Why Should I Drink Warm Water & Lemon?

Why Should I Drink Warm Water & Lemon?
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Warm water infused with lemon juice isn't just a low-calorie, soothing drink, but a healthful one. Lemons are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system, protects against cardiovascular disease and even has cancer-fighting properties. Incorporating warm water with lemon juice into your diet is an easy way to meet the daily recommended allowance for vitamin C and keep your body functioning smoothly.

Improve Digestive Health

When your body isn't digesting food properly, it can leave you feeling sluggish, bloated and unhealthy. As reported in "Mail Online," Theresa Cheung, author of "The Lemon Juice Diet," says that lemon juice can improve the functioning of the digestive system. She states that the high concentration of citric acid in lemons mixes with other bodily acids and enzymes to simulate stomach juices and ease digestion, flushing out built-up toxins along the way.

Lose Weight

Drinking lemon juice with warm water may also be the key to losing weight. In "The Lemon Juice Diet," Cheung states that the citric acid in lemon juice boosts the acidity of the digestive system, which, in turn, aids the body in absorbing calcium. The absorbed calcium is then stored in fat cells and, according to Cheung, plays a critical role in burning the fat of the cells. In addition, the peel of lemon contains a fiber called pectin that can aid weight loss in that it prevents your stomach from digesting sugars too quickly. You can add lemon peel to your water instead of, or along with, the lemon juice. You should note, however, that you must exercise and eat healthily, along with drinking lemon water, to lose weight. Moreover, as with any weight loss regime, you should consult your doctor before embarking on this diet to ensure that it is the best choice for you.

Cleanse Urinary Tract

If you're suffering from a urinary tract infection or bladder inflammation, drinking a glass of warm water with lemon can help speed your recovery. According to AskaNaturopath.com, lemon juice can alter the pH of the blood and urinary tract so that harmful bacteria are unable to flourish. Moreover, because water acts as a diuretic, drinking several glasses of lemon juice and water can help flush the bacteria from your tract.

Provide Cold Relief

Vitamin C has long been believed to provide quick relief for the common cold. Obtaining this essential vitamin through warm water and lemon can add other benefits as well: The warm water soothes the throat, prevents dehydration and can help break up chest congestion. MayoClinic.com suggests adding honey to the warm lemon water for extra soothing relief.

References

Article reviewed by Knuckles Last updated on: Jul 20, 2011

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