BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
Even if your morning routine is already jam-packed, we have one tiny thing we suggest you add to that routine: drinking a cup of lemon water. For something that hardly takes any effort to do, it’s amazing just how many ways a bit of lemon water in the morning can make you healthier.
Below, you’ll find 8 reasons to pour yourself some lemon water in the morning.
Bonus hydration
A study published in Medical Daily found that three out of every four Americans fail to drink the recommended 10 cups of water per day. With a glass of lemon water, you get your day off to a good start, giving you the liquid your body needs after a night’s sleep.
Digestive aid
The acid in lemon juice helps you to break down food more efficiently, making it simpler for your body to extract maximum nutrients from every meal. And although lemon is a very acidic food, it also promotes an alkaline pH in the body.
Immune booster
Lemons are a great source of Vitamin C, which your immune system relies on to function properly.
Good source of potassium
Just like Vitamin C, lemons are also a super source of potassium. From regulating fluid balance and supporting healthy bones to keeping your brain functioning optimally, potassium is super important for your overall health.
Breath-friendly
Bad breath is primarily caused by bacteria in your mouth, throat, or digestive tract. And while brushing your teeth will help the problem, the acid in lemon water will actually kill the bacteria, leaving your mouth free of the bad smell.
Fight inflammation
Lemon water is one of the best inflammation-fighting foods. That’s because it has Vitamin C, which is needed to produce collagen, a protein that is used to make repairs to every part of your body: skin, blood vessels, connective tissue, and even your bones. Plus, the antioxidants in lemons reduce internal swelling.
Weight loss
Although this benefit leans closer to myth than fact, lemon water can support weight loss because it can suppress your appetite a bit. That’s thanks to the pectin (a type of fiber) found in lemons, which makes you less likely to develop hunger pangs. But let’s be real: the amount of pectin in lemon water is so minimal that it might only delay your hunger for a little while. With that said, lemon water is a diet-friendly drink, giving you flavor without the calories and sugar of juices or soda.
Reduce bloating
Lemon is a diuretic, meaning it encourages the healthy elimination of water via your urine. Simply put: it makes you pee more. By increasing urine output, it reduces the amount of water in your body. This effectively prevents bloating and water retention, helping to prevent “water weight gain.”
With all the benefits that a cup of lemon water has to offer, what are you waiting for? Stock your fridge with lemons and make this sour drink a part of your morning routine.
Source study: Medical Daily – 75% of Americans May Suffer From Chronic Dehydration, According to Doctors
