Lemons are a citrus fruit chock full healthy nutrients. If you drink a glass of warm lemon water, especially in the morning, your body will benefit greatly. Making lemon water is simple, but it takes more than simply dropping a lemon wedge in water. Read the abundant ways lemon water can help your body and see how to make a glass for yourself. 1. Healthy Skin A single lemon contains more vitamin C than the daily recommended value. This vitamin has antioxidant properties that destroy nasty free radicals and keep skin looking fresh. It also helps your body produce collagen which prevents the skin from wrinkling. 2. Immune System Boost The abundant amount of vitamin C also helps produce more white blood cells. This is great for your immune system, helping it to ward off or to diminish the effects of the common cold. It’s believed that vitamin C also protects arteries. 3. Carpal Tunnel Cure Another vitamin in lemons is B6. It has positive effects on metabolism (who can’t use a little help with that?), skin conditions, and heart health. It may even cure nine out of ten cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the painful hand condition. You might want to get help squeezing the lemons. 4. Strong Bones Lemons have calcium and this mineral is good for the heart and for helping to prevent gum disease. Of course, it’s famous for its bone- and teeth-strengthening properties. 5. Strong Bones Cont’d After calcium, phosphorus ranks as the most important element for strong bones, and lemons deliver on phosphorus too. (Not to be confused with phosphates, the ingredient in sodas that weakens bones.) The phosphorus in lemons also helps your cells and aids digestion. 6. Disease-Blocker Doctors say disease and disorder cannot take root in a body whose pH is in balance. Lemons help maintain that balance. 7. Better Digestion The citric acid interacts with enzymes in your body and stimulates the secretion of gastric juice to aid digestion. Best to drink lemon water before or with your meal. 8. Stress Relief The potassium will help your blood pressure and can even alleviate anxiety and stress. It’s also good for your muscles. Potassium, an electrolyte, might make drinking lemon water during or after workouts more beneficial than plain water. 9. Detox Treatment A glass of warm lemon water (or at room temperature) after you brush your teeth in the morning will help flush out toxins. It will boost your energy as well, while delivering only 25 calories. Tip: Keep the water by your bed with a washed, pre-cut lemon you can simply squeeze into the water and drink. (If you don’t agree with this method, see #14.) 10. Shed Pounds Pectin is a soluble fiber that helps slow digestion. Drink lemon water before or during a meal and the pectin will make you feel full longer. 11. Energy Booster Lemon water can boost your energy level. Lemons are one of the few foods whose chemical makeup provides the body with more energy when it enters the digestive system. Even the scent is known to energize. That’s not all the scent of lemon does… 12. Mood Lifter The citrus smell of the yellow fruit can give your mood a lift, according to research. This fragrance can also sharpen your concentration and help to calm you if you get worked up. Could lemon water be a substitute for your morning cup of coffee? I’ll try switching if you do! 13. Warnings Drink lemon water through a straw to protect your enamel because the acid can wear away the protective covering of your teeth. If you have a delicate stomach or issues like a stomach ulcer, do not drink lemon water. It can lead to a lot of pain. 14. How To Make Lemon Water Lemon water is lemon juice squeezed into water. Squeeze half a lemon into two cups of room temperature or slightly heated water. For an entire pitcher, use a whole lemon. To get the maximum effect, use the entire lemon by adding lemon zest and slices of the remaining flesh. (Watch the video.) Stir, enjoy, and reap the health benefits. 15. Lemon Wedge? Simply dropping a lemon wedge into your water will provide nominal nutritional value. According to Laura Mager, a registered dietitian with Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia, “If adding the lemon (or any other fruit) helps you drink more water by making the water taste better, that’s a benefit.” Drinking more water is something 75% of our population needs to do.
