People tend to reach for the warm beverages in the morning like tea and coffee, but try and start your day with some warm lemon water. The water does not have to be always warm, but it should be purified. Simply use a half fresh lemon per large glass of water or even to taste and sip through the day.
On a simple level, fresh lemons take plain old water up a notch.
Here are some health benefits of drinking lemon water that elevates drinking it for reasons beyond just taste.
1. Support immune function
Lemons are high in antioxidant vitamin C, popular for its supportive role in healthy immune function which can reduce the risk of respiratory infection. Ascorbic acid the same as vitamin C found in lemons has anti inflammatory effects and is used as complementary support for asthma or other respiratory symptoms. Lemons also contain saponins that show antimicrobial properties and might help keep flu and cold at bay. Last but not least, ascorbic acid triggers iron absorption in the body; iron plays an important role in immune function.
2. Alkalize the body
Although the taste of a lemon may make them seem acidic, lemons are in fact one of the most alkalizing foods for your body. Lemons contain both ascorbic and citric acids- weak ones easily metabolized from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize your blood.
3. Aid digestion
Citrus flavonols are considered to be responsible for lemon’s traditional use as a digestive tonic. Thought to purify and stimulate the liver, lemon juice is traditionally known to support digestive hydrochloric acid in the stomach further aiding digestion. Vitamin C including has been associated with reduced risk of peptic ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
4. Clear skin
Vitamin C and all antioxidants in lemons combat free radical damage. Free radical damage is especially caused by UV exposure or environmental toxins. Free radicals are responsible for most symptoms of aging. Intake of antioxidants can help offset this damage, minimizing wrinkles. Furthermore, lemon juice can be applied topically to age spots and scars in order to reduce their appearance. Traditionally used as a stimulant of liver function, lemon water is also known to help purge toxins from the blood, helping to keep skin without blemishes.
5. Promote healing
Ascorbic acid known as vitamin C, found in lemons, promotes wound healing and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy connective tissue, bones and cartilage. As noted above, vitamin C also has anti inflammatory effects. To sum up, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.
6. Provides hydration
Starting every morning with one glass of warm water and lemon is used to stimulate digestion for the whole day and clear your body of any toxins that might have settled in your digestive tract for
the night.
7. Gives you an energy boost
Lemon juice provides your body with energy as it enters your digestive tract and it helps reduce anxiety and depression as well. Even the scent of lemon may have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Don’t believe it? Try it for a few days. You can mix a fresh squeeze lemon in your cola or powdered drink, though best if just water.
