There are numerous drinks which can offer us health benefits, from smoothies which are packed with protein, pre-workout beverages which energise and keep us hydrated, and herbal teas which can soothe the stomach and cleanse the body – they each have a functional purpose which can make us feel healthier. But there are some less obvious choices which could make you feel better throughout the day and can keep your digestive system ticking along at a more regular pace – for example, the easy to prepare and quick lemon water could be a boon to your healthy eating regime, and it only requires two ingredients! The process of starting each day with a glass of warm lemon water is a feature of Yogic or Ayurvedic traditions, helping to stimulate the digestion throughout the day and clear out any toxins which have built up in the body. Research has even proven that the nutritional elements found in lemons could have a merit when it comes to your diet. While the usual wake-up call is a cup of hot coffee or tea, a simple mixture of warm lemon water could really kick-start your digestion and set you up for the day – and it’s tasty too. While the water doesn’t always have to be warm, it does need to be purified in order to reap the maximum amount of rewards. You will need half a fresh lemon for each glass of water, or to taste, which you can sip throughout the day. Here are five ways it can help your health.
1- Lemons are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, so they’re great for supporting your immune system to keep your body from developing disease. This can help lower the risk of respiratory infections and other ailments. Many people don’t realise that ascorbic acid (which is vitamin C) can also offer anti-inflammatory effects, which can help people with asthma and other respiratory effects. This acid can also help with the absorption of iron in the body.
2 – Lemons are fantastic for alkalising foods for the body, as they contain both citric and ascorbic acid, weak acids are easily metabolised from the body allowing the minerals in the lemons to alkalise the blood.
3 – They aid digestion which is why they are used as a digestive tonic, and many people think that it can help to purify the liver. Studies have shown that it can also help to support the digestive acids in the stomach, which can further aid your digestion and limit bloating. The high levels of vitamin C in lemons has been linked with a lower risk of peptic ulcers, surprisingly, which is caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
4 – If you’re trying to boost the appearance of your skin, vitamin C has long been associated with clear skin – this is because it’s an antioxidant which can help to combat free radical damage, a leading contributor of ageing. Free radical damage is connected to the damage caused by UV damage and environmental toxins, but upping your intake of antioxidants can help to offset the damage caused. Lemon juice can also be applied topically to scars and age spots to reduce the appearance. In traditional medicine, lemon juice was used as a liver stimulant, as it can help to purge toxins from the body and this can also help to keep your skin clear of blemishes.
5 – The ascorbic acid in lemons helps to promote the healing of wounds, as well as helping to maintain healthy bones, connective tissues and cartilage. As already stated, the anti inflammatory properties of lemons can help with swellings in joints, to combat arthritic conditions, as well as helping to maintain good health and the recovery of stress and injury.