Lemons are wonderful fruits that belong to the citrus family; they have lots of amazing health benefits and the water of lemon compared with all its nutritional value is really inexpensive.
This drink have been used for centuries for healing (some researchers date it to ancient Rome) and it still remain a trending health topic; many people swear by this drink and more are falling in love with this fruit/drink every day.
Lemons and other vitamin C rich citrus fruits have been cherished since ancient times because of their ability to ward off scurvy. In this article, I will be telling you the amazing scientifically-backed health benefits of lemon and lemon water.
It boosts metabolism
A great way to jump start your metabolism in the morning is by welcoming the day with a warm glass of lemon water on an empty stomach; it maintains a healthy weight and helps one to be active and alert.
Three cups of lemon water every day will speed up your metabolism and prevent weight gain by controlling hunger and the urge to eat.
They are very nutritious
These citrus fruits are particularly very rich in Vitamin C; a cup of fresh homemade lemon juice provides your body with 187% percent of your daily recommended intake of this vitamin; it is also a rich source of electrolytes, it supplies the body with Potassium, Magnesium and copper which are needed for important biochemical and metabolic functions.
A cup of lemon juice contains 61 calories, 3 grams of proteins, 6 grams sugar, 0 grams fat, 112 milligrams vitamin C, 303 milligrams potassium, 31.7 micrograms folate, 0.1 milligrams vitamin B6, 0.1 milligrams thiamine, 1 gram fiber, 14.6 milligram magnesium and 0.4 milligrams vitamin E.
Other important nutrients found in this fruit are vitamin A, niacin, riboflavin, folate, copper, calcium, pantothenic acid, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and proteins; it is also a rich source of flavonoids which is a powerful phytochemical and antioxidant that fights cancer and other chronic diseases.
All these nutrients ensure that the body is well maintained and all the cells, tissues, organs, and systems are working properly and it also boosts the immune system and strengthen it against infection and germs.
It aids digestion
The atomic structure of lemon juice is similar to the digestive juices found in the stomach; it helps the liver in producing bile which the body uses in the transportation of food and nutrients. It is used to ease an upset stomach, relieve indigestion and other digestive problems.
Lemon juice contains acids that help the body to properly process, absorb and utilize the food; it maintains the levels of insulin and it draws out all the nutrients from the food that you consume.
It prevents bloating, aids the functions of digestive enzymes, stimulates liver and it aids the regular removal of excreta and other waste product from the body because it is a mild diuretic.
It treats fever
The rich content of vitamin C in this fruit helps the body to fight off fever, flu or cold; it helps in treating people suffering from this ailments, it breaks fever by increase the rate of perspiration.
It detoxifies the body
This fruit and its juice is a powerful detoxifier; it detoxifies the skin and the entire body and it removes unwanted elements from the urinary tract. Lemon juice can treat diseases like malaria and cholera because it is a powerful blood purifier and it destroys intestinal worms.
It alkalizes the body
Although acidic, lemons are powerful in alkalizing the body which is the natural pH of the body. In an alkaline state, no disease can thrive and the body is vibrant and functioning optimally but stress, processed foods, drugs and negative energy make the body acidic and an acidic body is susceptible to any type of disease and infection.
It controls blood pressure
Lemon juice helps in regulating blood pressure and thereby it reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart attack and stroke.
It prevents dizziness and nausea that are symptoms of hypertension by providing a calming sensation to the mind and body. Lemons are also rich in vitamin P (bioflavonoids) which prevents internal hemorrhage which can lead to hypertension.
It increases the levels of vitamin C
The body cannot make vitamin C; this is why it has to be gotten regularly through the food we eat. Taking lemon water will help your body have good amount of this powerful vitamin and antioxidant which is needed for optimum functioning of the immune system.
Lemons are packed full with this wonderful vitamin and it has other important functions like stimulating the production of white blood cells and it protects the cells and DNA from oxidative damage because it is a powerful antioxidant.
It fights respiratory disorders
Lemon due to its high content of vitamin C help to deal with respiratory problems and long term respiratory disorders; it also helps people suffering from asthmatic attacks and other breathing problems.
It heals the body
Its high levels of vitamin C and its antioxidant properties give it its healing properties; lemons fight oxidative damage and stress caused by free radicals, it gives the skin a healthy and fresh look, it fights rapid aging and formation of wrinkles and fine lines because it boosts the production of collagen. Regular intake of lemon water will prevent one from getting sick.
It stops internal bleeding
Lemons have anti-coagulant and anti-septic properties which help in stopping internal bleeding; it can also stop nosebleeds, soak a cotton ball in lemon juice and place it inside your nose, this will put a stop to the nose bleed.
It makes the nerves and heart to function properly
Lemons are rich sources of potassium which is essential cell functions, metabolism and transmission of nerve signals. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps in conducting electricity throughout the body including the heart; it helps communication between nerve and muscle which in turn helps the skeletal-muscular functions.
It helps one lose weight
Regular intake of lemon water helps one lose weight and also help one to maintain a healthy weight; lemons contain a type of fiber called pectin which gives one a feeling of fullness thereby controlling unnecessary eating. Mix lemon juice with lukewarm water and honey and take it regularly to lose extra weight.
