Lemons are very sour and acidic to the taste buds, so you would think that they wouldn’t benefit you much on an alkaline diet. However, they are actually great! In spite of their outward acidity, they’re one of the more “alkaline” fruits you can have. Remember that the alkaline diet is a little more tricky to navigate, but this article will help you. Not everything is immediately obvious when it comes to this diet.
Even if you’re not on any special eating plan like the alkaline diet, lemon water can be good for you. Now, here are some of the benefits of lemon water:
1) It Can Help Balance pH – It is Alkaline in the Body
Indeed, as we mentioned, lemons are an “alkaline” food, according to the theory of the alkaline diet. One of the easiest ways to get lemon into your system is to drink lemon juice. You can squeeze a bit of your lemon into some warm water in the morning. This makes for a better alternative than coffee or tea in the morning (which are acidic to your body).
2) It Can Help Your Immune System
Much like oranges and other citrus fruits, lemons have a lot of Vitamin C that helps the immune system. That is why there are good for staying in top shape and to ward of illnesses. The alkaline diet can help with this, but throwing in a good source of Vitamin C will enhance the diet further.
3) It Can Help You Get All Your Fluids
One of the more important habits that you can start when it comes to any diet is to drink plenty of water. Getting all the fluids you need can help you digest your food and it will keep your body well nourished. You skin will also be more moist and flexible.
If you don’t like plain water, it can be a challenge to keep up with the amount that you’re supposed to be drinking (4 to 8 glasses). Not to worry though! Adding a little natural flavoring with lemon can make things more interesting. There is no better way to motivate yourself to get your recommended water intake. Give it a try if you’re struggling to drink all the water that you need.
4) It Aids Weight Loss and Digestion
I hear you folks. It can be frustrating staying thin and in top shape all the time. So how do some people do it. A secret that most celebrities have is that they drink lemon water every morning. Doing so helps cleanse the body and break down food in the digestive system. On top of that, lemon water has no calories compared to taking in sugary drinks, so you’re saving yourself. As a little freebie tip, drink your lemon water hot. This aids the metabolism and breaking down food in the digestive system.
5) Your Liver Will Have a Cleanse
Have you ever noticed that water is key to a detox diet plan? The water in your system flushes out everything in your system. This leaves a refreshed feeling, and lemon water helps with this as well. The enzymes in lemon will help you stimulate your liver functions. Since the liver is the primary location where waste stores up, lemon water will help get rid of these wastes. Don’t forget that lemons have a component that suppresses your appetite and cravings. That way, you won’t find yourself inhaling on pizza when you’re supposed to be detoxifying!
6) Lemon Improves the Skin
Lemon juice has a chock full of antioxidants, all helpful for clear skin. I’m sure that you’ve heard of all things you can do with lemon as a cleanser or moisturizer. But drinking lemon water also brings some of the same benefits. Your blemishes will disappear, and wrinkles can will reduce in appearance. Lemon water provides for a great anti-bacterial solution to the body, and thus the skin can clear up. Bacteria is the source of acne, so if you’re looking for an acne treatment, start with drinking lemon water. Also, as we mentioned before, vitamin C has an array of benefits. It is the vitamin C in lemons that lets your skin glow and appear brighter.
7) It Helps Reduce Joint and Muscle Pain
Sometimes, athletes will drink some type of liquid, any kind, mixed with lemon at the end of their workouts. They’ll call this drink their “recovery drink” and it’s quite simple why. After your muscles have gone through a lot of stress and movement, you need electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that have an electric charge. That way, your body can get up and running again. The best way to get your electrolytes is to fuse it with water. Considering all the electrolytes lemon contains, this would be a great option. So go mix that lemon with your water and own the day.
8) Lemon Water Reduces Inflammation
Drinking lemon water on a regular basis can help decrease the levels of acids in your body. The source of inflammation is high acids levels in the body. To be more specific, acids like uric acid cause joint inflammation. If you increase your intake of lemon water, you will be able to prevent this build up of acids.
9) It is an Excellent Source of Potassium
Potassium is important for normal growth and building muscle. It is with potassium that nerve and brain function can operate in a healthy manner. Potassium is also what regulates the water balance and the acid-base balance in the body. Lemon water provides a perfect way to give you a healthy dose of potassium. And a bonus? It helps improve the health of your heart.
