Consider drinking warm lemon water to feel refreshed when you wake up. The crisp tartness of lemon can make you more alert, while warm water improves digestion. In ancient Chinese and Indian medicine, it’s said that drinking a glass of warm water in the morning cleanses the digestive tract. In addition, it enhances breathing by eliminating congestion and mucus from the respiratory system.
Lying in bed for seven to eight hours each night is a perfect opportunity for mucus to build up. Especially during allergy and cold seasons, you may feel stuffy and congested in the mornings. But drinking warm lemon water breaks up thick, stubborn phlegm and mucus, much like hot soup. Studies have even found that cold water exacerbates sinus congestion and thickens nasal mucus, making breathing difficult.
Warm water may seem unappealing, but it offers numerous health benefits for the mind and body. It relaxes the nervous system since your body won’t have to work as hard to heat the water. Also, digestive and circulatory functions improve because hot water expands blood vessels, allowing more oxygen in the body.
As you can see, drinking warm lemon water can enhance your health in various ways. Read on to find out more about the benefits of this revitalizing beverage.
Here’s Why You Should Drink Warm Lemon Water Each Morning
1. You’ll get a potent dose of antioxidants.
Lemons contain natural compounds called phytonutrients that help combat disease and enhance health. They have potent antioxidant properties that inhibit oxidation, which causes cell damage and deterioration. The most common antioxidants in lemons include flavonoids, polyphenols, limonoids, quercetin, and kaempferol. Studies show that consuming lemons daily can improve intestinal bacteria and even slow the effects of aging.
2. Warm lemon water can prevent kidney stones.
Drinking lemon water daily can also avert kidney stones because it contains high citric acid. Many people who develop kidney stones have a deficiency in urinary citrate, a type of citric acid. Plus, staying adequately hydrated can flush out toxins and improve kidney function.
However, if deficient in citric acid, you may need large quantities of lemon to improve your levels. The National Kidney Foundation recommends combining 4oz of lemon juice concentrate with a glass of water to prevent kidney stones and other measures.
3. Lemons have high Vitamin C levels.
Lemons have some of the highest Vitamin C levels of any fruit. The juice from a 48-gram lemon squeezed in water contains around 19mg or 21% of the Daily Value (DV). Vitamin C helps combat damage from free radicals, aids in iron absorption, and even lowers blood pressure. This essential vitamin also boosts the immune system, which explains why doctors recommend it when you have a cold or flu. Finally, since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, helping improve overall health.
However, it’s best to supplement the Vitamin C from lemon water with other sources in your regular diet. Other foods high in this vitamin include oranges, grapefruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes.
4. Warm lemon water may help prevent migraines.
You should drink warm lem
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