Lemons are full of vitamin C and antioxidants which really makes for a nutritious fruit. Drinking lemon water (especially first thing in the morning) adds many benefits to your body including fighting off infections, boosting the immune system and kicking your digestive system into action.
1. Helps with Digestion
Simply drinking a cup of lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can lessen gas, bloating, and constipation. This yellow citrus fruit contains minerals that assist in healthy digestion, healthy bowel movements and it can alleviate heartburn as well.
2. Aids in Weight Loss
Do you ever get bored drinking water and wish it had a bit of taste? On days like these, you can add lemon and honey to your water for a bit of tangy sweetness. The tart flavor mixed with honey makes lemon water more refreshing and easier to drink as opposed to just plain water causing people to actually drink much more than they normally would. It curbs the appetite while hydrating and preventing you from binging on unhealthy sweets. This promotes weight loss!
3. Liver Detox
Over time, toxins can accumulate in the blood causing a whole heap of health problems. Traits of too many toxins include constipation, diarrhea, aches and pains, indigestion, nausea, and memory loss. Lemon water cleanses your body of these dangerous toxins.
4. Boosts Immune Function
The vitamin C in lemons helps support the immune system when the body is fighting infection because it increases electrolytes. This is why I always give my children a squeeze of lemon and honey in their water when they are sick. It helps them fight off the infection so much faster. Lemons contain bioflavonoids which attack free radicals that can cause blood vessel damage and inflammation. If you really want a boost, try adding ginger root as well!
5. Fresh Breath
Food particles stick to your teeth and gums after a meal causing bad breath. Lemon water can neutralize the odor from strong smelling foods such as garlic and onions. It also promotes saliva production to help flush out that stinky bacteria.
6. Great for the Skin
Vitamin C (found in lemons) can completely revitalize your skin and promote hydration. It also can reduce the appearance of wrinkles keeping skin looking supple and smooth. Lemon water flushes toxins out of your skin. Instead of spending so much money on expensive skin creams, grab a lemon and add it to your water. Or you can do both!
7. Reduces Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation is the main reason for modern disease. I struggle with inflammation in my stomach due to Ulcerative Colitis so I am always on the lookout for anything that may naturally help with this problem. Lemon water can help fight off free radicals and inflammatory markers in the blood. Uric acid in the joints also cause inflammation which lemon water can prevent.
8. Great Energy Boost
Alright guys, coffee has always been my go to first thing in the morning and I love it. I will not give up on coffee just yet BUT I did decide to try the lemon and honey water instead and I have to say it gives me a much greater effect than coffee does. Lemons have a revitalizing and refreshing scent which awakens the senses and promotes physiological functions. More importantly, it gives you the energy without the crash! Coffee can dehydrate the body while lemon water hydrates it allowing you to stay alert all day long.
9. Aids in Fighting Infection.
The juice of the lemon has antibacterial and antiviral elements that help ward off infections. This can help the body fight off infections as soon as they develop. Another plus is that the lemons can sooth sore throats, help the lungs relax, and thins mucus.
10. Lowers Blood Pressure
Lemon is a great source of potassium which regulates blood pressure and maintains heart health. It can also reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, anxiety and depression. If you are deficient in potassium, you could struggle with abnormal heartbeat, anemia, palpitations and headaches. The absolute best way to get potassium is by eating all your fruits and veggies, but drinking lemon water is also a great way to do this without all the extra calories.
11. Relaxes Respiratory Problems
Lemons can benefit people who struggle with asthma and respiratory infections due to its components that ease the breathing and calm the respiratory tract. This is because of the fruits ability to reduce inflammation and mucus production.
12. Treats Gallstones
For many MANY years, people have used a gallbladder flush made from lemon juice and olive oil to help cure gallstones. This involves a 12 hour fast, then drinking 4 TBS. of olive oil, and 1 TBS. of lemon juice eight times every fifteen minutes. This is something you can do every few months just to stay healthy if you wanted to. It’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor first.
13. Prevents Kidney Stones
I hope you have never have to deal with kidney stones because they are probably one of the most painful experiences in the world next to child birth. Also, if you have had them before, you are more likely to get them again. Kidney stones are built up calcium that crystalize into a small hard mass. It has to be removed. Lemons can help to breakdown calcium crystals and reduce the risk of kidney stones.
14. Prevents Anemia
In order for your body to absorb iron, it needs to have vitamin C. When you drink lemon water, you are giving your body vitamin C and therefore, the ability to absorb iron from your diet. This helps in reducing the risk of anemia from iron deficiency.
Well, this is pretty much everything you need to know about the effects of lemons on your body. Make it a point to fill up your cup first thing in the morning with honey, lemon juice, and water and a bunch of ice for a nice healthy refreshing start to your day. Your body sure will thank you for it!