Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Water

People all over the world have been known to enhance the flavor of various dishes, by adding a dash of lemon juice to them. However, did you know that drinking some lemon water (a glass or a cup of water to which fresh lemon juice has been added) regularly could also improve your health in several different ways? It is true that there are several different health benefits of lemon water, which is why several dieticians, dermatologists, dentists and other doctors recommend the consumption of lemon juice. In fact, lemon juice was recognized and used for its medicinal properties even before modern science could illustrate its uses.

Lemon juice has a tart taste, because it consists of 5% citric acid.

At the same time, it is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B and Riboflavin. Some of the other nutrients that are also present in lemon juice include minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and calcium as well as protein and carbs. Fresh lemon water can be consumed as a healthy and refreshing drink at any time of the day; however, most health experts will tell you that the best time to have this drink is early morning. Also see nutrition benefits of lemon juice

Given below are some of the common health benefits that are associated with the consumption of lemon water:

Cleansing and stimulating organs like the liver and the kidneys, thereby improving their overall function
Curing throat infections and other minor ailments, as the Vitamin C in it can boost immunity
Delaying the ageing process, by preventing the formation of wrinkles and blackheads on the skin
Preventing heart problems, as well as high blood pressure, because of high content of potassium.
Purifying the blood, which reduces the risks of diseases, such as malaria or cholera
Reducing mouth odor and other dental problems, by getting rid of the germs that are present in the mouth
Rejuvenating the skin and adding a natural glow to the face
Relieving digestive problems, such as constipation, nausea, bloating and heartburn
Treating rheumatism and arthritis, by flushing out harmful material from the body

Weight watchers too are advised to have lemon water regularly, as it is an excellent remedy for weight loss purposes. However, even though lemon water can improve your health to a great extent, it is important for you to consult a doctor, before you consume it on a regular basis. Read in detail about the health benefits of lemon grass

Warm Lemon Water Health Benefits

It is a well-known fact that the consumption of warm lemon water can help you get rid of the extra pounds and fat from your body. This is why weight watchers from all over the world are advised to consume a cup of warm lemon water first thing in the morning and after each meal. However, there are several other warm lemon water health benefits, in addition to weight loss that not a lot of people are aware of. This is why you could make it a habit to consume this beverage on a daily basis, even if you are not trying to lose weight. Given below are some of the other common health benefits of warm lemon water:

Flu and colds: You tend to perspire more, when you sip warm lemon water, which helps your body fight off minor ailments like the flu and a cold. Moreover, the antibacterial properties present in lemon decrease phlegm and soothe the throat.
Respiratory illnesses: Many respiratory illnesses can be cured by warm lemon water, as it breaks congestion and calms coughing fits. People who suffer from chronic sinusitis or asthma should drink warm lemon water a couple of times each day.
Hypertension: The potassium present in lemons can help to stabilize blood pressure and strengthen the capillaries. Added to warm water, lemon juice can relieve stress and anxiety, thereby reducing high blood pressure.
Digestive problems: Warm lemon water works as a natural, mild and effective laxative, as it improves the elimination of waste matter from the body.

Though warm lemon water can be beneficial in several ways, it is important to make sure that you consume it in the right amount. An average, healthy person weighing around 150 pounds is advised to have the juice from half a lemon, squeezed into a glass of warm water twice each day.

Fresh Lemon Water Nutrition Benefits

Lemon flavored beverages, like lemonade and lemon tea, are very popular with people of all ages, mainly because they are delicious and refreshing. However, the next time you are in the mood for a drink that has a dash of lemon in, opt for fresh lemon water, which is not only tasty and refreshing, but also very healthy. Many people avoid consuming lemons, because they are acidic, but lemons are high in “good” acids, which are required by your body. You can maintain the proper PH balance in your body by having a drink or two of fresh lemon water each day. Given below are some of the most common fresh lemon water health benefits:

