Preparing lemon water is straightforward: combine lemon juice with warm water. Warm water is preferable to cold, as it is processed more easily by the body. Regular consumption of lemon water can offer benefits such as:
Benefits of Lemon Water for the Cardiovascular System and Blood
1) It may reduce the risk of stroke.
A single lemon provides 51 percent of the daily Vitamin C requirement for an average adult. Vitamin C is known to help prevent strokes and heart disease. For instance, in 2000, the journal "Stroke" published a 20-year study from Japan, tracking over 2,100 initially healthy volunteers aged 40 or above from 1977 to 1997. Out of them, 196 suffered strokes. The study revealed that those who had strokes had lower Vitamin C intake compared to others.
2) IT CAN PREVENT IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Lemons have a bit of iron, but they're rich in citric acid and Vitamin C, which enhance the body's absorption of non-heme iron. While heme iron from animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish is easily absorbed, the body struggles more with plant-based non-heme iron. Lemons can aid in iron absorption, thus lowering the risk of iron-deficiency anemia.
3. Help reduce cholesterol levels.
Lemons are rich in fiber and phytochemicals such as diosmin and hesperidin, which can aid in lowering cholesterol. A study published in the "Nutrition Research" journal in 1994 observed two groups of female volunteers on low-fiber and high-fiber diets for four weeks. The results showed that women on high-fiber diets had reduced cholesterol levels compared to those on low-fiber diets.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF LEMON WATER
4. IT'S A RICH SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Beyond Vitamin C, lemons are packed with plant-derived compounds called flavonoids and contain trace amounts of manganese.
5. IT'S RICH IN VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient and a potent antioxidant. Consuming lemon water boosts your Vitamin C intake.
6. IT PROMOTES INCREASED WATER INTAKE
The outdated guideline to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily doesn't hold true for everyone. Water needs vary based on age, weight, activity level, and environment. It's recommended to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. For instance, a person weighing 150 pounds should aim for 75 ounces of water daily.
Flavoring water with lemon juice can make it more palatable, helping individuals meet their hydration needs.
7. IT HELPS WITH APPETITE CONTROL AND WEIGHT LOSS
Lemon juice not only keeps you satiated for a longer period but also contains a mere four calories per tablespoon. To fully benefit from its appetite-suppressing properties, it's best to drink a glass about thirty minutes before a meal.
8. AIDING IN REDUCING COFFEE CONSUMPTION
For those looking to cut down on caffeine, lemon water has proven to be an effective substitute. However, consuming cold beverages and foods can increase the stomach's workload, as it must expend energy to maintain the body's core temperature instead of focusing on digestion. To avoid this, it's advisable to consume fluids that are at least room temperature.
9. METABOLISM BOOSTER
Lemon water can boost metabolism, allowing the body to utilize calories more efficiently, aiding in weight loss.
10. COMBATING DEHYDRATION
Lemon water is a nutritious beverage that supplies the body with essential electrolytes, aiding in hydration. Electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium play a crucial role in regulating nerve impulses and maintaining hydration levels.
BENEFITS OF LEMON WATER FOR THE EXCRETORY SYSTEM
11. IT CAN PREVENT KIDNEY STONES
In 2008, the "Journal of Endourology" published a study that compared various citric juices, both natural and commercial. The study revealed that freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices had the highest concentrations of citric acid, which helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. In contrast, beverage mixes like Crystal Light and Kool-Aid had the lowest concentrations.
12. IT ALLEVIATES URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
It alleviates the pain associated with urinary tract infections. Although lemons are acidic, they produce an alkalizing effect on urine, which can make urination less painful during a UTI. However, it is still recommended to obtain antibiotics for the infection.
13. IT AIDS IN HANGOVER RECOVERY
Lemons, like most fruits, contain a sugar known as fructose, which can assist in metabolizing alcohol more quickly, thereby shortening the duration of hangovers. Various recipes are available that help alleviate hangover symptoms.
BENEFITS FOR THE IMMUNE AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS
14. IT STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Lemon water possesses antibacterial properties that combat infections and is rich in Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system.
15. REGULATES THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Its anti-inflammatory properties aid in preventing upper respiratory infections such as colds.
16. REDUCES MUCUS BUILD-UP
It helps clear sinuses by thinning out mucus.
17. EASES COLDS
It alleviates coughing and soothes sore throats. A common cold remedy involves blending lemon juice with warm water and adding honey. The healing properties of honey enhance the effectiveness of this remedy.
BENEFITS FOR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM FROM LEMON WATER
18. IT IMPROVES MOOD AND BALANCES EMOTIONS
Adding turmeric to lemon water can create a beverage that may alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Turmeric, an Indian spice, possesses various healing attributes, such as the ability to enhance serotonin levels and decrease cortisol production, potentially reducing depression.
A turmeric lemonade recipe might include:
- 5 cups of water
- ½ cup of lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons of freshly grated turmeric root
- 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- ½ cup of orange juice (optional)
To prepare, boil the water and transfer it to a jar with the turmeric and ginger. Allow it to steep for at least 10 minutes. Incorporate the honey until fully dissolved. Strain the blend, add the lemon juice, and cool. Adjust the flavor with additional orange juice or lemon juice as desired.
19. It enhances brain function:
Lemons are rich in potassium, essential for brain and nerve cell health.
20. It can mitigate headaches:
A blend of green tea and lemon juice may serve as an effective headache remedy.
21. It supports eye health:
The vitamin C in lemons may bolster eyesight and guard against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Additional benefits of lemon water are also noted.
22. IT RELIEVES FEVER
Lemon juice may help break a fever by promoting sweating.
23. IT BENEFITS THE SKIN
It purifies the skin and diminishes wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging signs. A staff writer at “Power of Positivity” drank it daily for a month and noticed clearer, less oily skin.
24. IT EASES CONSTIPATION
Water alone can alleviate constipation by softening stools. The acidity of lemon juice supports digestion. Drinking lemon water twice daily, before breakfast and bedtime, may treat constipation.
25. IT ENHANCES DIGESTIVE EFFICIENCY
Lemon water maintains regular digestion and wards off constipation, especially when consumed warm or hot in the morning.
26. IT LESSENS JOINT INFLAMMATION AND EASES PAIN
Drinking it after an intense workout in the gym can counteract the uric acid that can cause sore muscles. Lemon juice is also a diuretic that can flush out the bacteria and toxins that cause joint inflammation.
27. IT FRESHENS BREATH
Lemon water eliminates oral bacteria and keeps the mouth moist, preventing their return.
28. IMPROVES DENTAL HEALTH
It combats gingivitis and can alleviate tooth pain.
29. PROTECTS CELLS FROM FREE RADICALS
Lemons are rich in flavonoids, potent antioxidants. Rat studies suggest lemon flavonoids may shield cells. However, human studies are lacking.
30. AIDS THE LIVER
Lemon water is thought to purify and detoxify the body. A compound in lemons, limonene, has demonstrated such effects in rodents, but human clinical trials are yet to be conducted.
In summary, lemon water offers various health advantages, is simple to make, and can be flavored with additions like mint for enhanced taste.
Source: powerofpositivity.com
