One of the most beneficial substances for our bodies is water. Up to 60% of our body is water. However, what we add to our water can make it harmful or more beneficial for our bodies. One of the substances we can add to our water to benefit our bodies is lemon juice. Lemon Juice contains a host of benefits and the purpose of this article is to explain the health benefits of lemon water.
What are Lemons?
The origin of the lemon is basically unidentified, although lemons are believed to have first grown in Assam (a region in northeast India), northern Burma, or China. A genetic study of the lemon suggested that it was a crossbreed between bitter orange (sour orange) and citron.
The lemon’s origin is not exactly telling, but evidence has been well known of its value that goes back almost two thousand years. The lemon tree, which is a type of citrus plant, is grown in subtropical as well as tropical areas. The majority of lemons are grown in California, Florida, and Mediterranean countries that provide our food supply chains with fresh lemons all year.
The juice from lemons has a multitude of uses, from cooking to therapeutic. Lemons are used in beverages, desserts, as well as a garnish for fish and meat meals. Lemon juice is an organic cleaner and stain remover. Lemon oil also supplies the fragrance for soaps, perfumes, as well as skin creams.
However, we are going to take a look at lemon water and its health benefits.
What are the Health Benefits of Lemon Water
Lemon juice has been used medically for hundreds of years. Individuals have used lemon juice for virus avoidance and have combined it with ginger and honey as an effective cold treatment. Antiseptic compounds in lemons can alleviate mouth infections such as gingivitis and perform as a laxative in the digestive system.
Lemon juice is a first-rate reserve of Vitamin C. Research has shown that Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient in evading multiple diseases known to us today.
Vitamin C is crucial in the formation of bone, connective tissue repair, and gum health. It also supports the immune system by fighting infections and protecting against free radical damage of cells. Researchers have established that vitamin C treatment assists in the prevention of atherosclerosis by intensifying artery walls, and is effective in treating infertility and neurological ailments like Alzheimer’s.
A single tablespoon of lemon juice has:
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Antibacterial Effects – Lemon juice contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. The plant compounds in lemon juice distillate successfully subdued the growth of staphylococcus, salmonella, and Candida infections in one study. It was also useful against one particular antibiotic-resistant bacteria which causes pneumonia and blood infections.
Lowers Blood Pressure – Japanese researchers observed a possible relationship between lemon juice consumption and blood pressure. They discovered a contrary relationship, indicating that the more lemon juice a test individual ingested, the lower their blood pressure. However, more research is required to determine why lemon juice composites may lower blood pressure.
Cancer Prevention – Lemon juice is a significant resource of flavonoids that aid in the protection against cancer. These flavonoids have antioxidant properties and intervene with cancer development and spread. In one study, lemon juice was especially efficient in inhibiting the progression of leukemia cells in particular.
Aids in Digestion – Acid aids in breaking down food. This is why there is an abundance of it in the stomach. The acid contained in lemons may be particularly helpful in increasing stomach acid levels, which are likely to decline as we get older.
Helps with Hydration – The majority of individuals do not consume enough water. Initiating a daily lemon water habit is an easy way to get the day off on the right start. We can tell if we are drinking enough if our urine is practically clear but not totally.
Prevents Oxidation – As with all produce, lemons contain phytonutrients that protect the body against disease. These phytonutrients have potent antioxidant properties, which inhibit cell damage from oxidation; this is the same method that produces rust.
Provides a Potassium Increase – The body cannot operate without potassium. It is required for transporting nutrients and waste, nerve-muscle communication, as well as blood pressure regulation. All Fruits and vegetables are important sources of potassium.
Aids in Preventing Kidney Stones – Lemon water aids in preventing painful stones in individuals who are deficient in urinary citrate (which is a form of citric acid). More significantly, increased fluids prevent dehydration that is a common cause of kidney stones.
It can help liver function – An additional benefit of lemon water is it helps the liver to do an even better job being the body’s filter. Increasing overall hydration can aid in improving the function of all organs in the body, including the liver. Additionally, animal studies have discovered that the citrus flavonoids in lemons may shield the liver against toxins and decrease fat in the liver, protecting against fatty liver disease. The liver is the body’s natural apparatus for cleansing out toxins. Claims of “detoxification” from lemon juice are not exactly proven; however, assisting the liver to work better could benefit the body.
