Instead of drinking coffee or tea each morning, I like to start each day with a nice, tall glass of lemon infused water. Many people credit this hydrating beverage with aiding in weight loss, improving their skin, and boosting their immune systems.
While there hasn’t been much research done on the health benefits of drinking lemon water specifically, lemons and water both offer a variety of positive health benefits on their own.
When you consume this healthy duo on a regular basis, you’re not only contributing to your daily hydration goals, you’re also absorbing key nutrients like vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and calcium.
Many of us miss out on the nutritional benefits of lemons due to their sour taste. Drinking lemon-infused water is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to consume this mouth-puckering citrus fruit. Keep reading to learn more about the positive impact lemon water can have on your health.
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Reduces Bloating
Bloating is a major issue for me. In fact, I initially came across the nutritional benefits of drinking lemon water while searching for a natural remedy to this problem.
Drinking plenty of plain water on a daily basis does a lot to combat bloating and reduce water retention, but adding lemon can give its effects an added boost.
Lemon juice has a mild diuretic effect on the body. This means that it causes you to urinate more often which, in turn, helps to flush sodium and other bloat-causing minerals out of the body.
Improves Skin Quality
Since I began drinking lemon water on a regular basis, I’ve noticed quite a few improvements in the quality of my skin. I credit these improvements to the significant amount of vitamin C found in lemons.
Research shows that consuming adequate amounts of vitamin C on a daily basis can result in fewer wrinkles and more youthful looking skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant nutrient that helps with collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps your skin cells repair themselves naturally, resulting in smoother, firmer skin.
Freshens Breath
Because of citric acid’s antibacterial properties, lemon water can contribute to fresher breath.
While drinking lemon water shouldn’t become a substitute for your regular toothpaste and mouthwash, continuously drinking or swishing it throughout the day is a great way to freshen up your breath while you’re on the go.
Keep in mind that since lemon is highly acidic, it’s best to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking or swishing lemon water. Doing so can wear away your teeth’s enamel.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Studies show that consuming lemon on a daily basis can lower your blood pressure. Many health experts attribute this correlation to the fact that digesting lemon can assist with the absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Lemons are also a good source of potassium. Each of these nutrients is essential for healthy blood pressure management. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium all help the blood vessels relax. Calcium can also allow the blood vessels to contract as needed.
Boosts Immune System
Many people suggest drinking orange juice to boost your immune system with vitamin C, but store-bought versions usually contain a lot of added sugar.
Lemon infused water is a low-calorie alternative with no added sugar and plenty of vitamin C. Since vitamin C helps the body fight free radicals, it’s essential for a healthy immune system.
This nutrient can also help your body heal wounds faster and maintain healthy teeth, bones, and cartilage. Vitamin C is also beneficial to the aging process.
Add Lemon Water to Your Life
Lemon water isn’t a magical cure-all. However, it is a deliciously hydrating beverage that may contribute positively to your overall health when combined with other healthy choices.
If you want to give lemon infused water a try, all you have to do is add lemon juice or slices to a pitcher or bottle of water and let it sit for a few hours. You can add lemon pulp and zest, ginger, mint, or cucumber slices for taste and added nutritional value.
