We often hear health experts say that drinking a glass of warm water with lemon every day early in the morning is good for our health. Here’s why:
Improves digestion
Several components in lemon stimulate your liver to produce more bile needed for healthy digestion. Also, lemon assists the digestive system in flushing unwanted materials and toxins out of the body.
A daily glass of warm lemon water helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching and bloating.
It also prevents constipation and diarrhea by promoting smooth bowel functioning. The American Cancer Society recommends this healthy drink to cancer patients to help stimulate bowel movements.
Aids weight loss
If you are trying to lose weight, drinking a glass of warm lemon water with honey will definitely help you reach your goal. Lemon is high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings and keeps you feeling full for a longer time.
Also, the combination of warm water, honey and lemon creates a more alkaline atmosphere in your stomach helping you lose weight faster.
Clears skin
Daily consumption of warm lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It helps purify your blood and encourages growth of new blood cells.
Also, the high vitamin C content as well as other antioxidants in lemon helps keep the skin free from wrinkles and blemishes and helps combat free-radical damage.
The water and honey add restorative, antibacterial and collagen-boosting properties to promote your skin health.
Supports immune system
Warm lemon water also boosts the immune system. Being rich in vitamin C, lemon helps boost the immune system and assists the body in fighting colds and flu.
Plus, lemon enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron, an important nutrient for a healthy immune system. Lemon also contains saponins, which have antimicrobial properties that help keep infections at bay.
Treats bad breath
The acidic nature of lemon, combined with the medicinal properties of honey and water, can help eliminate bad breath. It cleanses the mouth and activates production of saliva that kills odor-causing bacteria.
Lemon water also helps get rid of the white film on your tongue that usually develops while you sleep. This white film consists of decaying food and bacteria that cause bad breath.
Balances pH levels
Lemon is one of the best alkalizing foods for the body as it contains both citric and ascorbic acid that help maintain the pH levels. A good pH level is essential as too much acidity in the body can be inflammatory.
Drinking lemon water regularly on an empty stomach in the morning helps remove overall acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints that is one of the primary causes of pain and inflammation.
Strengthen brittle nails
Many people complain about dull and brittle nails that are prone to breaking. Lemon juice is a good option to strengthen brittle nails.
The vitamin C and folic acid in it promote nail growth. In addition, its bleaching property helps whiten and brighten your nails.
- Before going to bed, soak your nails in fresh lemon juice for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water, pat dry and coat your nails with a light layer of olive or coconut oil. Wear gloves overnight. Repeat this remedy daily for a few weeks.
- Alternatively, prepare a nail-strengthening soak with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm this solution in the microwave, then soak your nails in it for 10 minutes. Allow it to dry, then put on a pair of soft, cotton gloves and go to sleep. The next morning, rinse your hands with warm water. Use this remedy daily until you are satisfied with the results.
Lightens dark lips
You can use lemon juice to lighten dark lips, which can occur due to excessive exposure to direct sunlight, use of low-quality cosmetics and high caffeine intake.
The natural bleaching property helps lighten dark lips and restore your lips’ natural pink shade. It may take some time, but the results are definitely worth your patience and persistence.
- Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon and gently rub it on your lips before going to bed. Follow this simple remedy daily for a couple of months.
- You can even prepare a mixture with ½ teaspoon each of lemon juice, glycerin and honey. Apply it on your lips like a lip balm daily before going to bed for a few months.
Treats Chapped Lips
One common beauty problem during the winter months is chapped lips. You can treat this problem with lemon. Lemon helps exfoliate dead skin cells from your lips to make them soft and beautiful.
- Gently rub the inner part of a lemon slice on your lips. Rinse it off with warm water, pat dry and apply some coconut oil. Repeat once daily.
- Prepare a lip scrub with 1 teaspoon each of freshly squeezed lemon juice and coconut oil and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Apply some of this homemade scrub on your lips and gently rub in a circular motion. Rinse your lips with warm water, pat dry and apply some coconut oil. Store the remaining scrub in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks. Use this remedy 3 or 4 times a week.
Heals Cracked Feet
Cracked feet not only look unattractive but also cause a lot of discomfort. You can use lemon juice to reduce discomfort and enjoy soft feet. Its mild acidic property helps get rid of dead and dry skin cells.
- Add ½ cup of lemon juice to a foot tub filled with warm water.
- Soak your feet in it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Gently scrub your feet with a soft foot brush.
- Wash, pat dry and apply some moisturizer on your feet before putting on a pair of socks.
- Repeat 2 or 3 times a week.