10) Your Energy Will Boost
Our daily lives need energy for tasks. You need energy for work. Energy for school. Energy for sports. The list goes on. Taking lemon water in the morning will prepare you for the day, as that boost in energy levels will help you do tasks. Curious on why lemon boosts energy in a similar manner to caffeine? Our bodies get energy from the atoms and molecules in foods. Lemons contain negative charged ions. So when those enter the digestive tract, the result is more energy.
11) Lemons Help to De-Stress
I know you love to linger outside The Body Shop. It’s alright though, because there’s a scientific reason behind it. According to science, sniffing citrus is a major stress reducer and helps to improve mood. So the next time you or a co-workers feels fatigued and grumpy, offer a glass of lemon water.
12) It Prevents Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a result of the formation of small, hard deposits in the kidneys. Symptoms are usually abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It is most often caused by a severe lack of hydration. But don’t worry, lemons have a ton of citric acid, which can increase urine volume to help fight kidney stones. So mix your lemon and water together for some fast relief.
13) It Provides a Balance of pH Levels in the Body
Balance in pH levels are key for ensuring healthy body functions. Since lemons are quite acidic, they can provide a quick fix to your body’s pH levels. Lemon water will help ensure that your body has enough acid for proper functioning.
14) Your Asthma Will Reduce
If you suffer from asthma, one way to reduce your asthma attacks is to take lemon water everyday. According to research, the symptoms will reduce big time. Lemons help reduce inflammation and mucus, are are seen as a natural remedy for asthma.
15) It Prevents the Multiplying of Harmful Bacteria
When pathogenic bacteria gets into your body, they can multiply fast. The result is serious infections and diseases. But guess what? You can prevent such illnesses with the help of lemon water. Drinking lemon water helps to prevent the growth and multiplication of harmful bacteria.
16) It Freshens Your Breath
Who doesn’t want fresh breath without even trying? With lemon water, you can not only relieve bad breath, but also gingivitis and toothaches. Nonetheless, be careful with lemon water, as too much citric acid can erode the tooth enamel. After drinking lemon water, brush your teeth immediately to prevent the erosion.
17) It Will Help Fight Cancer Cells
According to research, lemon water is effective at annihilating cancer cells. To protect yourself from multiplying harmful cells, try to drink more than one cup of lemon water a day. On the side, you not only will be preventing cancer, but you will also kill viruses, parasites, and fungi.
18) Lemon Reduces Risk of Osteoporosis
If you drink lemon water on the daily, you are very unlikely to have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that leads boned to become weak and brittle. Lemon water, once digested, results in an alkaline refill. This helps keep the calcium in your body. Why? Because this is your body’s first choice of buffers when it detects acid.
19) It Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Lemon is a good source of Bioflavonoids. This is an element that is effective at stimulating the release of insulin in the body. Such a property can come in handy for those struggling with diabetes. Lemon water helps to balance blood sugar. And remember when we said it reduces cravings?
20) It Promotes Healing
It’s already becoming clear that lemon can replace medicine sometimes. By drinking a mixture of lemon water with honey, your consuming antibacterials. This not only ensures you don’t become sick, but it can relieve sore throats and/or inflamed tonsils.
21) It can help relieve heartburn
Lemon juice is very acidic, I know. But small amounts mixed with water can have an alkalizing effect when digested. This can help neutralize the acid in your stomach, which can help fight off heartburn.
What Not to Do: Don’t Add Anything Sweet to the Lemon Water!
It may be tempting to add sugar to make lemonade, but don’t do this! Even sugar substitutes may interfere with your body’s alkalinity. It doesn’t matter if something is “natural,” like organic honey or agave nectar. If it is a sweetener, I can guarantee it consists of simple sugars, which are for the most part acidic.
If you don’t like the sour taste of lemon juice, that’s fine. Try diluting it with more water, or have fun and experiment trying another fruit! I only ask that you don’t defeat the purpose of the alkaline diet by introducing additives to your lemon water.
What to Do Instead
Thinking of having some experimentation? Something fun that you might try are slices of cucumbers. These go well with lemon water, especially in the summer, and add a nice subtle flavor.
Regardless of how you drink your lemon water, remember this. You’ll enjoy its benefits best if you choose natural, unprocessed ingredients! Get a real lemon today, cut it in half, and give this very simple alkaline drink a try. Above all, enjoy all the benefits you can get from this delicious drink!
Tell us about your experience drinking lemon water! How do you include it into your day?
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