Feeling Run Down? Feel a Cold Coming On? Try This.

Need a quick boost of vitamin C? Get a lime/lemon or
two, cut into halves or quarters and squeeze as
much juice as you can into a shot glass

With an alarming number of clients coming in sick the past couple of weeks I thought I’d drop a little history lesson on you; as well as a little trick you can do to that may prevent you from getting sick when you’re feeling run down and tired. Maybe you've heard of the term “limey” before, it originated sometime in the early 19^th century and referred to British Sailors in the Royal Navy. Back then with the horrible living conditions, sickness, filth, poor diet, and an array of other things accompanied with sailing, one condition that many sailors got was Scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency.

 During long journeys beyond the time that fruits and vegetables could be stored they had to rely on foods lacking many important nutrients such as grains, and dried meats. The Royal Navy soon made lemon and lime juice apart of a sailor’s daily ration because they had good amounts of vitamin C which helped prevent Scurvy among other things. Eventually it was found out that lime juice, with its 29mg of vitamin C (35% daily value) wasn't as effective as lemon juice, with its 53mg (64% daily value) for preventing Scurvy, but the name “limey” stuck.

Vitamin C plays an important role in the human body including but not limited to protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. It can even shorten the lengths of colds and limit their severity.

The name limey has since lost its connection with military sailors, but if you’re feeling adventurous, spontaneous, and you need a quick boost of vitamin C, here’s what you do… Simply get a lime/lemon or two, cut into halves or quarters and squeeze as much juice as you can into a shot glass and pound that baby down matey!