Trading in your morning cup of coffee for a glass of warm lemon water could help you start your day feeling fresh and ready to go. Numerous health benefits are contained in a simple glass of warm water topped off with a few slices of the yellow, citrus fruit. The hydration power of warm water mixed with the vitamin punch makes this beverage a nutritious, energizing choice.
Health Benefits
Lemons are high in vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C not only helps boost your immune system, but it also can reduce stress. A morning shot of this vitamin can help your day start with a calm, clear head. Potassium stimulates nerve and brain function, so drinking warm water with lemon first thing in the morning may help get your mind in gear for the day. Warm lemon juice can also help soothe sore throats and congestion; vapors from the warm water can help loosen buildup.
Beauty Benefits
Staying hydrated contributes to healthy, glowing skin. Drinking water throughout the day is key, but often we begin our morning with caffeinated beverages. Getting into the habit of starting the day with a glass of lemon water not only replenishes our H2O, but it is also helpful for the skin; the vitamin C in the lemon can help clear skin of blemishes and toxins. Drinking the water at a hotter temperature contributes to skin cleansing, as the steam aids in toxin release -- kind of like a sauna for your face.
Diet and Weight Loss Benefits
Lemons contain pectin, a fiber that fights hunger. Starting off the day with lemon water can help you stay full for longer. Because lemon is an alkaline food, drinking lemon water regularly can balance your body's pH. This can ease bloating and heartburn. Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael F. Picco, M.D. says drinking warm water with lemon can also help break down old food in our digestive track, flushing unwanted waste from our bodies. Lemon water, therefore, can help curb cravings, contribute to weight loss and help you maintain a more healthy diet.
Preparation and Tips
Adding lemon juice to a glass of water not only gives the plain fluid some flavor, but it also has many health benefits. Fresh lemon juice is recommended over bottled lemon juice. When selecting your lemons at the store, keep in mind that heavier lemons are likely more full of minerals. According to an Idaho Observer article written by Ann Heustad, R.N., if you weigh less than 150 lbs., squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of purified, warm water; if you are over 150 lbs., the entire lemon should be used. If you plan to have a glass each morning, consider buying lemons in bulk.
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