Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning is a great way to start your day. I know a lot of people feel like they need a coffee first thing in the morning, but if you can swap that caffeine fix for a warm water with lemon instead then you are starting your day off in the right way and getting loads of health benefits. And if you really can’t give up your morning coffee then you could still drink it after your lemon.
We wake up in the morning quite dehydrated, and adding some lemon to your water gives you even more benefits. I didn’t massively like how it tasted when I first started drinking it, but I really love it now and look forward to it every morning.
I love lemons and lemon water, and have drunk a lemon water as soon as I get up in the morning for a couple of years now, and love the health benefits it provides. I love doing healthy bits that are really easy to fit into your everyday life so that it’s easy to start and then easy to continue.
Lemon water should be made with warm water (not hot or cold) as water that is too extreme in temperature can destroy the nutrients in the lemon. I usually just put some cold water in a mug, add a bit of boiling water and then squeeze in my lemon. Ideally you should squeeze a whole lemon into some water but I usually just use half, unless I have a cold or it is a really small lemon. It should also be drunk on an empty stomach for the maximum benefit.
Here are 5 great benefits to drinking a daily cup of lemon water:
It aids digestion
Lemon water helps to flush toxins and unwanted materials out of the body by loosening them in the digestive tract. It also encourages production of bile in the body which helps regulate the digestive process. It can also help to relieve symptoms of indigestion; heartburn, bloating and burps.
It boosts your immune system
Lemons have a good amount of Vitamin C in them (30-50mg) and are really high in Potassium. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning means that these vitamins can be absorbed more effectively and give your immune system a boost. Lots of stress can also decrease levels of Vitamin C in the body and so lemon water can potentially help lower stress levels.
Lemon water is also great with a little bit of honey when you get a cold. It soothes the throat and has an anti-inflammatory effect which can reduce pain. I drink it throughout the day whenever I have a cold.
It makes your body more alkaline
Lemons may be acidic, but once they are in our bodies they become alkaline and help our bodies become more alkaline too. We want our bodies to be more in a more alkaline state because when they become more acidic sickness and disease are more likely to occur. We might as well help ourselves in any way we can, don’t you think?
It can help to maintain a healthy weight
Lemons contain pectin fibre which helps to control hunger cravings. Having a more alkaline body can also make it easier to lose weight, and vice versa.
I find that starting the day off in a healthy way, with a mug of lemon water helps me to potentially be more healthy throughout the day. This obviously doesn’t always work, but I do think it can help.
It can help to give you healthy, clear skin
As lemons can help flush the body of toxins and improve digestion, skin can become clearer from drinking regular lemon water. Lemons contain lots of antioxidants and Vitamin C which is needed for collagen production which can mean less wrinkles and smoother skin.
Lemon water has lots of other potential benefits and is a great, healthy way to start your day. It is also a really simple change to make and a great way to start your day on the right track if you are trying to be healthier. I found it a really easy habit to get into, and miss it when I’m not able to have one.
Lemon water is a great, healthy way to start the day. Click To Tweet
It is best to wait around fifteen minutes after drinking lemon water before eating your breakfast as that way it has the most benefit, and drink it through a straw if possible so that it touches your teeth as little as possible. Also, try not to brush your teeth straight after drinking lemon water as it can erode the enamel, and rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards.
Do you drink lemon water? If so have you noticed any particular benefits from drinking it? Would you ever replace your morning coffee with a cup of it?
I always drink it in the morning too, I love it and it’s so much better than caffeine. It’s also a great appetite suppressant. X
I am putting lemons in the cart for sure now!!
I love your “zesty” pictures, too!
Haha, thank you! Yes definitely do 🙂 x
I have *just* started to drink lemon water so loved seeing this post in #TheList!! I am still only a few days in so I’m hoping after a while it becomes habit. I bought this great juicer bottle – you take out the juicer part, flip it around and you can juice your lemon right into the bottom of the bottle and then fill up with water. It act as an infuser – I’m a sucker for “gadgets” and thought this was perfect. However, I am still drinking it really cold – I just prefer cold drinks but I am going to try my best and have it warm to get all the added benefits (didn’t realize this made a difference so thank you!)
You have reminded me that I read about this recently but never got around to doing it! I am going to give it a try as I can see all the benefits. Thanks for the tips and for sharing #TheList 🙂
I love this post, It’s something I have thought about drinking but never have. I am going to pick up some lemons and try! Would it work the same by popping a slice of lemon in water? #TheList
Just had to say how much I loved the lemon boobs… suspect you might be more of a grapefruit though if you wanted to fully preserve your modesty…!
Yes I have been drinking lemon water all day for about a month now and it is definitely helping with my weight loss!
I have drunk lemon water on and off for a while, but I didn’t know that it was preferable to use warm water rather than cold. I will try that. Thanks for the hint Louise 🙂
I use to drink lemon water and I loved it. With the taste and all the benefit’s it provides, I don’t know why I stopped drinking it. I will definitely be starting it up again. Love the photo’s, your daughter is so cute.
-xx
I drink it every day Love it