Ah, the humble lemon. We are big fans of this little yellow fruit — so unassuming, yet with so many unexpected uses. cool stuff, science, health, lifestyle, science, cool stuff, health, science, science, health, cool stuff, science
As if you needed any more convincing that starting your day with a glass of warm water and lemon was the way to go, we have compiled this ultimate list of health and beauty benefits that can be derived from lemon water.
1. It works wonders for your digestive health
It is often said that a healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of good all-round health. Lemons are an important source of pectin fibre which is necessary for good colon health, so a glass of warm lemon water each morning acts as a kick-start for your digestive system, reminding it to eliminate accumulated waste from the previous day.
2. Lemon water = the original rehydrator
Centuries before energy drinks, rehydration salts, and glucose-electrolyte solutions flooded the market, lemon water was used as a highly efficient dehydration treatment. When we exercise we lose electrolytes (minerals including sodium, potassium, and chloride) through sweat — and whilst drinking water alone will rehydrate you, adding a few slices of lemon to the mix will speed up the process of rebalancing the electrolytes in your body.
3. The eyes have it
Remember being told as a child that eating carrots would make you see in the dark? Well, there’s a new (age-old, actually) mantra in town. As a citrus fruit, lemons are packed full of Vitamin C and antioxidants which work together to form a protective effect against cataracts and macular degeneration. Drink up, kids!
4. For peachy soft skin, drink…lemons!
This one seems like it should be a no-brainer since we all know that staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is the number one thing you can do for your skin. Turn that water into lemon water, however, and you get supercharged benefits. Because lemons contain powerful antioxidants, you will notice a decrease in blemishes and wrinkles, and smoother, healthier-looking skin as a result of its detoxifying benefits.
5. Lemons are your liver’s best friend
Keeping your liver happy is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health, and drinking lemon water can help your liver function at a tip-top level. As well as flushing out toxins by enhancing the enzyme function, the citric acid found in lemons also helps dispel harmful bacteria.
6. Oh, you clever potassium
We all know about bananas and potassium, but did you know that lemons are also high in this essential mineral? Or that, as the third most abundant mineral in the human body, its importance is often underrated? Drinking lemon water will help ensure optimal heart, brain, kidney, and muscular function.
7. A lemon a day keeps the doctor away
Well, sort of. Whilst there is no cure for the common cold, it is certainly true that those who drink lemon water every day experience less colds, and with significantly shorter durations than those who haven’t yet discovered the benefits of lemon water. This is mainly down to the concentration of Vitamin C, the undisputed defender against viral infections and immune system weaknesses.
Inflammation doesn’t only refer to the visibly, temporarily ’inflamed’ – your body’s natural response to injury. Chronic inflammation in the body is a key component in many serious illnesses and has been linked to excess acidity in the body. Drinking lemon water decreases your body’s acidity levels, which in turn assists your body in removing harmful uric acid which can cause inflammation.
9. …and helps maintain pH perfection…
Given that lemons are, as a citrus fruit, acidic by nature, you might be surprised to learn that once absorbed into the bloodstream, lemon water actually has an alkalizing effect on the body tissue. Why is this a good thing? Whilst we need acid to aid in the digestion of food, it is important to balance our body’s pH levels as too much acid makes us prone to diseases from high cholesterol to diabetes.
10. …all while boosting your metabolism
If you are looking to lose weight by making healthy, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle, lemon water is the perfect accompaniment. Helping to increase metabolism, lemons also contain pectin fiber which has the effect of reducing hunger cravings.
11. So step away from the latte (with ease!)
Many of us rely on our morning coffee for a booster shot of energy, which makes us feel super productive until about 10:30a.m. when the mid-morning slump sets in. By replacing your morning coffee with a cup of warm lemon water for just two weeks, you are sure to feel so alert, refreshed, and all-round healthy that you won’t ever go back.
