11 Reasons to Start Your Day With Lemon

For some time now, there's been a list floating around the Internet touting 10 reasons you should drink lemon-flavored warm water. I came across the list, found it both compelling and in the very least harmless, and so have been starting my day with warm water and lemon every day for a few months now. 

Looking back, I think it's made a big difference in my health this cold & flu season. I haven't been sick since last June, in the midst of a depressed immune system due to chemo.

More recently, during the Christmas holidays, I was literally surrounded by sick people (puking people, congested people, Scarlet Fever people) and I didn't develop so much as a stuffy nose, muscle ache, or belly twinge. 

I think it's the lemon. 

The icing on the cake: I recently learned that citrus has cancer fighting powers in addition to immunity boosting powers. So I'm here to give you the ELEVEN reasons you should start your day with a mug of warm water and a lush lemon slice. 

1. Cancer fighter: Oranges, tangerines, lemons, and grapefruit contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids. They also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogenics by the liver.

2. Immunity booster: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They're also high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function, and helps control blood pressure. 

3. pH balancer: Drinking lemon water everyday will reduce your body's overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around (citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). 

4. Weight loss stimulator: Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It has also been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster.

5. Digestion aid: Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn, gas and constipation.

6. Diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination by the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster reach, which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

7. Skin clearing: The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. Lemon juice applied directly to the skin can help reduce the appearance of scars. 

8. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so don't go too strong on your lemon juice. If this worries you, you can rinse your mouth with fresh water after your lemon water, and/or use a straw occasionally.  (I'd recommend a glass one when drinking warm liquids.)

9. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps clear chest infections and halt pesky coughs. It's thought to be helpful with asthma and allergies, too. 

10. Zen boosting: Vitamin C  is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned above, lemons are full of vitamin C. 

11. Want to kick the coffee habit? Starting with lemon water in the morning can curb your morning coffee cravings.

Drink up!

Comments

[Berit]

Very informative, and beautiful pictures! Thanks,

[Christine@TheAums]

I love warm water with lemon any time of the day!

[Kyle]

Put a dab of raw honey in the warm water and lemon! Double healthy and delicious!

[Robin Horn]

Plus, lemons are in season right now. Gotta love a fruit that's at its peak in winter!

[Pam]

I've been doing this since you posted it. An XL to go cup in the morning (because otherwise I set a regular cup down and forget it until it's cold) was SO good, that I now just keep filling it up into the evening. Such a nice way to get my water when it's too cold to drink from the well! Thanks for sharing!

[Agarwood Tea]

LEMONADE :)

[Easy Real Health]

i hope you do more blogs like this one