Take the everyday, garden-variety lemon, for example, says the Cleveland Clinic, a not-for-profit, multi-speciality academic medical centre in the US.
By following its seven reasons below for adding some extra lemon zing into your morning ritual it could change your life.
Aids digestion – Acid helps digestion and the natural acidic content of lemon compliments the body’s gastrointestinal tract. It helps cleanse the bowel by flushing out waste more efficiently and stimulates the release of gastric juices, which aid digestion. It can also act as a supplement for our stomach acids, which decline as we get older. It can also help with the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and bloating.
Boosts the immune system – A glass of water with just half a squeezed lemon is packed with more than a sixth of your daily vitamin C and only contains a minuscule six calories. According to experts, your vitamin C level is one of the first things to drop when you are stressed, so if you’re at work and you feel your stress levels are rising, why not calm down with a refreshing glass of lemon water. It’s worth a try.
Helps with weight loss – When you are craving a hot steamy latte or a glass full of fresh orange juice, try replacing it with lemon water instead. Lemon contains pectin fibre which helps fight those hunger pangs and makes you feel fuller for longer, stopping you from grazing and maybe grabbing that naughty snack you don’t need.
Clears up your skin – The antioxidants in lemons help keep those blemishes at bay as well as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! Not only does it detoxify your blood which keeps your skin looking radiant but its vitamin C content is a key ingredient in the synthesis of amino acids into collagen and it’s the loss of collagen that makes our faces succumb to the signs of ageing.
Freshens breath – Its antiseptic qualities help kill off any bad bacteria in your mouth by acting as a disinfectant. It also helps relieve toothache and the effects of gingivitis. So you won’t have to worry about having coffee breath when chatting to your boss, or when the cute guy in the office asks you a question
It’s packed with potassium – Without potassium our bodies can’t function properly. It’s essential for brain and nerve functioning and helping control your blood pressure levels. It’s also used by the body to transport nutrients and waste and can also help counter some of the effects of salt on your blood pressure. Low levels of potassium have also been linked to stress and depression
Prevents kidney stones – Staying hydrated is one of the body’s ultimate musts! Dehydration can lead to many problems such as kidney stones. Lemon water is an excellent way to keep them at bay, particularly in those deficient in urinary citrate, a form of citric acid.