Who would have thought that drinking water with lemon could be so good for you? This simple beverage packs quite a punch when it comes to health benefits.
So, if you’re looking to boost your health in a quick and easy way, read on to learn more about the benefits of lemon water.
Main Health Benefits of Lemon Water
Vitamin C
Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C, something our body can’t make on its own. Plus, lemons provide small amounts of magnesium, potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E, too.
Antioxidants
Lemon juice sets you up for success by providing antioxidants. These fight against all those free radicals wreaking havoc in your body.
Strengthens Immunity
Vitamin C and antioxidants, combined with other characteristics, help to boost immunity. And since lemon juice supports the acidic environment of the stomach, it can help to combat any illness that might try to take root in your digestive system.
Instant Mood Lifter
The bright flavor of lemon juice can brighten your day. It’s hard not to be affected by that tart, puckering taste!
Supports Liver Function
When you drink lemon juice, your liver will be prompted to produce bile. What does this do? It helps your digestive system stay on track and keep food moving smoothly and efficiently through it.
Supports Healthy Digestion
Drinking lemon water can bring relief to indigestion and can help your body digest food at a more stable pace. This prevents your blood sugar levels from spiking too high as well.
Removes Toxins
Not only does lemon juice support liver function in detoxing the body, but it also helps flush toxins from your bowels and urinary tract, too. Many people have heard of a lemon water detox, and this exact health benefit is the reason behind this detox trend.
Beautiful Skin
This study found that having adequate amounts of Vitamin C in your diet can lead to youthful, smooth skin. This is partly due to the fact that Vitamin C helps collagen production, which is essential for fresh, healthy skin.
Boosts Metabolism
This research revealed that drinking water, in general, can increase your body’s metabolism rate. And that can help promote weight loss. If water doesn’t have much appeal to you, adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice can make it tastier.
Bottled Lemon Juice or Freshly Squeezed?
Should you use lemon juice from a lemon or lemon juice from those cute, plastic squeeze bottles? It might not seem like there’s much of a difference, but there is!
In order to preserve the lemon juice in those plastic bottles, manufacturers must include additives and preservatives, and it’s always better to limit these whenever you can.
So, if possible, always opt for fresh, whole, and organic lemons at your local supermarket. Is lemon juice good for you? Yes, but only if we’re talking about a whole, fresh fruit.
Drinking Cold vs Warm Lemon Water
There are varying opinions about drinking warm or cold lemon water. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of both so that you can decide what’s best for you.
In general, warm lemon water is what most people recommend. That’s because warm water is said to help awaken your digestive system and improve digestion throughout the day.
It’s true that warm water might make you sweat if you drink it at a hot temperature. But perspiration is just another way to detox the body of toxins. So, even warm lemon water on a summer’s day is beneficial.
Be careful not to drink hot lemon water, as the high temperature of the water can actually destroy the beneficial properties of the lemon juice.
On the flip side, some people suggest drinking cold lemon water because it’s a calorie burning. This is because the body must first warm the water inside the digestive tract, and this uses up calories. However, cold water (like hot water) can also damage the health benefits of lemon water.
If you’re doubting and want to reap the greatest benefits of drinking lemon water, it’s best to have it at a normal room temperature.
Drinking Lemon Water in the Morning
Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning can gently wake the body up and stimulate the digestive system after a long rest. It helps set the stage for proper digestion, stable blood sugar levels, and regular bowel movements throughout the rest of your day.
On the other hand, a glass of warm lemon water before bed can prevent dehydration while you sleep.
Plus, it can help support the body’s natural detoxification processes throughout the night, leading you to feel more refreshed and energetic when it’s time to wake up.
Lemon water is good for you either way, so go with the option that works best for your daily schedule.
Disadvantages of Drinking Lemon Water Daily
Even though lemon water benefits seem endless, there are several things to be aware of before you drink it daily.
Let’s cover three of them here.
- Teeth enamel can be damaged by lemon juice. To protect your teeth, drink with a straw. Or, after you’ve had the lemon water, try to rinse your mouth with regular water to clear away the lemon juice.
- Detoxification is a wonderful thing for the body, but if your body is flushing too many toxins all at once, you may experience die-off feelings like headaches, fatigue, or a change in bowel movements.
- Sensitive digestive systems may not be strong enough for the acidity in lemon water. If you’re not sure, it’s best to start with a small amount and observe how you feel.
How to Make Lemon Water
Start with 8 ounces of warm water, and add the freshly squeezed juice of a half lemon.
If you want to jazz it up, try any of the following variations:
- Cayenne Pepper: A light sprinkle of cayenne will fire up your digestion and clear away toxins. But only try this if your digestive system is strong.
- Ginger: Add a thin slice of fresh ginger to your lemon water. This helps to warm the digestive system and is soothing for an upset stomach.
- Mint: Adding several fresh mint leaves can liven up your beverage and awaken your mind.
- Honey: Honey is especially good when added to warm lemon water in the evening. It can help to support your other weight loss strategies.
- Lime: Add a wedge to your glass for an extra kick of Vitamin C and tartness.
There’s a lot more to lemon water than just lemons and water! So, give it a try and begin to reap all the benefits of lemon water.
