While you may think you need berry blast smoothies or protein shakes, your number one drink for overall wellness is something a lot more simple; lemon water. Though it doesn’t sound as beneficial as your usual health beverage, starting every morning with a glass of warm lemon water is actually a ritual in Ayurveda or Yogic traditions, and current research on the nutritional elements found in lemons suggests that there are numerous health benefits to doing so.
You might be shocked and appalled at the suggestion of replacing your morning cup of tea or coffee with something so lack-lustre as lemon water, but starting you day this way can help kick-start digestion, which is great for weight control and overall health. The water doesn’t always have to be warm, but it should be purified. All you need to do us add half a fresh lemon to a large glass of water – which, at the very least, will make the ol’ H20 a little less boring. However, there are five health benefits of drinking lemon water that elevate drinking it for reasons beyond just taste, so why not give it a try?
1. It’s good for your immune system: As lemons are packed with the well-known antioxidant vitamin C, they can reduce your risk of respiratory infection. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is known for its supportive role in healthy immune function, as it demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, which is why lemon water can be used as a complementary wellness therapy for those whose wellbeing is affected by asthma. Plus, vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron more easily, which makes a major difference to your immune function. You’ll also find saponins in lemons, which further work to keep that cold and flu at bay.
2. It helps to alkalise your body: As lemons are tart, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were acidic. However, lemons are actually one of the more alkalising foods for your body, even though they contain both citric and ascorbic acid. These weak acids are easily metabolised from your body, which enables the mineral content of the lemons to help alkalise your blood.
3. It aids your digestion: Lemon has traditionally used as a digestive tonic and their citrus flavonol content is thought to be the reason why. It is believed that including lemon in your diet stimulates and purifies your liver, which supports digestive hydrochloric acid in your stomach and further aids digestion. Plus, lemon’s vitamin C super status, as we’ve previously seen, may have a part to play in reducing your risk of peptic ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
4. It gives you gorgeous skin: As the antioxidants found in lemons combat the damage of free radicals, drinking lemon water can give you clearer skin. UV exposure and environmental toxins cause free radical damage, which is responsible for many symptoms of ageing and skin damage. However, you can offset this damage and minimise your wrinkles, scars and age spots by consuming antioxidants. Moreover, you can directly apply lemon juice to scars and age spots to help reduce their appearance. Plus, as lemon water is believed to help purge toxins from your blood, it helps to keep your skin clear of blemishes.
5. It promotes healing: As well as aiding your immune system, ascorbic acid promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage. Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C make it an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.