When life gives you lemons…make lemon water!
Sometimes simple additions to a daily routine can really have a positive impact on our health. Warm water with fresh lemon juice to start your day is one of these simple additions!
Lemons, from the juice to the peel, have been used for culinary purposes for hundreds of years. The sour and acidic flavour profile adds the perfect balance to many dishes. What people may not be aware of are the amazing health benefits lemons offer. They are full of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants and are especially a good source of vitamin C and folate.
The benefits of drinking lemon water are:
Aids in digestion –
The acid in lemon juice stimulates digestive juices helping to keep food moving smoothly through the digestive system, reduce bloating, and maintain regularity.
Helps to maintain the pH balance of the body –
Lemon juice, although acidic, has an alkalinizing effect on the body helping to balance the acidic effect of the typical Western diet which is filled with refined sugars, ultra-processed foods, and chemical additives.
Prevents kidney stones –
Lemon juice contains citric acid which helps to break down kidney stones and prevents new stones from forming.
Immunity boosting –
Lemon juice contains a significant percentage of our daily required Vitamin C. Vitamin C encourages the development of white blood cells which help protect the body from infection.
Encourages liver detox –
The liver loves lemons! Vitamin C in lemons helps to protect liver tissue from oxidative damage and aids in the removal of toxins.
Helps you stay hydrated –
It is so important to drink water throughout the day to maintain hydration. When we wake up in the morning we need to rehydrate after sleep. Starting the day with warm water and lemon juice is a great way to do so.
To make lemon water, simply add half of a fresh squeezed lemon to 8 ounces of warm or hot water. Switch it up from time to time, try adding other ingredients to your lemon water such as ginger, honey, cinnamon, cucumber or mint.
