Benefits of Lemon-Flavored Water

Benefits of Lemon-Flavored Water
Photo Credit lemon water image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com

Lemon juice has a variety of uses that make it a versatile and healthy choice. For flavoring water, skincare and beauty information website CareFair recommends using organic lemons and lukewarm water to avoid chemicals and pesticides that some growers use and to help your body better absorb the nutrients in lemon-flavored water. Lemon slices, or the juice from one-half of a lemon added to a cup of lukewarm water, are both refreshing and beneficial.

pH Regulator

For optimum health, your body tissue and fluid pH should fall within the range of 6.0 to 7.5. According to the Natural Health School website, pH balance --- or the balance of acid to alkaline --- is essential to keep your body disease-resistant and functioning normally. Acidic body tissues weaken your body's defense mechanisms by depleting alkaline reserves, making it more vulnerable to disease. Because many common foods are also moderately to highly acidic, the alkalizing effects of lemon-flavored water can help restore your body to a more normal pH.

Digestive Aid

If you suffer from digestive problems due to low production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes, lemon-flavored water can help replace a portion of these substances and enhance digestion by stimulating bile production, the Lemon-Info website reports. As your digestive system becomes more efficient, burping, flatulence and constipation, also associated with poor digestion, begin to disappear. In addition, the antibacterial properties of lemon water help kill disease-causing bacteria in your digestive tract.

Common Cold Relief

Lemon water can decrease the amount of phlegm your body produces and relieve congestion that results from an illness such as a common cold. In addition, lemon-flavored water helps break up and loosen phlegm in your lungs and trachea, preventing the development of serious illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. If a sore throat or tonsillitis accompanies your cold, frequent gargling with lemon water can provide relief as an antiseptic that helps kill bacteria and viruses, according to health and wellness website LifeMojo.

Skin Care

Lemon-flavored water has vitamin C-related antioxidant properties that can benefit the health and appearance of your skin. As an antioxidant, lemon water helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles from developing as the result of cell damage and the aging process. Adding lemon flavoring can also encourage you to drink more water throughout the day, helping your body stay cleansed, purified and well hydrated.

References

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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