We all know drinking water is the best way to hydrate your body. But adding lemon to your water can take you way beyond basic hydration. Those small yellow citrus fruits offer incredibly huge health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you should squeeze a little lemon into your water today and everyday.
Immune System
An acidic body is prone to illness. Drinking water with lemon has an alkalizing effect on the body, protecting you from illness. Lemons are also overflowing with vitamin C, and can help further boost your immune system. The antibacterial properties of lemon juice can help soothe a sore throat and decrease phlegm production. Lemon water is also considered an effective aid in the treatment of asthma.
Skin
Drinking lemon water rejuvenates and improves your skin from the inside out. The vitamin C in lemon juice acts as a powerful antioxidant that fights harmful free radicals, for a healthy, clear, wrinkle-free complexion. Vitamin C also aids in building collagen, necessary for firm, young-looking skin.
Kidneys
The citric acid in lemons can help prevent kidney stones. Citric acid in your urine coats already formed kidney stones, stopping growth. Citric acid also helps break up small stones, and inhibits the formation of new kidney stones. The more citric acid you have in your urine, the more protection. Lemon water also helps dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and pancreatic stones.
Liver
According to Dr. Oz, “Your liver acts primarily as your body’s filter, cleaning the blood and aiding digestion and metabolism.” Lemon stimulates the liver’s natural enzymes to aid in flushing toxins from the body, and to calm liver inflammation. Lemon water also helps liquefy and increase the production of bile, an acid necessary for digestion and waste elimination.
Gastrointestinal Tract
Adding lemon to your water can aid in digestion, and help relieve the symptoms of indigestion, including bloating, gas, nausea, and heartburn. It also helps the waste elimination process run more efficiently, alleviating constipation, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal ailments.
Blood Pressure
Lemon water has a high level of potassium, and can assist those with heart problems by helping to lower high blood pressure. Staying hydrated with potassium-rich lemon water also helps reduce depression and mental stress that can elevate blood pressure, and stimulates brain and nerve function for increased energy.
Body Weight
Adding lemon to your water, especially in the morning, helps speed up weight loss. Lemon water helps kick-start your metabolism, and activates your body’s natural detoxifying process. Lemon water has no calories, and tastes great! Replacing sodas and other sugary drinks with lemon water will go a long way to help with weight loss goals. Lemon water also contains pectin fiber, which can effectively reduce hunger cravings.
Lemon water has so many amazing benefits, but let’s get back to basics. In addition to boosting your health and your appearance, lemon water is chock full of electrolytes and is a great natural hydrator. So pucker up and enjoy some refreshing lemon water right now.
Resources:
http://www.lemonandwater.com/hydrate-with-lemon-and-water/
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8354/5-amazing-benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water.html
http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/443991-citric-acid-urine/
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-complete-body-restart-guide?page=3
http://www.360nobs.com/2012/12/how-to-clear-acne-with-lemon/
http://www.asthmalibrary.com/asthma-treatment.php
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/weight-loss-myths-will-drinking-lemon-water-help-you-lose-weight.html#b
