7 benefits to drinking lemon water in the morning

We have all heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what about lemons? Lemons have huge health benefits, and not only have the potential to keep the doctor away, but the cosmetic surgeon as well, and will definitely assist in losing weight.

What is in a lemon?

Apart from being high in vitamin C, lemons also contain powerful antioxidants such as Naringenin which is a free radical scavenger, anti inflammatory and immune system modulator. Vitamin A is also contained in lemons and is required for the healthy maintenance of skin and vision. Flavonoid anti-oxidants contained in lemons also help to protect the body from some types of cancer. Then add calcium, potassium, mineral traces and pectin fibre and we have a ‘super food’.

How to Use

Buy your lemons fresh each week to ensure that you are not losing nutritional value through deterioration, and store them in the fridge. (If you happen to live in a temperate or tropical region, there is nothing more satisfying than growing your own lemons.)

Each morning, cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a glass of room temperature water or slightly warm water. If you use hot water, you may lose some of the nutritional value of the lemon juice. It also helps to make sure that you drink your lemon water before brushing your teeth, because the acidity in the lemon can have a detrimental effect on tooth enamel if left on the teeth each day over a period of time.

Health Benefits

• The vitamin C will help to protect the body against immune system deficiencies and may shorten the effects of colds and flu

• Pectin fibre is of great benefit to the colon, staving off constipation. It also serves as an antibacterial agent

• Lemon water will aid your body by helping to flush out toxins- Drinking lemon water first thing will aid your digestion for the day

• Lemon juice helps to break down uric acid which can collect around joints causing pain and discomfort

• Potassium is needed by your brain and nerves- Lemon water will assist in maintaining your eye health

How Does It Help With Weight Loss?

Lemon water taken early in the day will help to balance your blood sugar levels and thereby will lessen cravings.

And finally, if you want glowing skin and want to fight off wrinkles and signs of ageing, try a glass of lemon water each morning, and you too can put off that visit to the cosmetic surgeon!