It makes the liver healthy and improves it functions
The liver is the main filter and detoxification organ of the body; taking lemon juice or lemon water will aid and improve the removal and waste from the body and prevent accumulation of toxins which will make the liver function well and keep it healthy. The flavonoids in lemons prevent accumulation of fats and toxins inside the liver.
It is good for the skin
Its antioxidant properties fights aging, oxidative damage and gives the skin a healthy look and glow. Its high content of vitamin C fights and prevent skin infection and other skin problems, it also act as a natural bleaching agent and it is mild on the skin except in few cases where the individual has a very sensitive skin.
It is also a natural antiseptic; it reduces the pain of sunburns and bee stings by applying the juice directly on the affected area.
It prevents acne, eczema, blackheads and other skin problems. Lemon juice can cure burns and the scars it forms; apply lemon juice on the site of old burns; this will fade the scars.
When applied immediate the skin is burnt, it reduces the sensation of burning and it cools the area. Taking lemon water with honey regularly makes the skin glow.
To make a good natural face mask with lemons; you can mix lemon essential oil, honey and baking soda, use this mixture to wash your face or your whole body.
It reduces corn
The juice of lemon can dissolve skin lumps and soften a hard skin part like the palms of the hands and under the soles of the feet; apply lemon juice on the affected skin part regularly.
It treats Rheumatism
Lemon juice or lemon water is a diuretic that is used to treat rheumatism and arthritis; as a powerful detoxifier, it flushes out bacteria and toxins from the body.
It also helps to relax the feet because it is an antiseptic and aromatic agent; to relax your feet, add lemon juice to warm water and soak your feet in this mixture, it will instantly relief tired feet and relax the muscles in your feet.
It prevents kidney stones
Kidney stones are painful medical condition that can obstruct the flow of urine in some cases; lemon water and juice prevents kidney stones in two ways.
The first way is by preventing dehydration which is the main cause of kidney stones, and then it flushes out toxins and waste from the kidneys and prevents painful deposits caused by toxins and inorganic chemicals.
Another cause of kidney stone is precipitation of calcium salts; lemon juice or lemon water is acidic in nature, the acids present in lemons break the stones and reduce the likelihood of precipitation and in this way prevents kidney stones from forming. It also prevents the formation of gall stones for the above reason.
It prevents cancer
Research has proved that lemons have twenty two cancer fighting compounds; its essential oil (limonene oil) is also a powerful cancer fighter.
These phytochemicals slows or stops the growth and spread of cancer cells and it has a flavonol called glycosides which stops the division and multiplication of cancer cells.
It boosts energy and mood
Lemons boosts the energy level of the body; taking the water guards against dehydration which can affect mood, memory and concentration.
Lemons are rich in negative charged ions which help in increasing energy levels and keeping one happy, calm and cool. The scent of lemon is also known to improve mood and reduce the levels of stress.
It supports healthy teeth
Lemons prevent gum disease, swollen gums, bleeding gum, mouth odour, tooth pain and other dental problems due to its high vitamin C content; it is even a natural teeth whitener.
To use lemons to whiten your teeth; mix lemon essential oil with coconut oil and baking soda, rub this mixture on your teeth and leave it for two minutes then wash it off.
This shouldn’t be done daily so that your enamel will be protected; you can do it once a week. To stop bleeding gums and mouth odour, massage the gums with fresh lemon juice.
The citrus in this wonderful fruit helps to kill the bacteria that cause mouth odour and leads to a fresher breathe. To prevent your enamel from being affected by the acids in lemon juice; drink it with a straw.
It cures throat infections
This fruit and its juice have powerful antibacterial properties that fight infections, including throat infections and other problems related to the throat like sore throat.
It is good for the hair
Applying the juice of lemon will prevent many hair and scalp problems like hair loss, hair breakage, dandruff, itchy scalp and dull appearance.
How to Make Lemon Water?
To make this healthy water; squeeze fresh lemon till you get a full cup of its juice; then you mix it with a glass of plain water and your lemon water is ready.
If you want a lesser quantity; you can use the juice of half lemon and mix it with a glass of water. This drink can be taken either hot or cold and you can increase the quantity of lemon juice if you please.
Another way to make this wonderful drink is to make lemon ice; to make this you need to squeeze fresh lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze them. When you want to take lemon water, you can drop a few cubes into a glass of hot, warm or cold water.
If you don’t like the taste; there are ways you can improve the taste by adding other fruits, seeds or leaves like cucumbers, oranges, limes, apples, raspberries, mint leaves, crushed fennel seeds, grated ginger root, cinnamon, and any addition of your choice but it must be healthy. You can also add honey, maple syrup, common salt or rock or stevia for taste. Lemons don’t go well with milk.
This water is perfectly safe to drink and has no side effect except that it can damage your teeth if taken regularly, you can overcome this challenge by using a straw to take it and rinse your mouth afterward.
Some people complain of heartburn while in others it relieves the symptoms of heartburn and other digestive problems; if it gives you heartburn or increases the severity of your heartburn, it is advisable not to take it. There are other alternatives you can use like orange juice.
Note that if you take this water regular, you will be visiting the bathroom regularly because it has a substance that increases the production of urine.
You can start your day by taking a warm or cold cup of lemon water; you can also take it at other times during the day to benefits immensely from this therapeutic drink. Lemons are also used to make a great healing herbal tea, click here for more information.
