Hint: add some lemon!
Hint: add some lemon!
If you follow me, you consider yourself pretty savvy when it comes to your health. You exercise regularly, catch a yoga class, eat your veggies… maybe even meditate. But did you know that there is one ultra-simple thing that you can add to your morning routine that checks a ton of those health benefit boxes? Lemon water. That’s right, lemon water. And, as far as routines go, this one’s a snap! Slice a lemon, toss it into a tall glass (along with some sliced cucumber if you like), and top it off with lukewarm (not warm, not cold) water. To get the most bang for your buck, it’s best to drink it first thing in the morning, about 15 minutes before you eat breakfast. If you are one of those folks who have gone back to the office… mornings are hectic! No worries. Simply transfer your lemon water into a water bottle, toss it in your bag and drink up while you’re en route to work. Intrigued to learn more?
Here are 7 benefits to drinking lemon water every morning:
1. Gives your immune system a boost
In these times of COVID, your immune system is more important than ever! Like previously mentioned, lemons are loaded with Vitamin C which pretty much can act like jumper cables for our immune system. The level of Vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re overly stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra Vitamin C during especially stressful days.
2. It helps with weight loss
There are various theories as to why drinking lemon water in the morning may assist with weight loss. Firstly, lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings throughout the day. Secondly, as lemon water aids in digestion (see below) it can help keep things moving (if you know what we mean) which can assist with keeping our weight balanced. And finally, lemon water is a healthier substitute for sugary orange juice or a store-bought smoothie.
3. Aids with digestion
If you noticed above that I suggested using lukewarm, not cold or even hot water, here’s why: Warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis – the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons (and limes) are also high in essential minerals and vitamins which can help loosen and get rid of toxins in the digestive tract.
4. Cleanses your liver
That morning glass of lemon water helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function and by stimulating your liver. And, your liver is your fat burner!
5. Provides you with 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!) Lemons also stimulate energy and can help enhance your mood. How? Both lemons and limes are one of the few foods that contain more negative charged ions than positive ones, which provide your body with a boost of energy when it enters your digestive tract. The refreshing scent of lemon also has mood enhancing and energizing properties. Its fresh and citrusy smell can brighten your mood and help clear your mind.
6. Brightens your skin
Lemons are naturally rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C has been shown time and time again to help decrease wrinkles and reduce the occurrence of blemishes (which we all know are NOT just for teenagers). Lemon water also purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear and radiant as well.
7. Keeps your brain healthy
Lemons may be best known for their high levels of the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C, but they also are rich in potassium, an important mineral that works alongside sodium for a smooth electrical transmission in the brain and nervous system. It has been shown that foods rich in potassium can also help reduce depression, anxiety, fogginess, and forgetfulness. So, if you’re feeling like your brain is a bit sluggish, don’t forget to reach for that glass of lemon water tomorrow morning!
