If you’ve spent much time immersed in the health and fitness world, you know an often-repeated mantra is “drink more water!” It seems to be a solution to just about every problem: weight loss, workout recovery, nutrition, you name it.
If you’re used to soda, coffee, and workout drinks as your main form of hydration, switching to plain ol’ water can be positively boring. Which is one reason many people put lemon in their water to add flavor. Beyond being refreshing, drinking lemon water is actually a healthy life strategy. Here’s why:
Boosts your immune system
Without a strong immune system, your overall health will suffer even if you don’t always feel sick. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is found in large quantities in citrus fruits – like lemons. One of the best things Vitamin C does for your body is stimulate the production of white blood cells and protect against oxidative damage.
Lowers inflammation
While lemons are acidic, inside your body they actually promote a more alkaline environment. Diseases cannot live in an alkaline environment. On top of that, lemon removes uric acid, a primary cause of inflammation in the body.
Supports better digestion
Lemon has an excellent influence on just about all aspects of your digestion. In addition to resolving issues like diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, gas, and bloating, lemon stimulates your liver to create more bile and aid in digestion. This happens because lemon juice is similar to your body’s natural digestive juices. In your digestive tract, lemon operates as a mild diuretic to help your body more effectively remove toxins. Lemon’s acids cause your body to slow down when digesting food, meaning you get more nutrition out of what you eat.
Encourages oral health
Filled with antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, lemon prevents gingivitis, tooth decay, and halitosis.
Helps you lose weight
Lemons have pectin fiber, a substance that reduces your hunger cravings. Smashing lemon into your water will help you get more of this fiber! In one study, drinking 17 ounces of lemon water increased participants’ metabolic rate by 30%!
Gives you clear skin
kin health often starts from the inside before it works its way out. The antioxidants in lemons will decrease blemishes and go to work on wrinkles by triggering the production of collagen. On top of that, the vitamin C in lemon fights the damage to your skin caused by free radicals.
Contributes to heart health and brain function
Lemons naturally contain a lot of potassium. This important nutrient is central to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and to keep your brain functioning well.
Gives you energy
When lemon juice gets to your digestive tract, it gives your body a jolt of energy. Some people have even weaned off caffeine by replacing their morning cup of coffee with a cup or warm lemon water. Instead of the jitters and caffeine crash, lemon has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression.
Provides healthy electrolytes
Electrolytes are important to keep your body hydrated. Lemon contains all-natural electrolytes in the form of potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Nutritionally, 1 cup of plain lemon juice contains:
- 61 calories
- 2mg sodium
- 21grams carbohydrates
- 1 gram dietary fiber
- 6 grams sugar
- 2% DVA calcium
- 187% DVA Vitamin C
Remember, that nutrition won’t be quite so concentrated when you drink it, but those numbers are nothing to sneeze at! Experts recommend using about 1 ounce of lemon juice per 8 ounces of water if you weight less than 150 pounds, double the amount to 2 ounces of lemon juice per 8 ounces of water.
310 Nutrition Lemonades
On days when you're craving a beverage a bit sweeter than lemon water - without breaking your diet - we recommend 310 Nutrition lemonade powders. In addition to making your water taste great, its low in calories and has a trio of natural ingredients proven to suppress your appetite to make weight loss a cinch!
Sources:
http://draxe.com/benefits-of-lemon-water http://healthupbeat.com/whatdoeslemonwaterdoforyou http://wellnessmama.com/35192/benefits-of-lemon-water http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1938/2 http://www.waterbenefitshealth.com/lemon-in-water.html
