Getting its start as a natural hybridization between citron and bitter orange, lemon has indisputably become one of the most popular fruits in the world. It seems like every kitchen always has at least a few ready to save the day. Whether it’s used for cleaning, dressing, flavouring, or simply freshening up the abode, the lemon does it all, and it does it well.

Lemon provides an impressive amount of vitamin C and is a good source of various B vitamins and minerals. However, with a bitter skin and a piquant yet intensely sour flesh, the lemon is rarely eaten on its own. And it’s true that you might not always have a dish that requires a healthy squeeze of lemon, but there is a simple way to take advantage of the rich vitamins and powerful antioxidants it contains: lemon water.

You’ve been told to drink warm lemon water the first thing in the morning to aid digestion, but there are also a tonne of other benefits that come with this easy, all-day-everyday beverage. You’re already drinking water anyways, so why not make it healthier and tastier?

Lemon not only gives your water a nutritional and flavour boost but also:

1. Aids in digestion.

Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning or after a meal can significantly improve digestion, as the citrus increases bile production and stabilizes hydrochloric acid level.

2. Enhances your immune system.

Vitamin C is just one of the many nutrients that lemon offers. It also contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids, which help fight free radicals and also known to prevent capillary fragility. Other nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin A, iron, magnesium, fibre, calcium potassium, folate, pectin, and copper are all crucial in keeping the body healthy.

3. Prevents and dissolves kidney stones.

The high content of citrate in lemon helps dissolve and prevent kidney stones. Kidney stones form when the urine becomes overly saturated with stone-forming salts, which occurs when there is a lack of citrate.

4. Energizes your body and mood.

Oftentimes, the fatigue, sluggishness, and lack of mental clarity are due to a lack of healthy fluids. A generous squeeze of lemon juice in your water will provide enough citric acid and fluid to get you going. Try skipping your morning coffee and carbonated soda next time when you’re feeling a bit slow.

5. Kick-starts your metabolism.

Drinking a glass of lemon water not only helps digestion but also stimulates your organs and increases metabolism rates by up to 30 percent. The pectin fibre will cut your cravings and reduce those unpleasant hunger pangs throughout the day.

6. Cleanses the body system.

The citric acid found in lemons can help raise enzyme function, which stimulates the liver and, as a result, assists in detoxification. Your organs work hard when you’re asleep, so a tall glass of lemon water will help flush out metabolic waste, as well as increase the rate of urination, which helps flush out unwanted toxins.

7. Improves your skin health.

Lemon juice has the ability to even out your complexion, reduce blemishes, and dry out acne. With a healthy dose in your water, you can expect hydrated, radiant, and firm skin. In addition, vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is your body’s method of retaining healthy, elasticity in the skin.

8. Increases cognitive function.

Almost 3/4 of your brain is made up of water, so when you’re dehydrated, you will more than likely feel foggy and slow. Pair this with a dose of potassium from your lemon juice to keep your nerve and cognitive functions sharp, and your body strong and nimble.

9. Relieves respiratory symptoms.

Mild respiratory symptoms can be relieved and improved significantly by drinking lemon water. The liquid hydrates the mucous membranes and linings, and the antioxidants help with general symptoms that may be caused by allergies, asthma, or common diseases.

How should you make your lemon water?

It can be as simple as squeezing a lemon generously into your glass of water, but certain phytochemicals and phytonutrients are mostly found in the bitter skin, which we often tend to neglect. So next time you’re cutting up a lemon to enhance your water, remember to grate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the mix.

And if you’re really feeling adventurous and have a few extra minutes on the clock, throw some cucumbers, strawberries, and basil into your healthy lemon water for an amplified boost. Infused water is all about personal preference, but there are many detoxifying recipes out there to jumpstart your creativity.

What do you think about lemon water? Is it already part of your routine?

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Sources:

http://wellnessmama.com/35192/benefits-of-lemon-water/

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-lemon-water-you-didnt-know-about.html

https://www.davidwolfe.com/20-incredible-things-that-happen-when-adding-warm-lemon-water-to-your-morning-routine/