Lemon Water for Health

CEBU, Philippines - These days something keeps coming up whenever the topic of health maintenance is discussed - Lemon Water.

Water is life. That's the simple truth. But add a little lemon to water and it can be more.

This bright yellow citrus fruit is often seen in fancy restaurants or in tropical resorts perched at the rim of a glass to make a drink look more appealing. Of course, it does the job very well. But little do people know that the fruit has a lot to more to offer than just decoration.

While lemon is a most widely used citrus fruit worldwide, its benefits are often underrated. Lemon is packed with a lot of nutrients: Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, fiber, you name it.

It has low calorie content, too! In fact, lemon only has 29 calories per 100g, one of the lowest among the citrus groups. Pure lemon juice can be hard on the enamel of the teeth, though. So, it's important to dilute it with water (preferably at room temperature).

An article in Huffington Post Canada says that lemon water can really improve a person's morning (even the whole day). Many other sources agree, too. Lifehacks: Tips for Life, as well as many other health-and-wellbeing websites, lists down the benefits of lemon water.

Here are some: Good for the immune system.

Lemon, being rich in vitamin C like other citrus fruit, gives a kind of "jolt" to the immune system. Vitamin C pumps up a weakened immune system, usually due to stress, to recover.

An excellent source of Potassium.

Potassium is good for the heart, brain and nerve function. So, in order to stay alert the whole day, drinking lemon water is the way.

Aids in digestion.

Lemon water can help relieve digestion problems. Taking in a lot of water in general is helpful, but the citrus from lemon helps for a smooth digestive process.

A good "cleansing" agent.

It helps flush out the toxins from the body.

Helps in weight loss.

Lemon contains pectin fiber that is responsible for relieving hunger cravings. Aside from being rich in dietary fiber that helps in cleansing the digestive system, the fruit doesn't have saturated fats or cholesterol. Its low calorie content also aids in the efforts of weight watchers.

An "energizer."

With all the nutrients that lemon packs, the juice of the fruit definitely energizes the body. Lemon water gives the body a boost, making it less likely to yield to anxiety and depression. In fact, even the mere scent of lemon gives a calming effect to the nervous system.

Good for the skin.

The antioxidants in lemons are also good for the skin, reducing blemishes and wrinkles. And because it detoxifies the blood, it makes the skin radiant.

Freshens breath.

Drinking lemon water can be a solution to bad breath. It helps combat the bacteria in the mouth. But since lemon juice can erode the enamel of the teeth, it is advisable to rinse with plain water afterwards.

The routine is simple to do: Squeeze half a lemon (one whole if you're over 150 pounds) into a glass of water at room temperature. Drink it in the morning, 15 to 30 minutes before breakfast. This is enough to bring about all the mentioned benefits.

Yes, the habit takes a little getting used to, but it's a good habit to keep. And it's so uncomplicated - not lemonade, just simple lemon juice mixed with plain drinking water. The only other, equally uncomplicated thing to do is - to drink it!

Sources:

Lifehack: Tips for Life (http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-lemon-water-you-didnt-know-about.html)

Huffington Post Canada (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/03/17/lemon-water-benefits_n_4980265.html)

Nutrition and You (http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/lemon.html)   (FREEMAN)