Most diets today recommend starting the day with lemon water. Lemon has long been used in Ayurveda, but lately, it has found its much deserved place in modern homes due to an increased awareness of its magical properties.
Lemon is not only rich in Vitamin-C but has amazing immune-boosting powers, flushes out toxins and supports healthy weight loss.
The best way to drink lemon water is lukewarm, first thing in the morning. Use fresh and organic lemons and avoid cold water. Squeeze half a lemon in a glass of water, add a little honey and/or ginger and sip it slowly.
Benefits of Lemon Water –
Improves Digestion
Many detox and weight loss diets recommend starting your day with warm lemon water because it helps flush out the toxins.
The composition of lemon is similar to digestive juices which tricks the liver into producing more bile improving digestion. It also helps in reducing the symptoms of indigestion like acidity, bloating and gas.
Boosts your Immunity
We know that lemons are packed with vitamin C that is very helpful when recovering from cold, flu and other infections.
However, little is known about other nutritional benefits of this miracle food, like flavonoids that are a powerful antioxidant and have cancer combating properties.
Studies have been conducted that support the benefits of lemon by increasing the immune system of the subjects.
Lemons also reduce inflammation and have positive effects on individuals suffering from Arthritis. It remarkably reduces the pain and swelling in the arthritic joints. Read about the Superfoods that build Immunity here.
Aids in Detoxification
Lemon is a natural diuretic as it helps the body get rid of excess water by increasing urination. This helps in getting rid of those free radicals. In turn, it aids in healthy weight loss by removing toxins.
Even though the diuretic effect of lemon has not be confirmed by research studies, its long-standing use in alternative medicine has proven its benefits.
Increased urination also promotes urinary tract health and relieves infections. If you are interested in reading about Superfoods that cleanse your body naturally, we encourage you to read here.
Supports Weight Loss
A Lemon Detox Diet is popular among celebrities like Beyonce Knowles for its weight loss benefits.
This cheap remedy can assist weight loss by suppressing your appetite, increasing metabolism, flushing toxins and improving digestion. Also confirmed by a study, the vitamin C in lemons breaks down your body fat and stimulates your metabolism.
Say good-bye to your belly fat by reading about the best superfoods for weight loss here.
Boosts Energy and Mood
A study suggests that the scent of lemon has a positive effect on mood. Smelling a lemon releases a feel-good chemical, which is responsible for elevating the mental state and fighting depression.
The scent has also been found to stimulate brain and nerve functioning and improve focus.
Balance pH
It can be rather confusing when some people say that lemon is acidic, while others say it is one of the most alkaline foods available.
The answer is simple. Lemon juice is acidic outside the body, but when its nutrients are dissociated and metabolized in the body, its effect is alkalizing, which raises the pH level of the body. Acidity can cause stomach ulcers, cancer, and many other diseases.
Hydrates Body
One of the most important benefits of drinking lemon water is to hydrate the body so that the body can function properly. Whether you are going for a workout or cooling down, your body needs to restore its lost fluids and hydrate.
Promotes Healing
The healing properties of lemon water are amazing. Owing to its nutrient profile containing vitamin C, sodium, citric acid and anti-bacterial properties, lemon water has amazing healing powers. It can control high blood pressure due to the sodium content. It fights aging, treats infections, prevents kidney stones and can also help in treating arthritis.
Improves Skin
The anti-microbial properties of lemon along with vitamin C and citric acid can work wonders for rejuvenating and clearing skin. The lemon juice can be taken internally or applied externally for skin treatments against acne.
Improves Oral Health
You can get rid of the nasty bad breath by drinking lemon water or just gargling with diluted lemon juice. You should avoid using lemon juice directly without diluting, on the teeth as it can erode the enamel of your teeth.
These health benefits of lemon water are advocated every now and then by dietitians and experts which corroborates the fact with every passing day.
So drink this magic potion in the morning to get optimal health benefits and get rid of that coffee.