The use of water with lemon on an empty stomach for the benefit of the body has been with us for many generations. How many times have our grandmothers or mothers prepared us water and honey to improve a cold? Water with lemon and baking soda has also been and will always be the best remedy to cure diarrhea, to give two ancient examples.
Vital for our body, capable of strengthening our defenses and avoiding the dreaded colds and flu. To get an idea, just two tablespoons of lemon provide 23% of the daily amount of vitamin C that our body needs. It also contains fiber and flavonoids, necessary for the proper functioning of our body and cell function. And minerals such as potassium, magnesium or iron, which benefit neuromuscular functioning.
Benefits of lemon water on an empty stomach
For all these reasons, drinking a glass of water with half an hour before breakfast has numerous positive effects on our health. Hydration, infection prevention, its satiating effect, the ability to maintain radiant skin, the increase in our defenses or its antioxidant effects are just some of the benefits that this healthy habit can bring to our body. Of course, the water must be lukewarm, since our body takes longer to process it if it is cold and, therefore, consumes more energy; the lemons must be fresh and organic, and the water, if possible, must be mineral or boiled. We give you the ten main benefits for which you will want to incorporate this healthy and cheap custom into your daily routine at the beginning of the day:
- Strengthen your immune system. Vitamin C increases defenses and prevents diseases. Fight colds and flu, for example. Lemon also contains spooning, which due to its antimicrobial action prevents typical autumn and winter diseases. Also, if you already have a cold, do not hesitate to add a teaspoon of honey to improve the symptoms.
- Cleanse your body. Lemon is one of most purifying fruits. It acts as a natural antioxidant, eliminating toxins that enter our body through food or pollution. In addition, it purifies the liver quickly, so it is very beneficial in case of liver problems, such as fatty liver. It also enhances bile production, making it useful in removing gallstones.
- Hydrates. Replenishing fluids is essential when you get up and lemon water hydrates the body first thing in the day.
- Balance the PH of your skin. Our body is acidified daily with sugary foods, dyes or refined foods, coffee or red meat.
- Prevents urine infections. Purifies the blood and due to its antibacterial properties it helps expel bacteria from the urinary tract. It also eliminates bacteria from the tongue, so water with lemon on an empty stomach will become your best ally against bad breath.
- Improve your digestions. Relieves digestive and stomach disorders: diarrhea, vomiting, gas, acidity…
- Helps you lose weight. Due to its satiating effect, it prevents you from ingesting extra calories and also prevents the accumulation of liquids due to its diuretic action. Of course, you have to take it as a complement to a healthy and balanced diet.
- Your skin will be more beautiful. Due to its moisturizing action, your skin will have more elasticity. Its antioxidant power protects the skin and prevents the negative action of free radicals and aging. In addition, vitamin C is essential for the natural production of collagen in the skin. As if this were not enough, the antibacterial properties of lemon help prevent acne.
- Fight against uric acid. Reduces crystals associated with uric acid that inflame the joints. It also enhances blood circulation.
- And finally, it is delicious!
You shouldn’t drink water with lemon if…
Although water with lemon benefits the functions of our body in many aspects, you should not consume it if you have stomach ulcers or gastritis, since citrus could increase discomfort; if you have inflammation of the prostate or urethra it is not a good option either. Also, you should brush your teeth after consuming it, as the acidity of lemon can deteriorate tooth enamel.