Whether you heard it on a WhatsApp viral thread from your mom and aunty, or you read it on a random article someone shared on Facebook, chances are you are familiar with the benefits of lemon juice and water. But, is it really the cure-all, preventative, fat-burning potion it has been hailed as all these years?
The answer is yes, sort of.
It is crucial to establish that no matter what you read on the Internet, the best medical advice should come straight from a medical professional. The Medical Society has experts at your disposal to assist you with any dietary changes you may need to make.
Remember, do not make any significant changes to your diet without the guidance of a medical professional.
There are two popular ways to consume lemon water. Either slice up an entire lemon and leave it in one litre of water. Allow it to steep in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you can pour yourself a lovely chilled cup of the solution to drink on an empty stomach.
The second method is more for immediate consumption and is served warm. The lemon is prepared like tea. Cut a few slices of lemon and steep in a cup of boiled water until it’s just cooled enough to drink.
Both have the same benefits, although the warm version is popularly paired with honey and ginger to fight colds, flu and menstrual cramps.
Colds and flu
Lemon is high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a popular flu remedy and is available in both supplementary form and in easy-to-consume citrus fruits. Loads of foods are in fact high in vitamin C. Lemons have a high dosage of ascorbic acid.
Lemons are also a natural antioxidant, and it enhances the immune system’s disease-fighting capabilities.
As an added benefit, it fights against cell damage and aids in the reparation of already damaged cells.
Lemons have antiviral and antibacterial properties. They are also high in potassium, says Livestrong. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps the kidneys flush waste matter from the blood. Potassium promotes muscle-building and helps to break down and use up carbohydrates.
Lemons alkalise the blood and urine by creating an alkaline environment in the body, which slightly alters the pH, making the body a bacteria-fighting machine. The acidic nature of the juice also clears and cuts through phlegm and mucous, which eases breathing and relieves the symptoms of chest and head colds.
Inflammation
Lemon water helps to get rid of inflammation. Lemons are very high in bioflavonoids that destroy harmful free radicals that damage blood vessels and cause inflammation, explains Health.
If you want to soothe pain and inflammation, the best way is to drink the lemon water warm. Add a clove of garlic as it also helps with natural pain relief. It may be a harsher flavour to get used to, but it’s worth the few minutes of cringing. If it helps, close your nose when you drink it. Smell and taste are connected, and by not smelling the pungent odour will make it easier to swallow.
Keep some chewing gum handy for immediate relief from the gross taste!
Digestion
Perhaps one of the most popular reasons why people consume lemon water is to aid their digestion and keep their tummies regular! As mentioned before, lemons help the kidneys to flush toxins from the blood, and they also assist in washing waste from the gut!
Drinking lemon water in the morning will help soothe your digestive tract and make it easier to eliminate waste from the day before, says Wide Open Eats.
The minerals found in lemons have been proven to promote digestion and reduce heartburn and bloating. Although scientists say that there are no conclusive studies that show that lemon juice is responsible for the relief of these ailments, research does indicate a correlation, bearing in mind several variables; the patient/test subjects’ general health and overall diet.
However, the above is apparently achieved by the lemons loosening up trapped toxins. Start your day off with some lemon water, and then again later if you feel your digestive issues are beginning to creep up on you, advises Belmarra Health. Lemon water also keeps you fuller for longer. As an added bonus, consuming lemon water also counts towards your hydration quota for the day. So you aren’t just taking in nutrients, you are staying hydrated too!