Over a period of time, bad bacteria and toxins tend to accumulate in the body, because of poor dietary and lifestyle habits. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, fresh lemon water flushes out the toxins and harmful bacteria from the body and at the same time, soothes the inflamed tissues that cause an infection. By alkalizing your body with lemon water, you can get rid of kidney infections or urinary tract infections.
The regular consumption of lemon water enables your liver to secrete more bile, which is excellent for digestion. You can alleviate various digestive issues like constipation, heartburn, bloating and nausea with the help of fresh lemon water.
Unlike aerated drinks and other beverages that contain a high amount of preservatives, fresh lemon water is excellent for skin care. Lemon juice contains antibacterial properties, which is why it is an effective home remedy for problems, like eczema, acne, chapped lips, and so on.

In order to enjoy the health benefits associated with lemon water, it is important to make sure that it is prepared in the right manner and does not contain a high amount of sugar.

Weight Loss:

In case you are making dietary and lifestyle modifications in order to lose some weight, any dietitian will advise you to befriend lemon water. First of all, the regular consumption of lemon water will reduce your cravings for aerated drinks or other unhealthy, high-calorie beverages. In addition to that lemon water will regulate your metabolism and sugar absorption, thereby expediting the weight loss process. In case you are on a weight loss diet plan that restricts your intake of food, lemon water can help maintain the energy levels in your body.

To increase the effectiveness of lemon water for weight loss, start your day by having one glass of warm water to which the juice of half a lemon has been added. Having this concoction after each of your meals will improve digestion and help eliminate the extra fat from the food you consumed. In case you find it difficult to have plain lemon water, you could add a dash of honey to it.

Digestive Issues:

Acid Reflux and Constipation:

People of all ages are advised to have lemon water for digestion, as it can relieve afflictions like bloating, cramping, gas, heartburn, constipation and diarrhea. This is because the regular consumption of lemon water clears out the bowels.

Since it is high in potassium and acts as a natural laxative, many doctors recommend drinking lemon water for constipation too. Therefore, the side effects associated with enemas or other laxatives can be avoided, just by drinking lemon water regularly.
The right time to have lemon water for acid reflux and constipation is first thing in the morning and then again, after dinner. For best results, add no more than a teaspoon of lemon juice to half a glass of water.

Kidney Stones:

A kidney stone is a solid mass that has developed from crystals of digestive wastes in the body. Since lemon juice is acidic and high in potassium, it can alter the chemical makeup of urine making it more alkaline. This causes the sediment from food wastes to dissolve easily, which in turn prevents crystallization and protects the kidneys from the formation of stones.

While you may use reconstituted lemon juice to prepare lemon water, the number of vitamins and nutrients in fresh lemon juice is much higher.

Liver:

At times, particles from the food you eat enter your liver, putting an additional amount of strain on it. This not only affects the functioning of your liver, but also your overall health. In order to reduce the strain on your liver, you need to follow a detoxification process, by consuming only certain foods and fluids. Most people who follow diets to cleanse their bodies regularly are aware of the importance of lemon water for liver detox purposes. Lemon juice keeps food particles from entering your bloodstream and your liver. It also increases the production of bile in the liver, which makes it easy for your body to eliminate toxic substances.

To prepare lemon water for cleansing the liver, add the juice of half a lemon to 8 ounces of water. The best time to have lemon water for liver cleansing and detox is an hour before you eat breakfast. If possible, you could also have another glass before dinner or lunch. This remedy is quite healthy and can be followed on a regular basis, even when you are not on a detoxification diet.

Skin Problems:

It is a well-known fact that you need to drink around 2 to 3 liters of water each day to keep your skin healthy. However, did you know that lemon water is also very effective in reducing acne and the problems that are related to it? In fact, many dermatologists advise their patients to consume lemon water for acne and blemishes. This is because lemon juice contains natural antiseptic properties and can eliminate the bacteria that lead to acne.

Before adding lemon water to your daily diet, do consult your doctor and get an approval.

Submitted on January 16, 2014