Recently, my friend told me about her secret to losing some weight: She has been drinking hot lemon water every morning. I have yet to try this myself, but it intrigues me and I am definitely considering this morning ritual now that I have researched even further into the subject 
Of course, she did not just shed a few pounds by drinking lemon water alone (for instance, she also has a healthy diet and exercises as regularly as her schedule allows,) but she highly recommends this and I thought it was something good to share because there are some interesting facts about drinking lemon water.
The recipe and directions are simple: Combine 4 ounces of warm to hot water and the juice of half of a fresh-squeezed lemon and drink up!
Here are 10 reasons why hot lemon water is beneficial to our health:
- Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They’re also high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.
- Balances pH: Drinking lemon water daily helps reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Lemon does have citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.
- Helps with weight loss: Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet (see #2) lose weight faster.
- Aids digestion: Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile, an acid required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.
- Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Because of this toxins are released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.
- Clears skin: The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.
- Freshens breath: Always nice!
- Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and can ease an annoying cough. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too.
- Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned above... lemons are high in vitamin C.
- Helps kick the coffee habit: If someone tries this...let me know if it actually works I don't have much of a coffee habit, but I know it is a tough one to kick.
Let us know if you try it and tell us if you see any differences. I am curious!
Image: Trevor Leyenhorst