Lemons have many health benefits that have been known for centuries. The two biggest ones are its strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers, as well as its use as a weight loss aid because lemon juice is also a digestive and liver cleanser.
Lemons contain many substances, especially citric acid, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene, that promote immunity and fight infection. These are the 10 benefits of drinking warm lemon water every morning.
How do you prepare warm water with lemon?
You must use purified water and it must be lukewarm, not boiling. Avoid cold water, since our body takes time to process it and it takes more energy to process ice water than lukewarm. Always use fresh, organic lemons if possible, and never bottled lemon juice. Squeeze 1/2 lemon in each glass and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
THE BENEFITS OF WARM WATER
1. Helps digestion
Lemon juice helps remove unwanted materials and toxins from the body. Due to its similar atomic composition to saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices, it encourages the liver to produce bile, an acid that is required for digestion. Lemons are also rich in minerals and vitamins and help loosen toxins in the digestive tract. The digestive qualities of lemon juice help relieve indigestion symptoms such as heartburn, belching, and bloating. The American Cancer Society recommends warm lemon water for cancer patients to help stimulate bowel movements.
2. Cleans your system, it is a diuretic
Lemon juice helps remove unwanted materials in part because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Therefore, by drinking lemon juice, the toxins are released at a faster rate, which helps maintain the health of the urinary tract. The citric acid in lemons helps maximize enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.
3. Boosts the immune system
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They are rich in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons has anti-inflammatory effects and is used as supplemental support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms, as well as improving iron absorption in the body. Iron plays an important role in immune function. Lemons also contain saponins, which display antimicrobial properties that can help keep cold and flu at bay. Lemons also help reduce the amount of phlegm produced by the body.
4. Balance PH levels
Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. Sure, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they are alkaline (citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). Lemons contain both citric acid and ascorbic acid, weak acids easily metabolized in the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalinize the blood. Disease states only occur when the pH of the body is acidic. Drinking lemon water regularly can help eliminate total body acidity, including uric acid in the joints, which is one of the main causes of pain and inflammation.
5. Cleanses the skin
The vitamin C component, as well as other antioxidants, help reduce wrinkles and blemishes and help fight free radicals. Vitamin C is vital for healthy, glowing skin, as its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne. It can actually be applied directly to scars or age spots to help reduce their appearance. Since lemon water purges toxins from your blood, it can also help keep your skin clear of blemishes from the inside out. The vitamin C contained in lemon rejuvenates the skin from inside your body.
6. Gives you energy and improves your mood
The energy that a human being receives from food comes from the atoms and molecules of the food. When positively charged ions from food enter the digestive tract and interact with negatively charged enzymes, a reaction occurs. Lemon is one of the few foods that contains more negatively charged ions, providing your body with more energy when it enters the digestive tract. The lemon scent also has energizing properties and improves mood. The smell of lemon juice can improve your mood and help clear your mind. Lemon can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
7. Promotes healing of wounds
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons promotes wound healing and is an essential nutrient in maintaining healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage. As previously stated, vitamin C also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Taken together, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in maintaining good health and recovering from stress and injury.
8. Freshens breath
In addition to fresher breath, lemons help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. Keep in mind that citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so it’s best to brush your teeth before drinking the lemon water or wait a significant amount of time to brush your teeth after drinking it. Also, you can rinse your mouth with purified water after finishing your lemon water.
9. Hydrate your lymphatic system
Warm lemon water supports the immune system by hydrating and replenishing lost fluids in the body. When your body is deprived of water you may feel side effects including: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, poor sleep, lack of mental clarity, etc.
10. Helps in weight loss
Lemons are rich in pectin fiber, which helps fight cravings. Studies have shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet tend to lose weight faster.