Lemon juice is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, potassium, protein and vitamins B and C, and is said to be a powerful stimulant for the immune system. Taken on an empty stomach, this treatment is said to purify the body, encourage weight loss, help maintain the body's pH balance and help settle certain digestive problems. Here are 10 benefits attributed to lemon water.
10 benefits attributed to lemon water
1. Weight loss
Lemon water is said to help maintain a stable weight by regulating blood sugar levels. The pectin in lemon juice is also said to fight off hunger pangs, which would lead you to eat less throughout the day.
2. The immune system
This drink is said to support the lymphatic system, which works in concert with the immune system.
3. Against colds and flu
Rich in vitamin C, lemon is said to strengthen the immune system and to have antiviral and antibacterial effects, which would make it a traditional remedy against colds and flu.
4. Acne
Drinking lemon water in the morning is said to help regulate the body's pH, and could thereby help prevent acne from forming.
5. Constipation
Lemon water is said to help prevent and relieve constipation by encouraging regular bowel movements, an ally for digestive health.
6. Kidney stones
The potassium in lemons is said to raise citrate levels in the urine, which would prevent oxalate from forming and help prevent kidney stones.
7. The gallbladder
Drinking lemon water with meals could considerably reduce the pain associated with gallstones.
8. Fibromyalgia and muscle pain
People grappling with fibromyalgia exhaustion could improve their condition by drinking lemon water, combined with yoga stretches. Lemon water is also said to reduce muscle pain, particularly after an intense workout.
9. Joint pain, swelling and inflammation
Lemon water is said to help reduce the amount of uric acid in the joints, which would reduce inflammation — beneficial in particular for people suffering from arthritis. Since acidity is one of the causes of inflammation in cell tissue, lemon is said to have anti-inflammatory properties able to neutralise it.
10. Foodborne illness
Drinking lemon water is said to help guard against certain cases of food poisoning.
How to use morning lemon water: above 70 kg, use the juice of a whole lemon; below that, half is enough.
A single glass of lemon water in the morning is said, by tradition, to concentrate ten different benefits — from digestion to immunity by way of the skin.
