I
was first introduced to the concept of lemon water when I started doing
yoga. An avid drinker (of water!), it was refreshing to learn a new
spin on an old favorite. When I started having a glass of lemon water
every morning, it was after learning only two of the benefits of lemon
water. Little did I know just how many there are!
Why lemons?
Lemons
are packed like a clown car with nutrients, including vitamin C,
B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. (Fun
fact: they contain more potassium than apples or grapes!)
Because
of how hard lemon juice can be on the enamel of your teeth, it’s
important to dilute it with water of any temperature (though lukewarm is
recommended). Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait 15 to 30
minutes to have breakfast. This will help you fully receive the benefits
of lemon water, which are listed below.
11 Benefits of Lemon Water
1. Gives your immune system a boost.
Vitamin
C is like our immune system’s jumper cables, and lemon juice is full of
it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to
plummet when you’re stressed, which is why experts recommended popping
extra vitamin C during especially stressful days.
2. Excellent source of potassium.
As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.
3. Aids digestion.
Lemon
juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your
digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as
heartburn, burping, and bloating.
4. Cleanses your system.
It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.
5. Freshens your breath.
It
also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis (say wha?). Because the
citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your
teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it.
6. Keeps your skin blemish-free.
The
antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but
wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce
their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will
maintain your skin’s radiance.
7. Helps you lose weight.
Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings.
8. Reduces inflammation.
If
you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity
in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid
in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.
9. Gives you an energy boost.
Lemon
juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive
tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!)
10. Helps to cut out caffeine.
I
didn’t believe this until I tried it, but replacing my morning coffee
with a cup of hot lemon water has really done wonders! I feel refreshed,
and no longer have to deal with that pesky afternoon crash. Plus, my
nerves are thankful.
11. Helps fight viral infections.
Warm
lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and
their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting
your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection
completely.
How much?
For
those who weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of
juice into a glass of water. If over 150 pounds, use an entire lemon’s
juice. You can of course dilute the lemon juice more, depending on your
personal taste.
Not only are the benefits of lemon
water endless, it’s one of the most substantial yet simple changes you
can make for your health.Source:
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