The health benefits of lemons are endless, from assisting with weight loss, aiding digestion and boosting immunity. Try adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to warm water first thing in the morning to kick start your digestion. Add flavour to still or sparkling water to drink throughout the day and if you have a juicer make sure to juice the whole lemon, skin, pith and flesh for the full benefits
Here are 10 great reasons why lemons can give your lifestyle a boost…
1. Boosts your immune system
Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.
2. Balances pH
Drinking lemon water every day will reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.
3. Helps with weight loss
Lemons are high in pectin fibre, which helps fight hunger cravings. Studies have also shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet (see #2) lose weight faster.
4. Lemon water aids digestion
Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile, an acid that is required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.
5. Is a diuretic
Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, helping to purify it. Toxins are therefore released at a faster rate helping to keep your urinary tract healthy.
6. Clears skin
The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood helping to keep skin clear. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.
7. Freshens breath
Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should monitor this. (According to dental experts drinking your lemon water through a straw can lessen these effects)
8. Can help relieve respiratory problems
Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s also thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies.
9. Keeps you Zen
Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are full of vitamin C.
10. Helps kick the coffee habit
Having a glass of hot lemon water may help curb your coffee cravings in the morning.