We all know about the numerous health benefits of lemon. It’s no secret that lemons are packed with nutrients, and for many people, drinking a glass of water with lemon has become a daily habit, especially in the morning.
It’s not just a refreshing drink — lemon water is incredibly beneficial for your health. It boosts metabolism, helps with digestion, and provides energy throughout the day. Lemons are rich in essential minerals like magnesium, copper, and potassium. But perhaps one of the most remarkable things about lemons is their high Vitamin C content. One cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice contains about 187% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. This makes lemon water an excellent drink for supporting the immune system, especially during the cold and flu season.
But the benefits of lemon water don’t stop there. In addition to its Vitamin C content, lemon water can improve digestion. When you drink it, especially warm, it prepares your stomach for food and stimulates the intestines. The citric acid in lemons encourages the production of gastric juices, which are crucial for breaking down food in the stomach. This can help your digestive system function more smoothly and efficiently.
However, while lemon water can be extremely beneficial, it’s important to note that there are certain situations where drinking it first thing in the morning may not be recommended:
- Throat or Digestive Issues: If you have a sore throat or digestive problems, it’s better to avoid lemon water and opt for plain water instead. The acidity of lemon can sometimes aggravate conditions like acid reflux or gastritis.
- Excessive Consumption: Even when there are no health issues, it’s important to avoid overdoing it with lemon water. Drinking too much can lead to headaches, dehydration, or an excess of iron in the body. Additionally, in extreme cases, there might be an increased risk of developing certain health conditions, such as cancer. The key is moderation — everything should be consumed in balance, including lemon water.
Many People Think They’re Making Lemon Water the Right Way — But They’re Not!
If you believe that preparing lemon water is simple and foolproof, think again. The truth is that most people are not making it in the most beneficial way possible. Here’s a typical mistake that many people make:
- The Common Mistake: People usually squeeze lemon juice into water, sometimes adding it to warm or cold water. However, they often discard the zest, not realizing that lemon peel, or zest, is one of the most nutrient-rich and beneficial parts of the lemon!
The Right Way to Prepare Lemon Water
Today, we’re going to share with you the proper way to make lemon water to fully unlock its health benefits. We recommend using organic lemons to ensure the drink is as healthy as possible.
Here’s the correct method for making lemon water:
- Slice the Lemon: Start by cutting the lemon into thin slices. You’ll only need a few of these slices to squeeze into the water, so set the rest aside.
- Squeeze the Lemon: Take a few of the slices and squeeze their juice into your glass or bottle of water. This will provide the refreshing, tangy flavor you love.
- Grate the Zest: Instead of throwing away the lemon peel, take a grater and carefully zest the outer part of the remaining lemon slices. Add this zest to the water as well. The zest is rich in essential oils, antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin C and flavonoids, which contribute to your health.
- Use a Blender: Place the leftover lemon slices (with the peel) into a blender. Add warm or cold boiled water to the blender, and blend it for a few seconds. This ensures that the zest and juice are well mixed and that you get the full nutritional benefit from both the juice and the peel.
- Enjoy Your Drink: Now, your properly prepared lemon water is ready! Drink it fresh, and enjoy the burst of health benefits.
Why Is This Method Better?
Experts agree that the acidity of lemon helps with digestion, making it easier for your body to break down food. Additionally, lemon water can help prevent water retention and can even support healthy skin by promoting hydration. Furthermore, lemon water can act as a natural detoxifier, flushing out toxins and improving overall metabolic health. By using the entire lemon — including the zest — you’re tapping into the full potential of this incredible fruit.
Lemon water is not only refreshing, but it can also support a wide variety of health benefits, from boosting the immune system to improving digestion and metabolism. But, as with everything, balance and moderation are key. When made properly, lemon water can become a powerful addition to your daily routine.
So, we encourage you to try making lemon water the right way and enjoy the full benefits it has to offer.
Wishing you good health!
