The health benefits of warm water and lemon are often shrugged off as a dieting fad, but what if there was some truth to the story? Lemons are known to enhance the flavour of a number of dishes, but were you aware they can also support digestion, help balance your body’s pH, support your immune function, improve skin appearance and more? Could it be that warm water and lemon is not just for those on a detox or juice fast but something we should consider part of our daily routine? Let’s dive in.
Health Benefits of Warm Water & Lemon
- Hydration: After several hours of sleep, your body may be dehydrated. Drinking fresh lemon and warm water can help replenish lost fluids. Maintaining hydration can also improve skin appearance. Who doesn’t want that early morning glow?
- Vitamin C Boost: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and can enhance skin health; However, pairing your lemon with boiling water can significantly reduce the bio availability of this nutrient, so always pair with warm water.
- Digestive Aid: Warm lemon water may aid digestion. The citric acid contained in lemons encourages the liver to produce bile (an acid required for easy digestion).
- Detoxification: It can promote liver function and assist in detoxifying the body. The citric acid contained in the lemon may also aid in the body’s detoxification process, helping flush the liver by removing waste, whilst also supporting kidney function.
- Weight Management: Some studies suggest that lemon water may help with weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness.
- Alkalizing Effect: Despite being acidic, lemon juice has an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolized.
- Fresh Breath: The antibacterial properties of lemon can help freshen breath.
- Mood Booster: The aroma of lemon can be uplifting and may enhance mood.
- Don’t forget the skin: Lemon skin contains vitamins A, C, and various B vitamins, along with minerals like calcium and potassium. The skin is packed with flavonoids and antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. If you’ve got organic lemons, try adding some peel or lemon slices (with peel in tact) to your warm water infusion.
Can’t bare the taste of lemon juice in water? Or perhaps, you want some more of this action? Try these:
- Cooking and Baking:
- Use lemon juice or zest in marinades for meats and fish.
- Add lemon zest to baked goods like cakes, muffins, and cookies for flavor.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over vegetables before roasting.
- Squeeze some lemon juice into your avocado smash.
- Condiments:
- Use lemon juice in homemade salad dressings.
- Mix lemon juice with olive oil for a simple vinaigrette.
- Combine with garlic and herbs for a zesty dipping sauce.
Incorporating lemon into your daily routine can enhance flavor and provide numerous health benefits!
Warm Water & Lemon
Prep Time
2 mins
Servings: 1 people
Ingredients
- 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed
- 2 slices fresh lemon OR finely grated lemon zest (optional)
- 1 cup Warm filtered water
Instructions
-
Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into a cup of warm water. Stir to combine.
-
Add lemon slices and allow to infuse for a few minutes before consuming.
My grandmother drank lemon juice and water everyday and she has wonderful skin, even in old age.