Lemon Water

Lemon Water

Lemons are known for their high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help boost immunity and prevent viral infections like common cold and flu. Mixing lemon juice with cold or warm water gives you lemon water, a refreshing and hydrating drink.

Lemon water is best taken in the morning to flush out toxins, improve digestion, aid weight loss, and cleanse the liver. Lemon water can also act as a pick-me-up midday drink, especially on a hot and sunny day.

Drinking lemon water is the simplest way to consume lemons because you’re less likely to eat a lemon or half of it every day on its own. Besides, the acid in the lemon may damage your enamel, so mixing the juice with water dilutes it, making it tolerant to your teeth. Still, if you drink lots of lemon water, it’s safe to use a straw.

Making lemon water is pretty simple; anyone can do it, but there are a couple of key things you need to remember.

This article shows you how to make the best lemon water, including different variations to ensure you enjoy and benefit from it.

Also try other healthy morning drinks such as Cucumber Detox Water.

How to make lemon water?

To reap the benefits, always use organic lemons and filtered water. Avoid bottled lemon juice sold in stores because it contains preservatives and other additives.

You can also use regular lemons, but let them sit in a 10 percent solution of white vinegar for a few minutes to get rid of any chemicals in the skin.

Also, avoid the Meyer lemon as it’s not a true lemon but rather a hybrid of lemon and orange, and is sweeter than actual lemons.

Method 1

1. Roll your lemon against a cutting board or a hard surface to help break it down a bit.
2. Squeeze ½ lemon into a bowl or a jar and take out the seeds. You can also use a lemon squeezer.
3. For warm lemon water, mix 1/3 boiling water with ¼ cold filtered water. Alternatively, pour water in a kettle but turn it off just before the water starts boiling.
4. Stir with a spoon and enjoy while warm. Best taken in the morning.
5. For cold lemon water, add ½ squeezed lemon juice into a cup of cold water and enjoy on a warm afternoon.

Method 2

1. Thinly slice one lemon, remove the seeds and place the slices in a large pitcher
2. Slightly mash the lemon pieces with a wooden spoon to release the juices
3. Add 8 cups of filtered cold water and let it chill for about an hour in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips for drinking lemon water

• Always use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with plain water right after drinking lemon water.
• Wait for one hour before brushing your teeth.

Lemon water variations:

Although lemon water is best taken unsweetened, you can still infuse it with different flavors to enhance the taste.

Some natural flavors to try include:

• Springs of fresh peppermint
• Slices of freshly chopped ginger
• Cinnamon or turmeric
• Slices of cucumber

Benefits of lemon water:

You may still be wondering, why drink lemon water? Read on to find out!

1.   Lemon is a great source of potassium

Lemon juice is very high in potassium, one of the essential minerals in the body. It helps regulate nerve signals, maintain fluid balance, and aid muscle contraction.

It also supports bone health, improves heart rate, reduces the risk of stroke, lowers high blood pressure, and reduces the risk of kidney stones.

2.   Lemon improves digestion

Lemon juice can relieve symptoms of indigestion and act as a laxative, improving bowel moments and preventing constipation.

The citric acid in lemon may also interact with other digestive enzymes to produce more gastric juices, which aid the breakdown of food in the stomach, increasing the surface area for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

3.   Reduce inflammation

Citrus fruits such as lemons, tangerines, grapefruits, and oranges are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can help improve joint health and reduce swelling and pain in chronic conditions like arthritis.

4.   Freshen your breath

The citrus in lemon juice increases saliva production, preventing dry mouth that may contribute to bad breath.

Also, drinking lemon water first thing in the morning or after meals may help keep off bad breath, especially from foods with a strong smell like garlic.

5.   Improves skin health

Lemon water contains antioxidants that offer anti-aging properties that prevent premature signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. They also help neutralize free radicals, fight acne, and promote glowing and flawless skin.

6.   Boosts energy

According to studies, adequate consumption of water may improve body metabolism, which helps boost energy levels. But the taste of water may be bland sometimes making lemon water the most fantastic way to hydrate and enjoy what you’re drinking.

7.   It helps you cut out caffeine

Most people tend to drink coffee 1^st thing in the morning, but caffeine may not be suitable for your health. Substituting your morning coffee with a glass of warm lemon water is the healthiest way to start your day.

8.   Supports weight loss

Lemon water is a great appetite suppressant, thanks to pectin, a type of fiber it contains. However, lemon water has minimal levels of pectin and can only delay hunger for a little while.

But since lemon juice is low in calories and you’re likely to take it without sugar, it’s a healthy alternative to soda and could help cut down on extra calories from other unhealthy drinks.

Conclusion on lemon water:

Lemon water can be a great addition to your health. It has been shown to boost immunity, improve digestive health, increase energy levels, help you maintain a healthy weight, and reduce inflammation.

The key to reaping these benefits is using organic lemon and drinking it mainly in the morning on an empty stomach. And, of course, too much exposure to citric acid from the lemon may damage your teeth. So purpose to use a straw each time you drink lemon water and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.

More healthy morning drinks:

Pineapple Peel Tea

Ginger Turmeric Shot

Celery Juice

Mango Leaf Tea

Detox Tea

Oregano Tea

Mint Tea

Parsley Tea

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