not, then you are missing out on something fantastic. Especially when you club lemon with pepper.

This is because how amazingly a lemon pepper seasoning would enhance the taste of a dish. Would you like to know more? Read on!

In This Article

What Is Lemon Pepper Seasoning?

Lemon pepper seasoning is quite zesty and flavorful and is used in salads as dressings, and in vegetables, chicken dishes, sauces and soups for seasoning. When added in softened butter, it gives excellent aroma and freshness of lemon, and can be used as an accompaniment to grilled veggies, meat, poultry and seafood.

Lemon pepper seasoning is actually made of lemon zest and cracked black pepper. In order to make it at home, you would have to mash the lemon zest along with pepper and let the citrus flavor infuse. This mixture has to be baked to keep the seasoning preserved. Otherwise, you can even buy commercially made lemon pepper that is available in small jars. The commercial seasoning also comprises of other ingredients such as cayenne pepper, citric acid, garlic, onion, salt, sugar, lemon flavoring and additional spices.

How To Prepare Lemon Pepper Seasoning At Home?

It is very simple to create homemade lemon pepper. Here is how:

Ingredients:

Lemon zest – 2 tbsp
Sea Salt – 2 tbsp
Black pepper – 2 tbsp

Preparation:

Preheat oven and toast lemon zest and pepper in a large oven-safe plate.
Cover with a foil and bake at low temperature for around 30 minutes, till the zest is completely dry.
Now, crush this mixture in a spice grinder and mix salt as per the requirement.
You may prepare it in advance and store in an airtight container so that it stays fresh.

[ Read: Prepare Seasoning Salt At Home ]

Nutrition Factor

Every serving of lemon pepper contains 0.8 calories and zero fat. It has 689 mg sodium and 0.4 g dietary fibre. It also contains 1 g carbohydrates and 0.2 g protein.

Health Benefits Of Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Following are the health benefits of lemon pepper seasoning:

1. Weight Loss:

Many people believe that a lemon pepper drink helps in weight loss in just a week’s time. However, losing weight drastically is not a great idea, as it can wreak havoc with your health – both physically and mentally.

2. Detox:

Other than losing weight, drinking lemon pepper early in the morning in warm water can help in the cleansing and detoxification of the body. It is very important to keep the liver healthy, as not only does it eliminate toxins, but it also helps in releasing uric acid.

3. Liver And Digestion Stimulant:

Lemon pepper helps in stimulating the liver, and also aids in digestion and metabolic activities of the body.

4. Improved Immunity:

It is said that the seasoning also keeps the body safe from chronic disorders, as both lemon juice and pepper are known to improve immunity, detoxify the body. The two also have anti-fungal properties.

[ Read: Benefits Of Dried Oregano ]

Health Benefits Of Lemon And Pepper

Following are the health benefits of lemon and pepper:

1. Source Of Vitamin C:

Lemon is a great source of Vitamin C. This vitamin not only helps build immunity to keep common ailments at bay, but also aids in proper digestion and the removal of toxins from the body.

2. Destroys Free Radicals:

Lemons are also rich in antioxidants that provide better skin health and reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Free radical damage is one of the main reasons for premature aging and the onset of certain diseases like cancer.

3. Boosts Liver Functioning:

Lemon contains electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, and natural enzymes that help in stimulating the liver to perform optimally. When the liver functions optimally, the body can flush out toxins easily.

4. Enhanced Blood Circulation:

Pepper dilates capillaries, and thus, boosts blood circulation. This ensures more oxygen and nutrients reach different parts of the body. Increased blood flow also facilitates fast healing.

[ Read: Home Remedies For Improving Blood Circulation ]

5. Manages Blood Sugar Levels:

Pepper regulates blood sugar levels in the body (1).Adding lemon pepper seasoning to your diet will prevent spikes in your blood sugar levels. As a result, sugar in your body will be digested properly.

6. Boosts Metabolism:

Pepper leads to enhanced metabolism, and this is the reason it is used for losing weight. When the metabolic rate increases, you can burn the calories better. Hence, the calories do not get converted to fat.

Also, the existing fat reserves in the body are utilized to generate energy for the body, and this ultimately facilitates weight loss.

Together, lemon and pepper help in neutralizing the body’s pH levels, which helps in preventing chronic disorders. Today lemon and pepper seasoning drink has replaced various energy drinks, including green tea. It keeps the body hydrated and acts as a super stimulant.

So, enjoy some delicious and healthy preparations made from lemon pepper seasoning, whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian. This magical seasoning would add tang to everything it becomes a part of, and would also make your meal one of its kind!

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