Drink Lemon Water Every Morning and Enjoy 10 Benefits

For centuries, lemon water has been known for its health benefits – primarily its antibacterial, antiviral properties and its ability to stimulate immunity. Additionally, lemon juice is celebrated for its use as a weight loss aid because it eases digestion and cleanses the liver.

You’ll find an array of nutrients in lemons. For starters, they contain high levels of citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin and limonene – all of which boost immunity and fight infection. Interested in the 10 benefits of drinking warm lemon water every morning? Read on.

How to prepare warm lemon water

Use purified, warm (not hot!) water in your preparation. Don’t use cold water! It takes a while for your body to process the lemon and it will certainly use more energy to process cold water than warm. Always use fresh lemons. It’s even better if they’re organic. Avoid bottled lemon juice. Squeeze 1/2 a lemon into a glass of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

The many benefits of lemon juice and warm water

1. Aids digestion

Lemon juice is excellent at eliminating toxins and other unwanted materials from the body. Because its atomic composition is similar to the hydrochloric acid in digestive juices and to saliva, it stimulates bile production in the liver. Bile producting is required for proper digestion. The minerals and vitamins found in lemons also help to loosen toxins in the digestive tract, thus helping to relieve symptoms of indigestion – unpleasant things such as acid reflux, belching and abdominal bloating. The American Cancer Society even suggests that cancer patients take hot lemon water to help stimulate intestinal movements.

2. Cleanses your system

Because of its diuretic properties, lemon juice helps eliminate waste materials from the body. This is because it increases the frequency of urination. When you drink lemon water, toxins are released at a faster rate – and this helps to keep your urinary tract healthy. It’s the citric acid in lemons that helps the liver’s enzymes to work at maximum capacity, stimulating the liver and aiding the detoxification process.

3. Stimulates the immune system

Rich in vitamin C, lemons are ideal for fighting colds. They’re also packed with potassium, an element that not only stimulates the brain and nervous system but also helps to control blood pressure. The a scorbic acid (vitamin C) in lemons is anti-inflammatory and is effective in relieving the symptoms asthma and other respiratory conditions produce. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron in the body, so plays an important role in the body’s immune system. Anti-microbial saponins are present in lemon water, making it a powerful weapon in the fight against colds and flu. Need another reason to introduce yourself to this celebrity citrus? It helps to reduce the amount of phlegm the body produces.

4. Balances pH

Your body’s pH is a delicate thing and alkaline foods keep it balanced. As luck would have it, the lemon is one of the most alkaline foods there is. Although acidic on their own, they alkalise within our bodies. Citric acid doesn’t create acidity in the body once it’s been metabolised, contrary to popular belief. Lemons have equal amounts of citric acid and ascorbic acid, but the ascorbic acid is weaker and more easily metabolised by the body. This unique mineral content is what alkalises the blood. Illness occurs when the body’s pH is too acidic. If you make a habit of drinking lemon water regularly your body’s acidity will be reduced. This includes the regulation of uric acid in your joints, too much of which is one of the main causes of pain and swelling.

5. Helps keep the skin clear

Apart from cleansing your face, lemon juice is great for washing your hands and for greasy skin.

Antioxidants, vitamin C included, fight free radicals and help reduce wrinkles and dark spots. The alkaline nature of vitamin C is vital for healthy and radiant skin because it combats the types of bacteria known to cause acne. This vitamin can be safely applied directly to acne scars to reduce their appearance. Because lemon water helps cleanse toxins from the blood, it’s effective both internally and externally. Your body will benefit greatly from lemons. Whether you ingest them or use them topically, your skin will show the rejuvenating effects of their naturally high vitamin C content.

6. Improves energy and mood

The atoms and molecules in food give the human body its energy. When a food’s positively-charged ions enter the digestive tract and mingle with negatively-charged ions, a reaction occurs. Lemons are relatively rare in their effect on the body, as they contain more negatively-charged ions than other foods do. This means that they provide your body with more energy when they enter the digestive tract. From the perspective of mood, lemons are incredibly energising and mood boosting. We all know how powerful aromas can be and lemons are no exception to the rule. Just the smell of lemon juice can improve your mood and help clear your mind. The mood-lifting abilities of lemons help reduce the debilitating effects of anxiety and depression.

7. Promotes healing

The vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in lemons promotes healing and is essential in the proper maintenance of bone, connective tissue and cartilage. As discussed above, vitamin C is anti-inflammatory. On the whole, vitamin C is vital in maintaining good health and in aiding recovery from injuries and stress.

8. Freshens Breath

In addition to fostering fresher breath, lemons help relieve toothache and gingivitis. As citric acid can erode tooth enamel, it’s best to either brush your teeth before drinking lemon juice or wait awhile after you’ve finished drinking it before you brush them. Another option is to gargle purified water after you finish drinking the lemon water.

9. Hydrates the lymphatic system

Warm lemon water hydrates your body by replacing lost fluids, which, in turn, helps your immune system. When your body is deprived of water, you can feel the secondary effects of dehydration. Watch for the symptoms, which include: fatigue or feeling lathargic, compromised immune function, constipation, lack of energy, blood pressure irregularities, lack of sleep and a lack of mental clarity.

10. Encourages weight loss

Lemons are loaded with pectin fibre, a potent weapon against cravings. Clinical studies have shown that people who follow a more alkaline diet tend to lose weight more quickly.