You’ve Heard You Should Drink Eight Glasses of Water Every Day
While eight glasses a day is a good baseline for many, the exact amount of water you need can vary based on your body size, physical activity, and other factors. Sixty percent of your body is made up of water, which plays a crucial role in many bodily processes. Water helps your organs function properly, lubricates your joints, and flushes out waste and toxins. Studies have shown that staying well-hydrated can boost energy levels and improve focus. In fact, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that people who drank less water had higher rates of colorectal cancer. Clearly, staying hydrated is vital for your health.
Making Water More Interesting
Some people find water tasteless and boring, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Adding a bit of lemon to your water can enhance the flavor and offer additional health benefits. Lemons help cleanse your body of toxins and waste. The American Cancer Society even recommends hot lemon water to alleviate constipation and clear the bowels. Now, let’s explore four more benefits of lemon water.
4 Benefits of Adding Lemon Water to Your Diet
Lemons Are Loaded with Nutrients and Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are the organic compounds in plants that offer health benefits. Lemons are rich in phytonutrients with antioxidant and antibiotic properties. They also contain limonin, a compound found in citrus fruits that may have anti-viral and anti-obesity effects. Here are the nutrient values for lemons:
Nutrient | Value Per 100g | 1 Lemon Yield 48g | 1 Wedge Yields 5.9g |
---|---|---|---|
Water | 92.23g | 44.31g | 5.45g |
Energy | 22kcal | 11kcal | 1kcal |
Protein | 0.35g | 0.17g | 0.02g |
Total fat | 0.24g | 0.12g | 0.01g |
Carbohydrate | 6.90g | 3.31g | 0.41g |
Fiber | 0.3g | 0.1g | 0g |
Sugars | 2.52g | 1.21g | 0.15g |
Calcium, Ca | 6mg | 3mg | 0mg |
Magnesium, Mg | 6mg | 3mg | 0mg |
Phosphorus, P | 8mg | 4mg | 0mg |
Potassium, K | 103mg | 49mg | 6mg |
Vitamin C | 38.7mg | 18.6mg | 2.3mg |
Folate, DFE | 20μg | 10μg | 1μg |
Vitamin A, IU | 6IU | 3IU | 0IU |
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.15mg | 0.07mg | 0.01mg |
Lemons Support Digestion
Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain pectin, a dietary fiber that aids digestion. Lemons have more pectin than oranges and also high levels of citric acid. Citric acid and pectin support digestion by slowing down the speed at which food leaves the stomach and improving the breakdown process. One study found that five grams of pectin mixed with orange juice increased feelings of fullness after eating, which might help reduce food intake and support weight loss.
Lemons Are High in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for immune function. It helps neutralize free radicals, create energy, and defend against environmental toxins. Vitamin C also protects the skin from premature aging caused by toxin buildup. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, women who consumed more vitamin C had stronger, firmer skin with less dryness and fewer wrinkles.
Lemons Support Normal Kidney and Liver Function
Lemons are beneficial for both the liver and kidneys. In animal studies, the pectin in lemons lowered liver cholesterol levels and supported normal liver function. This is likely due to polyphenols, plant compounds that promote liver enzyme activity and regulate metabolism. Additionally, citric acid in lemon juice can help prevent kidney stones. One study found that lemon juice was as effective as potassium citrate in treating urinary calcium stones.
What’s the Best Way to Thoroughly Cleanse Your Body?
Lemon juice is a powerful way to clear toxins, support the immune system, improve digestion, and protect the liver and kidneys. However, it’s just one part of the detoxification process. For a thorough, gentle cleanse, try an oxygen-based colon cleanser like Oxy-Powder?. Great health begins in your gut. When waste and toxins build up in your colon, it can put pressure on your liver and kidneys. Set yourself up for optimal health by keeping your colon clean and detoxed. Enhance your detox routine by incorporating natural cleansing agents like lemon juice into your daily regimen.
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