Drinking water regularly helps nourish your body. Adding a few slices of fresh, organic lemon to a large glass of water in the morning has additional health benefits. Fresh lemon juice provides several cleansing properties and vitamins, according to "The Secret Benefits of Lemon and Honey."
Alkalizing Tonic
Despite lemons acidity level, they have a strong alkaline effect on the body when ingested. The optimum pH level for the human bloodstream is 7.4, says "The Secret Benefits of Lemon and Honey." The kidneys filter blood and regulate body chemistry to maintain pH. However, if you consume too much acid-forming food, your pH balance will alter and lean toward being more acidic and less alkaline. Most processed foods, meat, dairy and cooked foods are acid-forming. Alkaline foods include raw fruits, vegetables and sprouts. Lemons are strongly alkaline-forming and will help restore your body to its natural pH levels, according to author Susana L. Belen, "Detox and Revitalization."
Vitamin C
Lemons are one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C. One whole large lemon contains approximately 44.5 mg of vitamin C, which provides 74 percent of the USDA recommended daily value of vitamin C. If you juice a few lemons a day in water, this will provide you with more than your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, according to the USDA Nutrient Database.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are plant compounds that give most fruits their color. Lemons contain a high amount of the bioflavonoid quercetin. Quercetin boosts the body's immune system, stimulates the production of insulin and helps balance the body's blood sugar. Bioflavonoids, in general, are strong antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals. They may help prevent cancer, says author Theresa Cheung, "The Lemon Diet Diet."
Pectin
The pectin in lemon stimulates the production of bile and supports the pancreas organ, according to author Vijaya Kumar, "The Secret Benefits of Lemon and Honey." Kumar also says pectin has also been known to protect against intestinal cancers.
Potassium
Lemons also have potassium. An individual lemon contains 116 mg of potassium. Potassium is an important mineral for electrolyte and water balance in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health. Throughout the day, electrolytes, including potassium, are lost through sweat. Replenishing your potassium levels in the morning is beneficial to prevent deficiencies or risks associated with low electrolyte levels.
Prevent Dehydration
Establishing a daily habit of drinking a glass of water every morning with lemon slices will help prevent you from being dehydrated throughout the day.
References
- USDA Nutrient Database: Lemons
- "Detox and Revitalization"; Susana L. Belen; 2006
- "The Secret Benefits of Lemon and Honey"; Vijaya Kumar; 2007
- "The Lemon Diet"; Theresa Cheung; 2010
- "Medical Biochemistry"; By N Mallikarjuna Rao; 2006
- National Institutes of Health: Potassium in Diet
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