Nowadays when people are more aware of the impending health dangers and are beginning to become more conscious about healthy living, new ways of maintaining excellent health are being discovered more than ever before.
And, people are more inclined to try natural ways of preserving wellness rather that taking medications. Taking medicines, even over the counter vitamins, when taken improperly, can cause health complications such as liver damage.
One of the most popular healthy practices many are trying is drinking lemon water.
Many people all over the globe are already making drinking lemon water a part of their daily routine, trusting that lemon water possess important nutrients that have many health benefits, but first, what IS lemon water?
Simply put, lemon water is water mixed with lemons — or squeezed lemons, to be precise.
But why are so many people going gaga over it?
Lemons are well famed for their superb Vitamin C properties. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is essential for the body to quickly and successfully repair tissues, grow bones, heal wounds, and absorb iron.
Water, the other component of the popular lemon water, has extremely amazing health benefits, too. Some of us often neglect drinking plain water, but did you know that drinking water can result in weight loss?
Yes, just the boring looking water can actually help in shedding some unwanted weight, according to a study posted on Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
Aside from that, a study about Water, Hydration and Health published in the website of National Center for Biotechnology Information or NCBI revealed that water can get rid of headaches, too.
So, with the wonderful benefits of lemon and the great perks of water, it’s easy to see how combining these two ingredients will turn out.
Anyway, let’s cut to the chase and talk about the actual benefits of drinking lemon water, shall we?
1. One of the best things about adding lemon to water is that it adds flavor to the tasteless liquid. This means that since lemon water is just like naturally flavored water, it’s possible for people to drink it more — therefore, increasing water consumption, and, in turn, maximizing the benefits of drinking water. Aside from water being able to remove headaches and help in losing weight faster, it can help your skin look better, too.
2. Since lemons are rich in vitamin C, and vitamin c is responsible for tissue repair, bone development, and wound healing, regular consumption of lemon water can help in battling rheumatoid inflammation. According to Verywell.com, vitamin C fights off triggers of rheumatoid inflammation.
3. Lemon water can stop kidney stones from forming. This is because lemon has properties that could prevent urine from being too acidic, therefore stopping the kidney stone creation.
4. Drinking lemon water also has psychological benefits. According to a study made by Syuichi Fukumoto and his team, the scent of lemons can lower the stress levels — both physically and mentally.
5. Smelling lemons can lead to a better mood, as discovered by a study published on National Center for Biotechnology Information or NCBI on October 28, 2003.
6. Lemon, or lemon water, can act like a natural antidepressant. On a study led by Teruhisa Komori, it was unraveled that lemon scent has the same effect as drugs that suppress depressive disorders.
7. Vitamin C is a kind of an antioxidant which is good for the skin, and lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Hence, lemon water could be good for the skin, too. It could also aid in reparation of skin cells.
8. On a post in Global Healing Center, it was mentioned that the American Cancer Society recommends hot lemon water for alleviating constipation and clearing the bowels.
9. According to Paul Hrkal ND, “A glass of lemon water in the morning is a simple way to stimulate the liver and promote bile flow“
10. On a publication in Harvard Health Publishing dated January 2017, it was mentioned that there was a 2013 review of 29 randomized trials with more than 11,000 participants where the researchers found out that people that were extremely active who have a daily intake of 200mg of vitamin C apparently lowered their chances of catching a cold by 50 percent.
11. The compounds in citrus fruits such as lemons can be beneficial in preventing cancer, according to a study done by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as the Department of Pomology, University of California, Davis.
12. Lemons, when paired with exercise such as walking, can lower blood pressure, as per a study published in NCBI. The research, lead by Yoji Kato and the team, involved studying 101 women from Japan. It was found out that those who walked regularly and had a lemon intake each day had lower blood pressure than those participants who didn’t.
Because of its many benefits, it’s not shocking that more and more people start drinking lemon water everyday. However, keep in mind that moderation is key.
Lemon has high acidic properties that, when taken in extremely large amounts, could worsen acid reflux. Too much lemon intake could also lead to tooth erosion, meaning the outer layer of teeth could be damaged.
So, if you’re planning to drink your first lemon water today, drink moderately.
(Note: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and not to be treated as a professional opinion, recommendation or diagnosis.)