The AMAZING Health Benefits of Lemon Water!!

Can anyone relate to waking up, eyes halfway shut, slowly making your way to the coffee

maker, fill our mugs with a freshly brewed cup and wait patiently for it to "kick in" before feeling somewhat human? I can honestly say that at one point, not that long ago, I had a Keurig in my bathroom on the sink ready to go each morning (a little embarrassing but you want transparency, right?) Recently I was researching natural ways to increase energy and came across an article on Lemon Water. I was shocked and quite honestly...didn't believe it. After a lot of research and reading, I learned a glass of water with fresh squeezed lemon is one of the most well tested energy boosters around. Wow!! Everyone I know relies heavily on caffeinated beverages like coffee, energy drinks or energy boots just to get moving in the morning. All the consumed caffeine and adrenal stimulants can produce unhealthy energy in the form of blood sugar swings and oxidative stress. For an entire week I switched my cup of coffee for a cup of lemon water and was sweetly surprised. Not only was I unaware this drink can get my body moving quicker, I had no idea all the AMAZING health benefits lemon water can have on your overall health and mental clarity...so naturally...I wanted to pass this info along.

Prevents Illness : This time of year, we can all use anything we can get that will help us from getting sick. We all know that vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemon, gives your immune system a boost, but did you know the chemicals in lemon (known as phytonutrients) have antioxidant properties than can also help protect the body from disease? Drinking lemon water regularly is one thing you can do to prevent illness.

Helps with Digestion: Were you aware lemon water can help digest food? Believe it or not the citrus flavonoids in lemons aid the acid in the stomach in breaking down food, leading to improved overall digestion. Warming the water seems to provide the greatest digestive benefits. In addition, if you add lemon slices including the r to your water, you may be able to harness some of the benefits of pectin, a fiber found in the pulp and peel. Fiber has been attributed to overall digestion and gut health.

Vitamin C: Citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against free radicals, and according to the National Institutes of Health, this could even help protect us again cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Hydration: Adding lemon to water can enhance the taste, making it more appealing to some, helping them to drink more and improve hydration. Although the old rule was to drink eight, 8 ounce glasses a day, nutritionists now recognize that the amount will vary based on what you weigh, how active you are, and where you live.

One test to make sure you're getting enough? Your urine should be nearly clear—if it's yellow or dark, you need to drink more. If this is gross to you...my apologies...as a nurse, I've become quite immune to "gross" things. As I tell my kiddos...we all pee so it's perfectly normal. :)

No More Wrinkles? High levels of Vitamin C has been associated with fewer wrinkles due to it's effects on collagen, assisting in less wrinkles. It's also a natural skin protectant as it fights off free radical damage.

Detoxes your Liver: Another benefit of this powerhouse beverage is the effects on your liver, aka, your body's filtration organ. There have been studies that found the citrus "flavonoids" in lemon may protect the liver against toxins and fatty living damage. So drink up and flush those nasty poisons out!

Potassium Boost: When you think of needing to add potassium to your diet you probably think of bananas or coconut water but did you know lemons are an excellent source as well? Potassium is an essential electrolyte needed for cell function, metabolism, and transmission of nerve signals. If you've ever experienced cramps in your shoulders while running or leg cramps in the middle of the night aka "Charlie Horses," you'll know how important it is to make sure you're consuming enough on a daily basis. So while bananas are a great choice, you now have other options!

Prevents Kidney Stones: I've personally suffered from kidney stones and the old wives tale that they are worse than childbirth is true! I've personally delivered 5 children and would choose childbirth over kidney stones any day...seriously! This information sold me immediately! Kidney stones often develop as a result of dehydration and/or calcium salts. Since lemon added to the water makes it taste better, you'll naturally stay more hydrated all the while the acid from the lemon can help keep the stones from coming together, it's almost like you're back in Chemistry class! Drink up!!

Weight Loss: Last but not least..studies have been shown that the polyphenols in lemon may aid in reducing appetite. We're all bombarded with weight loss topics right now since it's the beginning of a New Year and many have made it their number one priority for 2018. If this is you...it has been proven that drinking an ice cold cup of lemon water in the morning is a guaranteed way to kick start your metabolism while drinking a glass of warm lemon water can certainly help your digestive system as discussed above. Whichever way you prefer...both are healthy additions to add to your workout routine.

I hope you all find this helpful and interesting. I'd love your feedback...feel free to leave a comment and if you commit to drinking a glass of lemon water a week, we'd love to hear how you felt and if it was beneficial to you! As always...stay healthy and continue to Nourish your body, mind & soul!

xoxo,