According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, it is best to drink water with and between every meal, as well as before, during and after exercising. That’s a lot of water, and many people get tired of the plain taste. One of the most popular ways to spice up your daily water intake is by adding lemon, cayenne and ginger to it. Drinking lemon water is a long established folk remedy for weight loss and detox. Adding cayenne and ginger to water also has proven health benefits.
Water
Drinking enough water is important to keep you hydrated so that your organs and systems function properly. It is also important for your looks, as some of the signs of dehydration are sagging, drawn skin and brittle hair and nails. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no one perfect formula for deciding how much water you need, but the basic "8 by 8" rule—8 ounces of water, eight times a day—is a good rule of thumb.
Lemons
Lemon juice contains high levels of potassium and vitamin C. A strong antioxidant, lemon juice is also a mild diuretic, so adding lemons to your drinking water can help support your liver and kidneys in their natural job of flushing out toxins.
Cayenne Pepper
The substance in cayenne pepper that gives it the spicy flavor is called capsaicin, which has been proven effective against pain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, capsaicin is an ingredient found in over-the-counter topical medicines for arthritis and shingles. When taken orally, capsaicin is also known for its ability to temporarily raise body temperature and regulate blood sugar. Capsaicin is also being studied for its possible benefits in treating obesity. Because of its strong taste, it’s more pleasant to add powdered cayenne to lemon water and ginger.
Ginger
Ginger has been a staple of Eastern medicine for centuries, mainly used to aid digestion and ease nausea. It is also widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain. Pickled ginger has some antimicrobial properties. It is served with sushi to war off sickness if the fish is a bit tainted, and to cleanse the palate and aid digestion. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, powdered ginger has been known to cause gas, bloating, heartburn and nausea, so it is best to use paper-thin slices of fresh or pickled ginger in your lemon water and cayenne mixture.
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