It can promote healthy skin – Lemon water is also an accepted remedy for a variety of skin issues ranging from acne, rashes, and wrinkles to dark spots.
Possible Risks of Lemon Juice
Even with all the benefits lemon juice offers, there can be some adverse effects. Since lemon juice has such strong ingredients, an individual should consult with their doctor before ingesting it or any other supplement. Therefore, the items below should be considered before consuming lemon juice:
Citrus Allergies – For individuals who are allergic to grass pollen or other citrus fruits such as grapefruit, limes, or oranges, may also be allergic to lemons. The most usual reactions are burning, itching, or swelling of the throat and mouth. Some individuals can experience gastrointestinal distress or headaches.
Can Possibly Erode Dental Enamel – There have been instances of dental erosion in individuals who consume lemon juice in large amounts. The natural acids contained in lemon juice can wear away dental enamel if ingested too frequently.
May Cause Migraines – Lemon juice is high in tyramine, an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure. If an individual is sensitive to tyramine, drinking lemon juice can trigger migraine headaches.
Because of these effects, it is best for lemon juice to be diluted with water to mitigate them; hence lemon water.
How to Enjoy Lemon Water
Simply press the juice from half of a lemon into a glass of water. How much? When?
Lemon water is generally most valuable if ingested first thing in the morning. It is suggested to combine lemon juice with warm water for the reason that it helps obtain vitamin C and polyphenols from the lemon as well as its peel. Additionally, how much lemon water is consumed daily is important.
To obtain any health benefits of lemon water, an individual needs to drink it unfailingly.
When making lemon water, it is always best to use fresh lemons as opposed to lemon juice from a bottle.
To make lemon water, squeeze ½ of a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or cold water. To make the subsequent drink as beneficial as possible, use filtered water and organic lemons. Organic or not, be sure to wash them thoroughly.
More flavors can be infused or add a health boost to lemon water by adding:
- a few springs of mint
- a teaspoon of maple syrup or raw honey
- a slice of fresh ginger
- a dash of cinnamon
- a sprinkle of turmeric
[Which also has other great nutritional values—click the link to learn more]
Slices of other fresh citrus fruits for example limes and oranges or cucumber slices can be added also. Again—always cleanse the produce well before slicing and using.
Having lemon ice cubes on hand is a great way to add lemon to the water fast. Just wring the lemon juice into ice cube trays and freeze. Then place a few of the cubes into a glass of cold or hot water as desired.
One routine to adapt is to start the morning with a mug of warm lemon water and maintain a pitcher of refrigerated water permeated with a few sliced lemons to drink all through the day.
The Bottom Line
Research has shown that lemon water has loads of probable health rewards. In addition to those, adding lemon to water may help to drink more all through the day and keep the body hydrated. Staying hydrated is crucial to good health; therefore, lemon water is pretty much a win-win.
Lemon water is certainly not a cure-all, but if used properly, it can be a tremendous asset in the health toolbox for maintaining good health overall.
Good Health!!
You are welcome to leave questions, comments, and concerns below.
I have been drinking lemon water more often lately, partly because it tastes good, but also because I’ve heard it has a lot of great health benefits. And, now I know the benefits thanks to this post! There are certain things I didn’t realize about it, like how it can help with liver health and cancer prevention. And I’ve been drinking it with dinner, but if it’s better to drink it in the morning, I will probably start to do that instead (although I do put a lemon in my morning tea). Thanks for the article!
Hi Max – I am happy that the article was informative to you. When drinking lemon water in the mornings, it best if it’s warm for more effectiveness. All the best!
Thank you very much for this interesting read. I would put it like this. Lemon water cleanses and detoxifies.
Water helps eliminate waste from the body through urine and healthy bowel movements. And lemons have their own benefits. So combining them, we let these two agents do their “thing” once they enter our body.
You are so correct, Ann. It’s a win-win situation!
Thanks for commenting!