15 Brilliant Benefits And Uses Of Lemon You Need To Know
Starting your day off with warm lemon water is thought to have a ton of health benefits – and it’s been an Ayurvedic practice for a long time. Read on to learn about the health benefits of drinking lemon water first thing in the morning.
Why lemons?
Lemons are packed like a clown car with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. (Fun fact: they contain more potassium than apples or grapes!)
Because of how hard lemon juice can be on the enamel of your teeth, it’s important to dilute it with water of any temperature (though lukewarm is recommended). Drink it first thing in the morning, and wait 15 to 30 minutes to have breakfast. This will help you fully receive the benefits of lemon water, which are listed below.
1.Supports Immune Function
Citrus fruits like lemon are high in vitamin C and ascorbic acid. Vitamin C can help fight colds and and the ascorbic acid helps iron absorption which also plays a role in immune function. Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection completely.
2.Aids in Digestion
Not only does the warm water help to stimulate the GI tract, but the lemons are believed to stimulate and purify the liver. It also helps digestive acids with digestion and elimination.
3. Excellent source of potassium.
As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.
4. Alkalizes the Body
If your body is in a chronic pH imbalance, it’s susceptible to disease. Even though lemons seem acidic, they are extremely alkalizing and a great way to ensure your pH balance is where it should be especially if your diet is heavy in meat, cheese and/or alcohol.
5. Freshens your breath.
It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis (say wha?). Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it.
6.Helps Detox
Lemon water is a natural diuretic, which means it helps your body flush liquid and toxins along with it. The citric acid can also help maximize enzymes which stimulates the liver.
7.It’s an Energizer
Though I hesitate to even consider giving up my morning coffee, many people swear they can easily give it up after a few days of lemon water. The combination of water and lemon helps to hydrate and oxygenate the blood, leaving you feeling great!
8.Keeps Skin Beautiful
Chronic dehydration can leave skin looking dull, so start your day on the right foot with lemon water. Vitamin C plays a critical role in maintaining healthy skin and the antioxidants can combat aging factors. The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.
9. Helps you lose weight.
Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings.
10. Reduces inflammation.
If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.
11.Improve brain health
Lemon peels contain a special phytonutrient called tangeretin. This potent nutrient has been proven useful at treating brain conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, as it protects the brain cells from decaying.
12. Helps to cut out caffeine.
I didn’t believe this until I tried it, but replacing my morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water has really done wonders! I feel refreshed, and no longer have to deal with that pesky afternoon crash. Plus, my nerves are thankful.
13. Strengthen your fingernails.
If your fingernails are yellow and brittle, it’s time to apply a mixture of lemon juice and olive oil. The oil and acid mixture will harden your nails, preventing them from cracking or breaking easily. It can strengthen the nail beds, and will even whiten them when they have turned yellow.
14. Soothe chapped lips.
Applying a bit of lemon to your lips will help to prevent chapping, and can exfoliate the lips to remove dead skin cells. Rub lemon on at night and wash it off the next morning for the ultimate lip-healing remedy.
15.Cleanse your organs.
Lemon contains citric acid, which can dissolve calcium deposits, kidney stones, and even gallstones. Flush all these potentially painful build-ups from your organs to keep them running smoothly.
How much?
For those who weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of juice into a glass of water. If over 150 pounds, use an entire lemon’s juice. You can of course dilute the lemon juice more, depending on your personal taste.
Not only are the benefits of lemon water endless, it’s one of the most substantial yet simple changes you can make for your health.
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