Few fruits have such a sunny disposition as lemons. They have always been cherished for their significant medicinal qualities. The ancient people of India, China and Mesopotamia regularly used lemons to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, while the ancient Egyptians took advantage of the fruit’s antiseptic qualities and embalmed their mummies in its juices. Later, in 15th century Europe, lemons were recognized as the perfect cure for scurvy.
Packed with antioxidants and other health benefits, a glass of water with the juice of half a lemon revitalises the body and mind. Here are 10 reasons (which we have complied) to drink it first thing:
1. Supports the immune system: The juice of half a lemon in a glass of water is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and assists the body in fighting colds and flu. Lemon also contains saponins, which have antimicrobial properties that help keep infections at bay. Plus, lemon enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron, an important nutrient for a healthy immune system.
2. Aids digestion: Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract. A daily glass of warm lemon water helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating. It helps cleanse the bowel by flushing out waste more efficiently and stimulates the release of gastric juices, which aid digestion.
3. Repairs skin: Daily consumption of warm lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. The vitamin C in lemon water also plays an important role in the production of collagen, the main structural protein of our connective tissues. This fact makes lemon water an excellent natural tonic for our skin. The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.
4. Aids in weight loss: If you are trying to lose weight, drinking a glass of warm lemon water with honey will definitely help you reach your goal. Lemon is high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings and keeps you feeling full for a longer time. Also, the combination of warm water, honey and lemon creates a more alkaline atmosphere in your stomach helping you lose weight faster.
5. Balances pH levels: Lemons are one of the most alkalising foods for the body and a good pH level is essential as too much acidity in the body can be inflammatory. Drinking lemon water regularly on an empty stomach in the morning helps remove overall acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints that is one of the primary causes of pain and inflammation.
6. Freshens breath: A glass of lemon water is also a healthier morning wake-you-up than coffee. The antiseptic qualities in lemon juice help kill off bad bacteria in the mouth by acting as a disinfectant. It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis. Lemon water also helps get rid of the white film on your tongue that usually develops while you sleep. This white film consists of decaying food and bacteria that cause bad breath.
7. Cleanses and detoxifies the system: Lemon water is packed with an antioxidant called d-Limonene, which is known to have a cleansing and detoxifying effect on the body. Lemon water acts as a liver cleanser by assisting in detoxification. It purifies and stimulates the liver by encouraging the production of bile, an acid required for digestion. Lemon water can also help control excess bile flow, decrease the amount of phlegm produced by the body and assist in dissolving gallstones.
8. Fights fatigue: A small amount of lemon juice will quench thirst more effectively than many times the amount of water. Experienced travelers declare that when they add lemon juice to ordinary drinking water, in various localities, it acts as an antiseptic and prevents illness due to allergy to different water supplies. Lemon oil also seems to be able to stimulate brain activity so whenever you feel tired for no reason or are finding it hard to focus or concentrate, add 4 drops of lemon oil to a water-filled aromatherapy lamp. Alternatively, drink a glass of lemon water every few hours.
9. Protects overall health: High levels of potassium in lemons can help brain and nerve functioning and control blood pressure. Lemon water can also ward off stress and depression, which have been linked to low levels of potassium. Lemons also contain vitamin P, which improves capillary permeability and overall blood flow.
10. Gives you an energy boost: Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!)