Lemon is a popular fruit, whose sour juice is used to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes. Especially, lemon water made from lemon juice has many benefits. It can leave a positive effect on many problems of the body along with keeping the body hydrated.
BENEFITS OF LEMON WATER:
1. Enriched With Antioxidant Properties:
Lemon juice is rich in antioxidant properties, due to which the benefits of lemon water can help protect the body from free radicals.
Studies conducted by Sun Yat-sen University on mice have revealed that lemon juice can have protective effects on liver damage caused by alcohol consumption. This effect is attributed to the presence of antioxidant properties in lemon juice. [Trusted Source 1]
In addition, research conducted by an organization called Electronic Physician has found that it acts as an effective antioxidant due to citrate, flavonoids, vitamin E and vitamin C present in lemon juice. [Trusted Source 2]
2. For Digestion:
The atomic structure of lemon juice is similar to the digestive juices found in the stomach. It helps the liver in the production of bile, which aids digestion of food.
That is why lemon water helps in relieving indigestion and reduces stomach related problems. In addition, lemon helps the digestive system to flush out unwanted waste and toxins from your body. Consuming a glass of warm lemon water daily helps in relieving symptoms of indigestion.
3. Keeps You Energized:
Nutritious elements like vitamins B and C, phosphorus, protein and carbohydrates present in lemon make it a natural active energy agent. It hydrates your body as well as supplies oxygen to it, keeping you energetic and fresh throughout the day. Apart from this, the fragrance of lemon also contains mood—boosting properties.
4. Prevents Stones:
Citric acid is found in plenty in lemon juice. A research published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has found that citric acid increases the frequency of urination, which can help to prevent kidney stones from forming. In addition, it can also help in reducing the supersaturation of urine. [Trusted Source 3]
5. Helps To Reduce Weight:
While talking about the benefits of lemon water, drinking honey mixed with lemon water can help to reduce weight to some extent.
A research conducted by the Journal of Ayurveda and Integral Medicine revealed the anti-obese effect of lemon-honey. In this study, people have been given lemon-honey intake for four days. The results of this research yielded positive results.
At the same time, vitamin C present in lemon can also be helpful in controlling weight. [Trusted Source 4] [Trusted Source 5] [Trusted Source 6]
6. Source of Vitamin C:
Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin-C. Its one cup (244 grams) contains about 94.4 micrograms of vitamin-C. [Trusted Source 4]
Vitamin-C is considered a very important nutrient for the body. First of all, it helps in the absorption of iron in the body. [Trusted Source 7]
In addition, vitamin C helps in healing wounds and plays a vital role in the formation of a particular type of protein, which helps to build blood vessels, skin, and ligaments. Vitamin-C is also considered an effective antioxidant. It can also help to prevent the side effects of free radicals and prevent dangerous diseases such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis. [Trusted Source 6] [Trusted Source 8] [Trusted Source 9] [Trusted Source 10]
7. For Skin:
The harmful rays of the sun and oxidative stress cause the effect of free radicals on the skin, which can cause skin damage. The benefits of drinking lemon juice can be seen here.
Lemon is a citrus fruit and a research published on the NCBI website reported that citrus fruit has antioxidant and anti-aging properties, helping to keep the skin wrinkle—free by reducing the side effects of free radicals. [Trusted Source 7] [Trusted Source 8]
8. Better Immunity:
Warm lemon water is also beneficial in stimulating the immune system. Being rich in vitamin C, lemon helps to boost immune system and helps your body to fight colds and flu. In addition, lemon increases body’s ability to absorb iron, which is an important nutrient for a healthy immune system. [Trusted Source 7] [Trusted Source 11]
Lemon also contains saponin, which has antimicrobial properties. This element is known to keep infections away from the body.
9. Cures Bad Breath:
The medicinal properties of honey and water, along with the acidic nature of lemons, can prove to be extremely helpful in alleviating bad breath.
It cleanses the mouth and kills odor-causing bacteria by activating saliva production. So drink a glass of warm lemon water quickly and feel a new freshness in your breath.
10. For Balancing pH Level:
Lemon is one of the best food for your body as it contains both citric and ascorbic acids which are responsible to maintain pH level.
A good pH level is essential for a healthy body because excessive acidity in the body can stimulate inflammatory activities, which can make your body prone to many diseases.
Drinking lemon water regularly in the morning on an empty stomach helps to remove acid in the body including uric acid in the joints, which are the main cause of pain and inflammation.
11. For Throat Infection:
The anti-bacterial properties of lemon are very helpful in fighting problems related to throat infections and soreness or tonsillitis.
In fact, people who drink warm water and a glass of lemon every morning have a very low chance of developing a throat infection.
This healthy drink also helps to prevent respiratory problems like asthma. If you have a sore throat, take this healthy drink and you can use it to rinse to speed up the healing process.
12. Reduces Blood Pressure:
People suffering from high blood pressure can benefit immensely from this healthy drink. It helps in purifying the lymphatic system and also keeps it hydrated.
The potassium present in lemon helps you to enjoy better sleep, reduce stress and improve your mental activity. In this way, warm lemon water helps to keep your blood pressure in the normal range.
13. For Urinary Tract Infection:
The warm lemon water acts as a diuretic and helps to purify the urinary tract and stimulate urine production.
The citric acid contained in the lemon is helpful in the detoxification process that is necessary to keep the urinary tract free from infection. Women who often suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) should consume hot lemon water daily to get relief from urinary infection.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO DRINK LEMON WATER?
Lemon water is very beneficial for your health. It removes toxins from your body and also keeps your body hydrated. In this way, you can consume lemon water at any time, but by taking it on an empty stomach in the morning may give you maximum health benefits.
According to Ayurveda, whatever you eat in the morning affects your whole day. Drinking lemon water in the morning removes toxins from your body and keeps your digestive system healthy. Along with this, drinking lemon water in the morning also helps you to lose weight.
HOW TO USE LEMON WATER?
- You can drink half a lemon juice, sugar and salt mixed in a glass of water
- In the morning on an empty stomach, you can drink a glass of lukewarm water by mixing half a lemon juice and honey
- You can also add a piece of fresh ginger to lemon water
- A small lemon juice, half cup of soda, sugar as needed, some mint leaves and three to four ice cubes can be made into Virgin Mojito
- You can also add other fresh fruits such as oranges or slices of cucumber
USE OF LEMON JUICE FOR SKIN:
Material:
- Half lemon juice
- Cotton
Method:
- Wash your face with water and clean it thoroughly
- Now apply lemon juice on your face with the help of cotton
- After about 10 minutes wash your face with cold water
- Wipe the face with a towel and apply suitable moisturizer
Note : Do a patch test before using lemon juice for the skin. Do not use if there is any kind of irritation or itching.
SIDE EFFECTS OF LEMON WATER:
Consuming a balanced amount of lemon water has many health benefits. At the same time, consuming its excessive quantity can cause the following side effects —
- The citric acid present in it may damage tooth enamel (tooth’s outer layer) [Trusted Source 12]
- In some cases lemon juice can cause skin rashes [Trusted Source 13]
- Lemon juice can cause citrus food allergies, causing oral allergic syndrome (swelling or itching in the throat, tongue, and lips) and in many cases anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) [Trusted Source 14] [Trusted Source 15]
- Citric acid present in lemon can cause mouth ulcers [Trusted Source 16]
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