Benefits of Lemon Water – A Lot More Than Refreshing Energy

A simple anytime beverage like lemon water has garnered a lot of interest in recent times. A highly versatile beverage, you can have it hot, warm, or cold and by itself or combined with honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener. Or, add a bit of goodness of a few mint leaves for a quick refreshment. Sip on a glass first thing in the morning to avail of the benefits of lemon water all through the day, or drink it just before bedtime. You may have heard of celebrities swearing by it, but is it really that beneficial? Or, is it just a passing fad? Take a look at the health benefits listed by researches and decide for yourself.

Benefits of Lemon Water for Good Health and Fitness

Helps Shed the Pounds Quickly

Studies have shown that the polyphenol antioxidants present in the juice of lemons can help reduce the fat in your body by assisting metabolism. Lemons are also known to contain pectin fiber that can help you reduce your appetite by fighting hunger pangs. A good time to drink the beverage for weight loss is just before a meal with lots of ice. The right proportion of lemon juice and water can be adjusted according to taste.

Keeps You Hydrated

Adding lemon juice to water can improve its taste so you find it easy to drink the required amounts all through the day. Though, you may want to avoid adding a sweetening agent that may add unnecessary calories to your daily diet. The beverage could also serve as a good substitute for coffee if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine intake.

Boosts Your Immunity

Lemons contain rich amounts of plant compounds like phytonutrients, flavonoids, and vitamin C. These compounds have antioxidant properties that can protect your body from the effects of free radicals that enter your body. These free radicals and other toxins cause oxidative stress on your body cells, and make you susceptible to diseases. Antioxidants can negate the effects of the free radicals and fortify your body so you can resist infections better. Research also shows that consuming lemons adds to the acidic environment of your digestive system so it can fight off pathogens in the food you eat.

Assists Your Digestive System

Drinking the warm beverage first thing in the morning gives your digestive system a jumpstart. Not only can lemon water help with the removal of toxins, but it can also prevent constipation by acting as a laxative. If you have any symptoms of indigestion like bloating, heartburn, and flatulence, rely on the benefits of lemon water for relief.

Strengthens Your Heart

Lemon juice is known to contain right amounts of vitamin C and potassium both of which contribute to a healthy heart. That’s because vitamin C boosts blood circulation and thus, helps prevent hypertension. You’ll also lower the risk of getting strokes and heart attacks.

Other Benefits of Lemon Water

• The potassium content in lemon water can boost brain function because it acts as an electrolyte conducting nerve signals efficiently to the muscles.
• The vitamin C in lemon juice prevents the action of free radicals in your skin that damage the layer of collagen and elastin and cause signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. The additional water you drink also helps keep your skin hydrated and young.
• The citric acid content in lemons can prevent the formation of calcium salts or calcium oxalate that result in kidney stones. The additional water you drink also promotes proper urination further lowering the risk of stones.
• Drinking lemon juice helps keep your liver healthy because it assists in the flushing out of harmful toxins.

The benefits of lemon water are myriad, so go ahead and add a glass to your morning routine and watch your health improve.

References

7 Ways Your Body Benefits from Lemon Water

Benefits of drinking lemon water

Effect on Blood Pressure of Daily Lemon Ingestion and Walking