Have you ever wondered if this tart fruit could be put to
more uses than just flavoring your dishes?
There are enormous benefits to drinking lemon water. I do
so (multiple times) daily as a part of my health routine! Lemon is an inexpensive
and readily available citrus fruit long known for its culinary and medicinal
uses. Lemon juice contains about 5% citric acid (that’s what gives the juice
its signature tarty taste). It is also a rich source of vitamin C and contains
vitamin B, riboflavin, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, plus proteins
and carbohydrates.
Lemon water makes a healthy, tasty drink. Daily
consumption will provide a number of health benefits such as...
1.
Offers
an immune boost
Lemons contain a high amount
of Vitamin C and potassium. The vitamin C helps to fight off colds and the
potassium helps to stimulate brain and nerve function, as well as helps control
your blood pressure. An added bonus: lemons are also high in lutein, which
helps keep your eyes healthy.
2.
Balances
your pH
Over acidity is a very common
health concern. It promotes an internal environment that is conducive to
disease and inflammation, as opposed to a pH balanced environment which allows
normal body function necessary for the body to resist disease. A pH balanced
diet, according to many experts, is a vital key to the maintenance of good
health.
Although acidic on their own,
lemons have a very alkalizing affect on the body. Keeping your body slightly
alkaline by consuming alkalizing foods, like lemon water, daily is a great
strategy for overall health and wellness.
3.
Aids
your digestion
If you ever experience
indigestion, bloating or gas, sipping warm lemon water 10-15 minutes before you
eat will help with enzyme production in your gut and aid in the digestion of
your meal. The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and
muscle contraction within the intestinal walls to help keep things moving,
relieving constipation. The juice from a lemon also acts as a liver tonic and
helps you digest your food by producing more bile.
4.
Clears
up your skin
Lemon is a natural antiseptic
and can help to cure problems related to the skin, such as wrinkles and
blemishes. As mentioned earlier, lemon is very rich in vitamin C and daily
consumption can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. As a blood
purifier, lemons can help reduce blackheads and bring a glowing quality to your
skin. Lemon juice can also help fade scars when applied topically.
5.
Aids
in dental care
Lemon water can also be used
for dental care. If fresh lemon juice is applied to the area of a toothache, it
can help to reduce the pain. Massaging lemon juice on the gums can assist in
reducing bleeding and it can help relieve the bad smell related to certain
dental concerns.
6.
Helps
clear up throat infections
The juice from a lemon is an
excellent aid for fighting off problems related to throat infections, sore
throat and tonsillitis as it has antibacterial properties. To help soothe a
sore throat, dilute the juice of half a lemon with equal parts water and gargle
frequently.
BONUS: Water with lemon juice is an excellent source of
anti-oxidants, as well as Vitamin C, which both prevent the formation of free
radicals in the body. These free radicals are highly reactive cells than can
cause cell damage and death. Lemon water is as calorie-free as water alone, but
tastes delicious and provides many health benefits. Enjoy some today – I know I
will!