We often start our mornings with a cup of coffee or tea to boost our spirits. But did you know that drinking warm lemon water in the morning has its own benefits and health benefits? This habit has been practiced for centuries as a routine in Ayurveda.
In this article, we’ll show you the benefits of drinking warm lemon water in the morning, supported by scientific evidence. We’ll also explain how to prepare it, as well as precautions to ensure maximum health benefits.
Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water Regularly in the Morning
1. Hydrate Your Body After a Long Sleep
When we wake up in the morning, our bodies are slightly dehydrated after hours without fluid intake. Drinking warm lemon water can rehydrate our bodies. A hydrated body is essential for optimal physical and mental performance. [healthline]
Why is hydration important?
- Maintains body temperature
- Supports digestive health and metabolism
- Improves brain performance and focus
Starting the day with a cup of warm lemon water can also encourage us to stay hydrated throughout the day.
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2. Boosts Your Immune System
Another benefit is improving immunity. We know that lemon water contains vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immunity. One lemon contains 30 to 50 mg of vitamin C. [usda.gov] This will help the body fight free radicals and infections that can damage the body.
Other benefits of Vitamin C include:
- Supports wound healing
- Enhances iron absorption
- Maintains healthy and beautiful skin by stimulating collagen production.
Adding lemon to warm water is a smart and easy way to meet your body’s vitamin C needs, especially if you don’t consume enough fruits and vegetables.
3. Aids Digestion and Detoxification
Drinking warm lemon water is also beneficial in stimulating the digestive system. The acid content in lemons is similar to stomach acid. Therefore, this condition has the potential to increase stomach acid and bile for better digestion. [NIH].
Warm water relaxes the digestive tract, reducing bloating and constipation. Lemon juice helps in the body’s natural detoxification by:
- Stimulating liver function
- Acting as a mild diuretic, increasing urine output
However, it’s important to remember that our bodies naturally detoxify toxins through the kidneys and liver. Lemon water only supports and maximizes organ function.
4. Supports Healthy Skin
The vitamin C content and hydrating effects of lemon water provide significant benefits for skin beauty. Vitamin C reduces skin damage, reduces wrinkles, and increases collagen formation. [NIH].
Drinking lemon water regularly, combined with a healthy diet, will result in clear, radiant skin.
5. Freshens Breath Naturally
Drinking warm lemon water in the morning can also help relieve breathing. This is because lemon water stimulates saliva production, prevents dry mouth, and eliminates bad breath.
The refreshing aroma of lemon also helps you feel fresh in the morning. However, it’s important to rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking warm lemon water to prevent damage to tooth enamel caused by citric acid erosion.
6. May Help with Weight Management
Many studies have shown that drinking lemon water in the morning can help reduce the body’s overall calorie intake. The freshness of lemon also makes you prefer this healthy drink over other sugary drinks. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov].
What does lemon water do for the body? Among other things:
- Increase satiety
- Replace high-calorie morning drinks
- Support metabolism with its mildly acidic properties
Drinking lemon water alone certainly won’t reduce weight, but it’s a habit that can be supportive when combined with a balanced diet and adequate physical activity.
7. Provides a Gentle Energy Boost
The refreshing aroma of lemon has been shown to reduce stress levels and help improve mood. Furthermore, it’s added hydration, vitamin C, and potassium content can provide a gentle energy boost in the morning without the need for caffeine.
How to Prepare Warm Lemon Water
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized fresh lemon (about 100 grams)
- 250 ml warm water (around 60-70°C, not too hot to avoid damaging the vitamins)
How to Make:
- Wash the lemon thoroughly and cut it in half.
- Squeeze half a lemon into a glass. If you prefer a stronger flavor, use a whole lemon.
- Add warm water and stir gently.
- Drink immediately while still warm for maximum benefits.
Precautions Before Drinking Lemon Water Daily
Although lemon water is safe to consume, please note the following points.
Lemons are acidic, so it’s important to rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water. This is to prevent tooth enamel erosion.
- If you have GERD, lemon can trigger symptoms.
- It can cause potential allergic reactions; if you experience itching or swelling, discontinue use immediately.
If you experience digestive problems, consult a doctor. The same goes for if you are taking certain medications that could interact with lemon.
Check out too: Natural Remedies for Better Sleep at Night
FAQs about Drinking Warm Lemon Water
Q: Can I drink lemon water if I have ulcers?
A: It’s best to consult your doctor, as citrus acidity may worsen ulcer symptoms in some people.
Q: Can I use cold water instead of warm water?
A: You can, but warm water is gentler on digestion in the morning.
Q: Is it okay to drink it at night?
A: Yes, but morning consumption is preferred for rehydration and digestive stimulation benefits.
Nutritional Value per Serving (Approximate)
| Content | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 9 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 3.0 g |
| Natural sugars | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Vitamin C | 18.6 mg (approximately 21% RDA) |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the size of the lemon.
Conclusion
Starting the day with a glass of warm lemon water is simple yet offers numerous benefits. From hydrating the body and boosting immunity and digestion, to freshening breath, to beautifying skin. Drinking warm lemon water in the morning is a simple, affordable, and healthy way to begin the day.
Ready to Try Warm Lemon Water Tomorrow Morning?
Try drinking it regularly and see how your body feels over the next few weeks. Combine these habits with a healthy diet, physical exercise, and adequate sleep for better health.
7 Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Morning
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 medium-sized fresh lemon (about 100 grams)
- 250 ml warm water (around 60-70°C, not too hot to avoid damaging the vitamins)
Instructions
- Wash the lemon thoroughly and cut it in half.
- Squeeze half a lemon into a glass. If you prefer a stronger flavor, use a whole lemon.
- Add warm water and stir gently.
- Drink immediately while still warm for maximum benefits.
