How do you feel about lemons? Has anyone ever asked you that before?
Let me tell ya a lil bit about the mighty lemon…
Lemon juice is a diuretic, meaning it encourages the production of urine. As a result, toxins in your body are released at a faster rate, helping to purify the system and keep it healthy. Lemon juice can also change the pH level of the urinary tract which discourages the proliferation of bad bacteria. Even though lemon seems acidic, it actually helps to balance pH levels. Lemons are one of the most alkalizing foods for the body and a good pH level is essential as too much acidity in the body can be inflammatory. And inflammation is what causes health issues like cancer.
Lemons also contain high levels of potassium which helps brain and nerve function and controls blood pressure too. Hot or cold lemon water can also ward off stress and depression, which have been linked to low levels of potassium. Lemons contain vitamin P, which improves capillary permeability and overall blood flow. They also contain ascorbic acid and vitamin C, which promotes wound healing in the body and is an important nutrient in maintaining healthy bones, tissue and cartilage.
But wait! There’s more!
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and assists the body in fighting colds and flu. It also aids digestion. As lemon juice is similar in atomic structure to the stomach’s digestive juices, it has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It helps cleanse the bowel by flushing out waste more efficiently and stimulates the release of gastric juices, which aid digestion. The digestive qualities of lemon juice can also help relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and bloating.
Lemons can repair skin damage and are great for combating skin aging. The antioxidant properties help combat free radical damage. Vitamin C is required to synthesize amino acids into collagen. And we all know the benefits of collagen!
Lemons can also reduce your appetite and cravings, they contain pectin, a soluble fibre commonly found in citrus fruits. Pectin helps stave off hunger as the fiber creates a feeling of fullness, which results in the suppression of hunger cravings. By feeling fuller for longer, you’re less likely to snack or make poor food choices. And most of the time when you are having hunger pains it is actually dehydration! That is your body’s way of telling you to HYDRATE!
Lemon juice is also better than any breath mint! The antiseptic qualities help kill off bad bacteria in the mouth by acting as a disinfectant and improve your breath. And if you’re concerned about the acid harming tooth enamel, rinse your mouth with water afterwards or dilute it with more water.
And one of the most important aspects of lemon; it detoxifies the liver. Lemon water purifies and stimulates the liver by encouraging the production of bile, an acid required for digestion. Lemon water can also help control excess bile flow, decrease the amount of phlegm produced by the body and assist in dissolving gallstones.
It is so simple! An easy and accessible addition to your day that has too many benefits to ignore. Add this one simple thing to your morning and feel good knowing you did something first thing, to improve your health!
As a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach it is my mission to teach my clients simple and realistic ways to reach their health goals, like simply adding lemons to their routine. What could be easier? And that is the key to losing weight, keeping it off and maintaining proper health. It HAS to be easy and feel natural. That is why crash and fad diets never work. You may get quick results but they are not sustainable. No one wants to be on a constant diet!
