I love starting the day with the juice of half a lemon squeezed into warm water. It just tastes so good and I find it to be such a refreshing and rehydrating start to the day. Apart from thoroughly enjoying my morning drink, there are real health benefits to my daily habit.
It rehydrates the body after going at least eight hours without drinking. When you are even mildly dehydrated, you are more prone to headaches, fatigue and an overall bad mood? That morning lemon water helps your body stay hydrated and feeling happy. Warm water is most effective.
It helps digestion by stimulating stomach acid and bile production. This will help keep your gastrointestinal tract working smoothly. Lemon water also helps relieve indigestion and upset stomachs.
Lemons contain Vitamin C and although not a high amount at 30-50 mg per lemon, the body will absorb these vitamins effectively giving your immune system a boost. Vitamin C is also needed for collagen production for healthy skins as the anti-oxidants help fight damage caused by free radicals. You are also getting the benefits of potassium, magnesium and copper.
Lemons contain pectin, a type of fibre found in fruits which helps you feel full longer meaning you will snack less throughout the day. This may help with weight management, as part of a healthy diet.
Lemon water can boost energy levels without the caffeine crash. When negative-charged ions, like those found in lemons, enter your digestive tract the result is a natural increase in energy levels. So ditch the morning caffeine fix.
Now, while lemon water is one of the safest drinks you can ingest, the acids in lemons may eat away at your tooth enamel. To prevent this, drink lemon water before brushing your teeth — the overnight bacteria will protect your teeth a little. Drink through a straw and rinse with baking soda to neutralize any acid that might be left on your teeth.