Lemon in water has been a ritual of mine for over 10 years and I swear by it. Lemon can be drunk in diluted water of any temperature, although I prefer lukewarm in the morning to avoid putting any strain on my digestive system and it feels soothing like a tea.
Try drinking lemon in water on rising; squeeze half a lemon into lukewarm water (boil water and mix it with cold water until lukewarm).
The benefits are endless and here are 10 of the most significant:
1. Enhances the immune system
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and phytonutrients, making it an amazing tool in enhancing the immune system.
2. Improves digestion and constipation
Lemon in water increases the excretion of hydrochloric acid and bile, this in turn improves digestion and bowel movements.
3. Kills bacteria
Lemon increases the hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach, which is an excellent killer of bacteria and other pathogens that may have entered your body through food.
4. Major detoxifier
Lemon helps stimulate the liver’s detoxifying functions and increases bile excretion. Bile together with fibre are carriers of toxins, and together they help the body eliminate waste products and toxins. Lemon has a diuretic affect; meaning toxins are released at a faster rate through the kidneys. The citric acid in lemons can help decrease the risk of kidney stones
5. Improves blood pressure
Lemons are also high in potassium, which can help improve blood pressure.
6. Alkalising
Lemons are acidic, but once consumed they have an alkalising effect on the body. An acidic system is more prone to illnesses.
7. Helps with weight loss
Lemons are high in pectin fibre, given that you ingest some of the pulp from the lemon, which helps fight hunger. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster.
8. Clear and radiant skin
Lemon can improve liver and kidney function as well as digestive function, which in turn lead to improved bowel movements, better detoxification processes and increased alkalinity in the body. An improvement in all these functions will show up as better skin outwardly.
9. Anti-aging warrior
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that combats free radicals in your body all in the name of anti-ageing.
10. Hydration
After a long night’s sleep our cells are dehydrated and a great way to rehydrate them is by having something containing electrolytes. Lemons are rich in electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium and calcium.
There are many benefits of adding lemon to your water and if you make this a part of your every day life, not only will you have a new and easy resolution, you’ll have a wonderful morning ritual to help you take on your day.
Pernille Jensen is a nutritionist at the Mona Vale clinic. She is passionate about helping people get their old selves back, and her integrative approach sees her using high quality and high strength nutritional and herbal supports as well as offering scientific-based advice on diet and lifestyle. To make an appointment, call her on 02 9979 8887.
