It’s Wellness Wednesday. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning has been a popular simple go to recommendation from fitness specialists and nutritionists over the past several years. Lemon is a plant. It is high in Vitamin C. It is used for medicinal purposes to treat conditions such as Scurvy, a condition caused by not having enough Vitamin C.
The benefits of lemon water are derived by the fact that it contains bioflavonoids, an antioxidant. We know that antioxidants help to protect the body from harmful molecules that can damage cells leading to diseases such as cancers and plaque build up in blood vessels. Keeping this in mind here is a list of the purported health benefits of drinking warm lemon water in the morning:
1. Weight Loss
Research suggests that drinking lemon water in the morning increases your metabolism.
2. Helps Digestion
Lemon water aids digestion by flushing toxins from the body. Also it allows the digestive system to work more efficiently by priming the liver to produce more digestive acids that will allow food to be better digested. Thus it can alleviate conditions such as bloating and constipation.
3. Increases The Production Of Urine
It increases urine production thus more toxins are flushed from the body.
4. Glowing Skin
Eliminating more toxins from the body supports healthier skin.
5. Boost The Immune System
Lemons are a natural source of Vitamin C which helps to fight respiratory tract infections.
In summary the benefits of drinking warm lemon water first thing in morning are numerous. Rehydrating your body at the start of your day is a great way to prime your body for more energy.
by Marjorie Binette, MD