Lemon water provides our bodies with plenty of vitamins, minerals and vital trace elements. Lemons are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber.
What is Lemon Water?
Lemon water is simply the juice from lemons mixed with water.
The amount of lemon you use depends on your personal preference and this drink can be enjoyed either cold or hot. Additional ingredients can be added.
Here are 8 great benefits to starting off your day with a lemon water beverage:
1. Cleanses The Liver
According to Dr. Alexander F. Beddoe’s Biological Ionization in Human Nutrition, he notes the liver can make more enzymes out of lemon juice than any other food.
2. Boosts the Immune System
Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure. Lemons are know for being high in Vitamin C and potassium.
3. Better digestion
According to doctoroz.com, the bacteria-fighting benefits of lemon juice further contributes to a healthy digestive system. This healthy drink is also thought to stop bloating and is said to be a remedy for heartburn and acid reflux.
4. Treat sore throat
Lemon contains citrus acid which helps dissolve mucus and lemon acts as a lubricant that coats the backside of your throat providing some relief. Lemon is also a natural antiseptic which helps to kill the bacteria or viruses in the throat.
5. Helps With Weight Loss
“Hot water with lemon in and of itself does not cause any actual weight loss,” says Alissa Rumsey, R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. However, if this drink is replacing a beverage that is higher in calories, like coffee with sugar or fruit juice—and that results in a calorie deficit—then it can help you lose weight.
6. Helps Kidney Stones
Research shows that lemonade is an effective — and delicious — way for kidney-stone-prone people to slow the development of new stones.
“When treating patients in our kidney stone center, we put everyone on lemonade therapy,” says Steven Y. Nakada, chair and professor of urology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Click here to learn more.
7. Low Blood Pressure
A study cited by the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that a combination of walking and drinking lemon water daily was successful in lowering systolic blood pressure.
8. Constipation relief
Experts at American Cancer Society recommend lemon water as one of their top natural remedies for curing constipation.
Water with lemon may be a great way to start the day, but experts warn it can damage our teeth. Acidic drinks can be hard on tooth enamel, so here are a few tips on how to minimize the risk of enamel erosion from acidic drinks:
- Rinse your mouth out with water.
- Don’t brush your teeth for at least half an hour after the drink.
- Use a straw to limit the drink’s contact with the teeth.
- Drink water frequently during the day to help wash away the acidity.
- Chew sugar-free gum which stimulates saliva and helps to neutralize the acidity.