Lemons are an inexpensive citrus fruit with many culinary uses---and many health benefits. Lemons are a rich source of vitamins C and B. They also contain riboflavin, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Lemon juice added to water is a healthy drink to consume in the morning.
Liver Detoxification
Drinking lemon juice regularly every morning helps to cleanse the liver. Lemon juice acts as a tonic to the liver and stimulates it to produce bile, which helps break down food. By drinking it first thing in the morning, the lemon juice helps prepare the liver for digesting the day's food. Lemon juice can also break down gall stones, which, according to MayoClinic.com, are caused by hardened digestive fluid formed in the gallbladder.
Better Digestion
Lemon juice helps to relieve problems due to indigestion and constipation. The digestive properties of lemon juice relieve symptoms of indigestion, including bloating, heartburn and belching. Drinking lemon juice regularly helps the bowels eliminate waste more efficiently. Lemon juice acts as a cleansing agent and helps relieve constipation.
Healthy Skin
High amounts of vitamin C in lemon juice act internally to enhance the skin's natural glow, and may assist in anti-aging and appearance of healthy skin by reducing wrinkles and blackheads. Vitamin C in lemon juice benefits the skin by helping to synthesize collagen and serving as an anti-inflammatory agent. Citric acid promotes the natural sheen of hair.
Weight Loss
Drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can help those who are trying to lose weight. By flushing out toxins and keeping the liver healthy and clean, it speeds up the metabolic rate of the body. The higher metabolic rate leads to the liver metabolizing fat more rapidly, and the body will burn fat faster causing weight loss.
Cold and Flu Prevention
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in the prevention of colds, infections and the flu. According to Healthmad.com, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, which is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system. Another important property of vitamin C is that it destroys free radicals in the blood, which can cause inflammation and cell damage. Drinking lemon juice regularly helps to prevent these ailments.
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