We all know that lemons are powerhouses of Vitamin C, but is that all this tangy citrus fruit has to offer? Not at all! The list of healthy nutrients found in lemon juice is simply endless. Not only is its sugar content is extremely low, but as per the USDA National Nutrient Database, lemon juice is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Thiamin, Folate, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Pantothenic acid. Additionally, it contains health benefiting minerals like copper, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. In fact, lemons have more potassium than grapes and apples. Surprising isn’t it?

Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Lemon juice has antiviral and antibacterial properties and is a potent potion for healthy digestion. It speeds up weight loss, encourages clarity of mind and thoughts, and makes skin clearer and glowing. Since it has zero calories, it becomes the perfect beverage to quench your thirst during summers, and can be used in a wide range of salads, baked goods, and meals because of its sheer versatility.

Why Warm Lemon Water is the Key to Great Health

There is no doubt that drinking lemon juice is beneficial for your health, but to double its benefits, mix it in warm water and drink every morning on an empty stomach. Why the warm water? This prevents the stress or shock factor that cold or very hot water may produce in your body. This stress occurs when your body needs to use extra energy in order to process cold or hot water. Additionally, warm water can extract more polyphenol from lemon juice than cold or hot water does. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a refreshing glass of cold lemon water, but know that more benefits lie in warm water.

Let’s check out 13 lesser known health benefits or preferring warm lemon water.

Lemon Juice Boosts Immune System Efficiency

Lemon juice is a great source of Vitamin C, and you must already know that Vitamin C can help in fighting colds by increasing the production of WBC (white blood cells). WBCs are also called “defender cells”, and can act as a shield against viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, Vitamin C helps in making immune cells more efficient, and this helps in amplifying their antibody-producing capabilities. These antibodies attach to bacteria and viruses and destroy them, which shows how deeply connected the benefits of drinking warm lemon water can be.

Lemons Improve Brain Functioning

Since lemons have a high proportion of an essential mineral potassium, its juice can greatly improve brain functioning. Research suggests that potassium can stimulate nerve function and leads to more focused brain activity. Various studies on the benefits of lemon juice claim that just one lemon has over 80mg of potassium. Apart from brain activity, potassium can help in improving muscle and cell functions, as well as maintain the fluid balance in your body.

Improvement in Heart Health

Another great benefit of potassium is that it helps in controlling blood pressure, which directly impacts heart health in a positive manner. Moreover, the abundance of Vitamin C that your body receives when you drink warm lemon water significantly reduces the risk of heart stroke and various other cardiovascular issues. Hence, lemon water can potentially reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Promoting pH Balance

You must have noticed that lately a majority of nutritionists have started promoting the consumption of alkaline foods to reduce acidity in the body. Lemon is your perfect go-to option in this regard because you may find its juice slightly acidic on your body from the outside, but actually it has an alkalizing effect when fully metabolized. Therefore, starting your mornings with warm lemon water raises the pH in your body and promotes healthy cell structure and function. This, in turn, significantly reduces your body’s vulnerability to viruses and bacteria.

Warm Lemon Water Accelerates Weight Loss

It is a proven technique that to encourage sustainable weight loss, one must drink plenty of water. However, drinking warm lemon water can further intensify the process of fat loss. That’s because lemons are rich sources of pectin fiber, which can reduce untimely hunger pangs and food cravings by creating a sense of fullness and satiation. Naturally, you experience faster weight loss. Additionally, polyphenols can suppress the accumulation of body fat considerably. Especially of you have a habit of overeating, weight gain can be prevented with warm lemon water.

Lemon Water Improves Digestion

By flushing out any prevalent toxins or unwanted materials in your body, lemon water stimulates liver’s capability to create the most important acid called bile, which is essential for digestion. According to recent studies, after the age of 60, at least 30% of males and females develop atrophic gastritis, which is a condition caused by lack or absence of stomach acid. However, if you make it a habit to drink warm lemon water every morning, your digestive system will get an instant boost and the overall digestion process will be improved so there will be lesser risk of stomach acid deficiency.

Diuretic Properties

Lemon water is very important in ensuring optimal health of the urinary tract so that it efficiently purifies your body. When you start drinking warm lemon water, your urination rate will increase because lemon juice is a diuretic. It thoroughly cleanses your body by eliminating toxins at a much faster rate. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which prevent kidney stones formation by keeping urine acidity level low, and providing your body the necessary citrate (a compound that out of all citrus fruits, lemons happen to have greatest concentration of!)

Clean and Clear Skin

Lemons have high proportion of vitamin C, which decreases blemishes and signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Basically, lemon water eliminates toxins from our blood that directly impacts our skin by making it appear clearer, softer, and cleaner. You can also apply lemon water directly onto the scars to diminish their appearance or use it in your DIY face masks to give your skin its necessary dose of nutrients and Vitamin C.

Lemon Water is Perfect for Maintaining Oral Health

For maintaining oral health and hygiene, nothing can be as good as fresh lemon water. It not only acts as a potent breath freshener when you consume it in the morning, but also helps in relieving toothache and gingivitis. However, you should avoid brushing your teeth right after drinking lemon water because the citric acid present in lemon juice can corrode tooth enamel. If you are already facing some kind of dental issue, make sure to consult your dentist before starting to drink warm lemon water.

Warm Lemon Water Reduces Respiratory Health Issues

Warm lemon water helps in fighting off chest infections and reduces the frequency of asthma attacks. Those suffering from respiratory related issues like allergies or asthma should drink lemon water, as it contains Vitamin C and limonene that can potentially repel asthma triggers by boosting the immune system. Moreover, lemon juice has plenty of antioxidants that help the body in fighting irritants and allergens, and its antiseptic properties prevent the accumulation of mucus and thus reduces coughs.

Lemon Juice is Miraculous for Liver Health

If you want your liver to function more efficiently, drink warm lemon water every day. That’s because certain compounds found in lemon juice such as citrus flavonoids can aid liver health and help it perform better, and filter out toxins from the body quickly. Also, these compounds defend your liver against the harmful impacts of these toxins and reduce fat proportion in the liver. Though lemon juice isn’t a detoxifying agent, it is able to promote body cleansing naturally.

Protect your ZEN

When you are under stress, the vitamin C reserves in your body quickly deplete. Since lemon juice has an incredibly high proportion of vitamin C, your body receives minimal impact from the psychological or physical effects of stress. Several studies have concluded that a higher level of vitamin C is helpful in preventing stress from affecting your mind and body by altering the way our body responds to stress. So by drinking warm lemon water every morning, your mental concentration level receives a boost, leaving you feeling more energetic and alert throughout the day.

Reduces Caffeine Cravings

Once you start drinking warm lemon water in the morning, you’ll feel less inclined to reach out and prepare that cappuccino for yourself. This happens because lemon water can instantly revitalizing your mind and body, especially early in the morning. You’ll no longer need to sure yourself of morning lethargy with caffeine, but with lemon water instead!