8 Reasons You Should Be Drinking Lemon Water Every Morning
You consider yourself pretty savvy when it comes to your health. You exercise regularly, go to that yoga class every Sunday morning, eat lots of fruits and veggies and even meditate a few times a week.
But did you know that there is one ultra-simple thing that you can add to your morning routine that checks a ton of those health benefit boxes? Lemon water. That’s right, lemon water.
From keeping your skin clear and radiant to giving your immune system a daily boost, this one simple act can drastically improve many aspects of your health and well-being. And, as far as routines go, this one’s pretty much as simple as you can get, so there’s really no excuse.
Slice a lemon, toss it into a tall glass (along with some sliced cucumber if you like,) and top it off with lukewarm (not warm, not cold) water. To get the most bang for your buck, it’s best to drink it first thing in the morning, about 15 minutes before you eat breakfast.
Morning’s are hectic, and you’re always on the go? Don’t fret. Simply transfer your lemon water into a reusable water bottle, toss it in your bag and drink up while you are going to work or the gym. Intrigued to learn more?
Here are 10 benefits to drinking lemon water every morning:
1. Brightens your skin
Lemons are naturally abundant in Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C has been shown repeatedly to help decrease wrinkles and reduce the occurrence of blemishes (which we all know are NOT just a part of adolescence). Lemon water also purges toxins from the blood, which helps keep the skin clear and radiant.
2. It helps with weight loss
Although not understood fully, there are various theories on why drinking lemon water in the morning may assist with weight loss. Firstly, lemons contain pectin fibre, which aids in fighting hunger cravings throughout the day.
Secondly, as lemon water aids in digestion (see below), it can help keep things moving (if you know what we mean), which can assist with keeping our weight balanced.
And finally, lemon water essentially has zero calories, so if you sub out that calorie-rich (and sugary) orange juice or store-bought smoothie, you’ll be taking in fewer overall calories throughout the day. And fewer calories = weight loss.
3. Aids with digestion
If you noticed above that we suggested using lukewarm, not cold or even hot, the water here’s why: Warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis – the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving.
Lemons (and limes) are also high in essential minerals and vitamins, which can help loosen and get rid of toxins in the digestive tract. Suffer from indigestion, heartburn and bloating?
Lemon water also helps relieve all of these symptoms, so you will start to feel better faster.
4. Cleanses your liver and system
That morning glass of lemon water helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function and stimulating your liver.
5. It Gives your immune system a boost
Coming out of the winter months, it’s a great time to give your overall immune system a boost. As previously mentioned, lemons are loaded with Vitamin C, which pretty much can act like jumper cables for our immune systems.
The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re overly stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra vitamin C during incredibly stressful days.
An easy way to up your daily vitamin C intake naturally is to drink a glass of lemon water every morning.
6. Provides you with an energy boost
Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!) Lemons also stimulate energy and can help enhance your mood.
How? Both lemons and limes are among the few foods containing more negative charged ions than positive ones, which provides your body with a boost of energy when it enters your digestive tract. The refreshing scent of lemon also has mood enhancing and energizing properties. Its fresh and citrusy smell can brighten your mood and help clear your mind.
7. Fights colds & flu
We know, we know. It’s summer, so cold & flu are not as prevalent. But that doesn’t mean they still don’t occur. Warm lemon water is one of the most effective ways to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats, body aches and fevers.
Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off this infection from the get-go.
8. Keeps your brain healthy
Lemons may be best known for their high levels of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C, but they also are rich in potassium. This essential mineral works alongside sodium for smooth electrical transmission in the brain and nervous system.
It has been shown that foods rich in potassium can also help reduce depression, anxiety, fogginess, and forgetfulness. So, if you’re feeling like your brains are a bit sluggish, don’t forget to reach for that glass of lemon water tomorrow morning!