Health Talk: 10 Reasons Why You Should Drink Lemon Water

Lemon, a type of citrus fruit, is an excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your body by preventing or stopping damage caused by free radicals, or chemicals that harm cells.Lemons are rich in vitamins and minerals,



Whether you’re looking to improve your health or maintain your weight, here are 10 benefits of adding a splash of lemon to your water.

1. Helps with weight loss:
Who doesn’t want to drop a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight? Unfortunately, losing weight is easier said than done. Another benefit of lime water is that it helps control your weight. Citric acids can boost metabolism, helping you burn more calories and store less fat. Regular physical activity and portion control are important to losing excess pounds and weight control. Therefore, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week, and make half of each meal fruits and vegetables. To get your day off to a good start and rev your metabolism, drink a glass of lime water in the morning, or suck on a lime wedge before meals.

2. Rejuvenates skin:
Several skin care products claim to promote healthier, younger looking skin. But you don’t have to spend money on expensive products to improve the smoothness and appearance of your skin. Lemon contain vitamin C and flavonoids, the antioxidants that strengthen collagen. Drinking lemon water can hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. Vitamin C and flavonoids are also found in some topical skin care products. It is not recommended that you put lime juice directly on your skin since sun exposure after application can result in phytophotodermatitis, or a painful lime burn.

3. Improves digestion:
Drinking lemon water improves digestion. Lemons are acidic and they help saliva break down food for better digestion. Additionally, flavonoids in lemons stimulate secretion of digestive juices. If you suffer from constipation, the acidity of lemons can clear the excretory system and stimulate bowel activity. And if you deal with frequent heartburn or acid reflux, drinking a glass of warm water with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice about 30 minutes before meals may help prevent reflux symptoms.

4. Fights infections:
Your risk of an infection is higher during cold and flu season. If you want to stay healthy, sip on lime juice throughout the day. The vitamin C and antioxidants in limes can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off infections such as the cold and flu virus. It may also shorten the duration of an illness.

5. Lowers blood sugar:
As an excellent source of vitamin C, lemon can be helpful for people with diabetes. Lemons have a low glycemic index and help regulate how your body absorbs sugar into the bloodstream. As a result, you may experience fewer blood sugar spikes.

6. Reduces heart disease:
Lemons are a good source of magnesium and potassium, which promote heart health. Potassium can naturally lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation, which reduces your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Research is ongoing on lime compounds called limonins that may be able to reduce cholesterol levels. High blood pressure when combined with high cholesterol can harden and narrow blood vessels. They also raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.

7. Prevents cancer:
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, and it can develop in different parts of the body including the breasts, lungs, and kidneys. Drinking lime water can reduce your risk of developing cancer and help you fight the disease. The antioxidant properties in limes promote healthy cell growth and improve the function of your immune system.

8. Reduces inflammation:
Arthritis, gout, and other joint problems are caused by inflammation. Vitamin C can reduce the level of inflammation in your body, so adding lime juice to water can relieve symptoms of arthritis and similar conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness. Lemons can also reduce uric acid levels. Uric acid is a waste product the body produces when breaking down foods that contain purines, like meat, liver, mushrooms, and dried beans. High levels of uric acid can cause gout.

9. Balances pH:
Lemon/lime water has an alkalizing effect in the body as it is buffered. Even if you drink it just before any meal, it will help your body maintain a higher pH than if you didn't drink it. The higher or more alkaline your pH, the more your inner terrain is resistant to minor and major disease.

10. Stress Relief:
Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are chock full of vitamin C.

So start your day with a glass of lemon water.