Instead of having a cup of coffee, why not substitute a cup of warm lemon water? Below are the good factors to consider.
1. Boost your immune system: Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They are rich in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve functions. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.
2. Balances the pH: Drinking lemon water every day reduces the total acidity of your body. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.
3. Helps lose weight: Lemons are rich in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger and cravings. It has also been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet loses weight faster.
4. Helps digestion: Lemon juice helps remove unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile, which is an acid that is required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.
5. It is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are therefore released at a faster rate helping to maintain urinary tract health.
6. Cleanses the skin: The vitamin C component helps reduce wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water removes toxins from the blood and helps keep the skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.
7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve dental pain and gingivitis. Citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so this needs to be carefully controlled.
8. Relieves respiratory problems: warm lemon water helps to get rid of chest infections and stop annoying cough. It is believed to be helpful for those with asthma and allergies as well.
9. 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 packed with vitamin C.
10. Help kick the coffee habit: After drinking a glass of hot lemon water, most people suggest that they have less desire for morning coffee.
Why does it have to be warm water, not cold? The cold water likely provides a shock or stress factor to the body. It takes energy for your body to process cold water.