7 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water
By now, you’ve probably heard about the many health benefits of drinking water. In fact, if you’re like most people, you know that being properly hydrated is essential to good health, and you probably also know that your body loses water through sweating, breathing, and other bodily functions, so it’s important to replenish that water regularly by drinking lots of water throughout the day. But do you realize that there are actually specific ways that lemon water can improve your health? Most people don’t realize this until they start drinking lemon water every day as part of their routine.
1) Improves Weight Loss
Lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that helps boost metabolism and improve weight loss. A study published in BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that drinking lemon water increased participants’ metabolic rates (calories burned) by 30 percent. Participants who drank two cups of water with lemon every day lost more weight than those who didn’t – 21 pounds compared to eight! It may not be a magic bullet, but it certainly adds up.
2) Lowers Blood Pressure
You already know that water is essential for staying hydrated and keeping your body healthy. But it also has a ton of other benefits, like helping to reduce blood pressure. Because lemons are full of citric acid, lemon water can help lower your blood pressure, especially if you drink it regularly over a period of time. Citric acid binds with minerals in your bloodstream (like calcium and magnesium) and reduces their ability to form calcium oxalate crystals. This prevents calcium oxalate crystals from developing into kidney stones or leading to high blood pressure. If you drink lemon water every day, it can also potentially lower blood pressure by up to eight points in as little as six weeks!
3) Combats Infections
Lemons contain limonene, a natural disinfectant that has been shown to fight off both drug-resistant and stomach flu-causing bacteria. Limonene is so strong that it’s also used in cleaning products to get rid of mold and mildew. Limonene is especially powerful at fighting stomach bugs because these types of infections are typically caused by viruses rather than bacteria. While there are plenty of commercial products on the market for disinfecting your home, some homemade lemony water may be all you need!
4) Reduces Symptoms of Arthritis
Lemons are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, and drinking lemon water is a great way to kick-start your day. Research shows that lemons have arthritis-fighting abilities, and consuming them can reduce your risk of symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. A 2012 study published in The Journal of Medicinal Food found that participants who consumed lemons for three months reported significant reductions in their arthritis symptoms compared to a control group. Lemons are also high in antioxidants like vitamin C, which may help stave off other inflammatory conditions. Studies show that vitamin C deficiency is associated with higher concentrations of CRP (C-reactive protein), an inflammatory marker linked to heart disease.
5) Fights Liver Disease
Lemons are rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C and flavonoids, which help protect your liver against toxins. Studies have shown that diets high in antioxidants could slow down or even prevent the onset of several types of cancer, including colon cancer, skin cancer and breast cancer. While more research is needed to determine whether lemon water can protect you from liver disease specifically, citrus fruits like lemons have demonstrated many therapeutic benefits for both humans and animals with liver diseases. And if you’re worried about what it tastes like: lemon water is a great way to give your morning water a kick start—your tastebuds won’t know they’re drinking something so healthy!
6) Aids Digestion
Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for your digestion. Drinking lemon water each morning can help your body fight off problems with gas, bloating and constipation. It also balances pH levels in your stomach and helps to eliminate toxins. It’s an especially great way to start each day if you have a sensitive stomach. Not only does it benefit your digestive system, but by drinking lemon water each morning it can improve your overall health!
7) Helps Detoxify the Body
Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C, citric acid and limonene. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and citric acid acts as a diuretic, meaning it helps flush out your system and get rid of harmful toxins. Lemons also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle soreness. By drinking lemon water, you’re able to detoxify your body and wash away those harmful toxins through urination!