8 Reasons to Start Your Day With Warm Lemon Water

Feb 20, 2013
Jessica Wilson • Lifestyle

Looking to kick your morning coffee habit for a healthier start to your day? Look no further than warm water and fresh lemon juice. What began as an ayurveda and yogic tradition has now emerged as a mainstream practice as surprising health benefits come to light. Providing more than just hydration, read on to see what a cup a day can do for your health.

Detoxification

We all know the importance of drinking plenty of water to consistently flush toxins out of our bodies. Lemons help amplify the effect by acting as a natural diuretic. Because lemons increase the rate of urination, toxins are flushed out faster to keep your urinary tract healthy.

Immune System Support

High in vitamin C, lemons are great for fighting colds. Lemons also contain saponins that display antimicrobial properties that may help keep colds at bay. The ascorbic acid in lemons enhances iron absorption, which plays an important role in immune function.

Aids in Digestion

Filled with vitamins and minerals, lemons encourage the liver to produce bile, an acid needed for digestion, while helping to loosen toxins in the digestive tract. The warm water helps to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to keep things moving.

Dental Care

Providing natural antiseptic properties, lemons can aid in the regular cleansing of your mouth. With regular consumption, lemon water can help stop gum bleeding, control halitosis, prevent cavities and maintain fresh breath.

Improves the Appearance of Skin

Acting as a blood purifier, lemon water purges toxins to help keep skin clear. The high antioxidant content helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes while vitamin C counters the effects of pollution and sun exposure that cause damage through free radicals. It also helps preserve collagen and elastin for a youthful appearance.

Weight Loss Aid

Lemons help create an alkaline state in the body to lose weight faster than an acidic environment. High in pectin fiber, they can also help fight hunger cravings. Ditch your morning coffee drink filled with cream and sugar for this healthy, energizing alternative.

Helps Control High Blood Pressure

Lemons are high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure. Its calming effects help relax anxiety and reduce mental stress.

Promotes a Balanced pH

Due to their alkaline-forming properties within the body, lemons help maintain a healthy blood pH. Though acidic on their own, when lemon juice enters the body and metabolizes, the citric acid does not create acidity.