Are You Drinking Lemon Water?
We humans can often overcomplicate things—especially when it comes to our nutrition. My mantra is KEEP IT SIMPLE. And, this is the hurdle I work hard to get the people I coach over. Much of the time it’s the simple things—the simple ways—that help our body the most. So, in keeping with this simplicity theme, I want you to start drinking lemon water.
No expensive or complex concoctions needed. Definitely no sugar or other additives. Just simple and affordable lemon water.
Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water
Lemons are packed with nutrients—including Vitamins B complex and C, iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium—and fiber. They are cheap and easy to find. One full cup of lemon juice only has 61 calories—and, it doesn’t get much easier than squeezing one into a cup of water.
Here are the primary benefits of drinking lemon water:
- Boosts your immune system. When you’re physically or emotionally stressed, the Vitamin C in your body plummets. Lemon juice is full of it—and it also helps fight viral infections like sore throats.
- Replenishes your potassium. Your heart, brain and nerves benefit from more potassium.
- Cleanses your body. The moment lemon water enters your mouth, it gets into your blood and helps detoxify all your organs, including your skin.
- Aids digestion. Lemon juice breaks up toxins in your digestive tract resulting in less bloating, heartburn, and gas. It also helps your body digest the food more slowly, which is good for insulin levels.
- Decreases acidity. This is a BIG one. Too much acid in our bodies causes inflammation, which is linked to cancer. Lemons are alkaline.
- Helps with weight loss. The pectin from lemons helps keep you feeling full for longer and reduces hunger cravings. Nuff said.
- Rejuvenates your skin. The antioxidants from the Vitamin C are twice as strong in lemon water and this helps your body produce more collagen.
- Calms you down. The citrus smell has been found to decrease anxiety, while at the same time giving you more energy.
Tips for Drinking Lemon Water
My biggest tip for drinking lemon water has to do with your teeth. You have to be careful with lemons because they damage the enamel of your teeth. That’s why you should dilute it with water. (Lukewarm water is best…but, on a hot summer day, enjoy the cold.) Even better is to get in the habit of brushing your teeth after you’re done.
If you weigh more than 150 pounds, use a whole lemon—otherwise just use half.
You get the most benefit if you drink lemon water first thing in the morning—about a half hour BEFORE you eat breakfast. This cleanses your digestive tract before you start filling it up.
Muddle some fresh herbs—like basil, rosemary, or mint—in your lemon water for some extra deliciousness.
On cold days, I love to drink my lemon water in a tea mug—a bit hotter than lukewarm with some raw local honey and ginger [ground is fine]. Not only is this simple concoction delicious, but it’s a detoxifier.
More Helpful Info
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