Starting every morning with a glass of warm lemon water is actually a
ritual in Ayurveda or Yogic traditions, used to stimulate digestion for the day
and clear the body of any toxins that may have settled in the digestive tract
overnight.
We tend to reach for those warm
beverages in the morning like coffee and tea, but try starting your day with
some warm lemon water first to kick-start digestion. The water doesn’t always
have to be warm, but it should be purified. Simply use half a fresh lemon per
large glass of water or to taste and sip throughout the day. On a simple level,
fresh lemons take plain old water up a notch. Here are 5 health benefits of
drinking lemon water that elevate drinking it for reasons beyond just taste:
1.
Support
immune function:
Lemons are high in antioxidant vitamin C, known for its supportive role in
healthy immune function which may reduce the risk of respiratory infection.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons demonstrates anti-inflammatory
effects, and is used as complementary support for asthma and other respiratory
symptoms. Lemons also contain SAPONIN, which help keep cold and flu at bay.
Last but not least, ascorbic acid enhances iron absorption in the body; iron
plays an important role in immune function.
2. Alkalize the body: Lemons have alkalizing properties.
Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid, weak acids easily metabolized
from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize the
blood.
3. Aid digestion: Citrus flavonols are believed used
as digestive tonic. Believed to stimulate and purify the liver, lemon juice is
traditionally understood to support digestive hydrochloric acid in the stomach
further aiding digestion. Vitamin C reduces risk of peptic ulcers caused by the
bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
4. Clear skin: Vitamin C and other antioxidants in
lemons combat free radical damage. Free radical damage — especially as caused
by UV exposure and environmental toxins — is responsible for many symptoms of
aging. Antioxidant intake can help offset this damage, minimizing wrinkles.
Further, lemon juice can be applied topically to scars and age spots to help
reduce their appearance. Traditionally used as a liver stimulant, lemon water
is also believed to help purge toxins from the blood, helping to keep skin
clear of blemishes.
5. Promote healing: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in
abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in
the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage10. As noted
previously, vitamin C also displays anti-inflammatory properties. Combined,
vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and
recovery from stress and injury.