Lemon water is one of the most inexpensive drinks to make at home and great to have with you throughout the day for hydration and getting a few extra benefits into your body.
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Water is important on its own, but infusing your water with all the benefits of lemon juice is even more beneficial and when you start drinking your water with a bit of lemon in it, you will soon notice the difference.
Here are some lemon water benefits to have you sipping this popular detox drink all day long.
- Relieves an upset stomach and encourages efficient digestion.
The lemon juice in water stimulates enzyme functions in the body and helps with flushing out toxins, resulting in healthier-looking skin and healthier-feeling body. As you begin drinking lemon water, your body will absorb more nutrients from food because the acids found in lemon juice encourage a more efficient processing of nutrients.
- Lemon water protects the cells against radical damage.
Lemons are high in flavonoids, lemon peel especially and these compounds have powerful antioxidant properties and can protect against cancer.
- It supports optimal heart health.
Abundant in vitamin C, lemon water can prevent heart disease. Also containing a good amount of potassium, this simple drink will help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke by 27%.
- It helps keep colds and the flu at bay.
Vitamin C is as well relevant for the proper function of the immune system. When you have a strong immune system, your body can resist the attacks of viruses and bacteria, thus you get cold less often.
- It keeps the skin looking healthy.
For healthy skin, it is important that you encourage the body to produce collagen, which is a relevant protein that helps smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Incorporating more vitamin C into your diet will stimulate the production of collagen and thus give you glowing skin and a rejuvenated look.
- It promotes weight-loss and improves athletic performance.
The compounds found in lemon can help you lose weight by stimulating the liver to burn fat. Warm lemon water taken before meals will naturally boast the metabolism and this will help you fill up faster and eat less.
How to make lemon water
Lemon water is simply water mixed with lemon juice so it’s easy to make. The ratio of lemon juice to water is entirely up to you, although you would need a fair amount of lemon juice to reap benefits.
Also, it is recommended that you use organic lemons and filtered water to get the most out of your drink. Infusing with a few slices of lemon will provide extra flavor and you can add a few springs of mint too.
Serve lemon water hot or cold and preferably unsweetened, and if you want to have it with you at all times, prepare in water infuser bottles that you can take along anywhere.
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If possible, drink your lemon water through a straw because the citric acid in the juice may erode tooth enamel, particularly relevant for people who drink or plan to drink consistently.