Lemon Water

I love water - and every now and then it is nice to switch it up! I'm just now exploring the world of fruity water, as a girl who was never really into juice or soda I am usually happy with just plain old water! When I learned all the health benefits of lemon water it made me love it even more!

 

So what's the skinny on lemons...

I had no idea but lemons are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. (Fun fact: they contain more potassium than apples or grapes!)

Immune Booster - Vitamin C is like our immune system’s jumper cables, and lemon juice is full of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra vitamin C during especially stressful days. So feeling stressed - grab some lemon water!

Potassium - As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.... who couldn't use some improved brain function??

Improves digestion - Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, burping, and bloating.... who couldn't benefit from losing some toxins and bloat?!

Cleanses the system - It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.... pretty awesome!

Freshen your breath - It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis... Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it...

Decrease blemishes - The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! (okay I just poured another glass of lemon water!) It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.

Aids in weight loss - Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings... winning!

Reduces inflammation - If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

Energy boost - Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system, which is why I love love love my lemon lavender candle!)

So do I have to eat like a million lemons to get these health benefits?

For those who weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of juice into a glass of water. If over 150 pounds, use an entire lemon’s juice... I like more of a weak lemon flavor so I spread it out and dilute it over the course of the day...Not only are the benefits of lemon water pretty awesome, it’s one of the easiest changes you can make for your health (and fitness!)