Lemon water has been a popular drink for decades. But have you ever wondered why? Lemon water has many health benefits beyond its refreshing taste. Read on to learn them all.
Lemon water with a dash of honey is a staple drink for many. That’s because lemon water has long been hailed as a simple yet powerful elixir for overall health and well-being, especially when taken in the morning. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and a refreshing acidity, this citrus-infused beverage is packed with health benefits. Let’s take a look at the science-backed benefits of incorporating lemon water into your morning routine.
Health benefits of lemon water
Health Shots reached out to Divya Gopal, Consultant Dietitian and Nutritionist at the Mother and Child Hospital in Banashankari, Bangalore, to find out all the reasons why you should drink lemon water every day. Here are 11 potential health benefits of drinking lemon water daily.
1. Increase hydration
Proper hydration is very important for overall health. Lemon water is a delicious way to increase your daily water intake. Staying hydrated aids digestion, supports healthy skin, and helps your body function optimally.
2. Rich in Vitamin C
Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant known to support the immune system, aid wound healing, aid in collagen production, and improve skin and connective tissue health. In fact, it protects cells from damage.
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3. Aids digestion
Lemon water stimulates the production of digestive fluids such as bile, which helps the digestive system break down food more efficiently. It also reduces indigestion and bloating. Drinking a glass of warm lemon water in the morning is a common practice to revitalize the digestive process.
4. Weight management
Due to its fiber and water content, lemon water promotes satiety, suppresses hunger, and helps with weight loss by reducing caloric intake. Additionally, the citric acid found in lemons may support proper digestion and metabolism, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
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5. Supports Heart Health
Lemon water contributes to heart health in many ways. Potassium content helps lower blood pressure, and antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing oxidative damage to arteries. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and staying hydrated are both essential for cardiovascular health.
6. Promotes glowing skin.
The antioxidants in lemon water, especially vitamin C, promote healthy, glowing skin. Vitamin C helps fight skin aging by reducing wrinkles and age spots. Plus, the hydration provided by lemon water helps keep your skin hydrated and glowing.
7. Prevention of kidney stones
The citric acid in lemon increases the level of citrate in the urine, which inhibits stone formation and may help prevent kidney stone formation. However, too much lemon juice can cause kidney stones in some people because it contains oxalates.
8. Good for oral health
Lemon water helps maintain oral health. Lemon juice is acidic and can erode tooth enamel, but diluting it with water reduces this risk. Because lemon water has antibacterial properties, it can also help with bad breath and gingivitis.
9. Boosts immunity
As mentioned earlier, vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster. Regular consumption of lemon water can protect your body from common ailments such as colds and flu. It also helps in wound healing and tissue repair.
10. Lemon water is alkaline
Lemons are acidic, but have alkaline properties. This helps balance the body’s pH levels and create an environment that is less prone to disease. An alkaline body is believed to promote good health.
11. Reduce stress
The scent of lemon has a calming effect and is known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. The ritual of preparing and drinking warm lemon water calms the mind, reduces tension, and promotes relaxation.
When is the best time to drink lemon water?
The best time to drink lemon water is in the morning on an empty stomach. Practicing this habit will boost your metabolism, speed up your digestion, and provide you with plenty of hydration. However, the citric acid in lemons can irritate tooth enamel, so it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water.
Is it better to drink warm lemon water or cold lemon water?
Choosing between hot and cold lemon water depends a lot on your preferences and goals. Warm lemon water is calming and may aid digestion as it may stimulate digestive enzymes. Cold lemon water, on the other hand, is refreshing and hydrating, making it ideal for hot weather. Both have vitamin C and hydration benefits, so the decision must be made by yourself.
