7 Surprising Benefits of Lemon Water

The decision to include lemon water in one’s everyday routine can greatly impact overall health. This is why so many A-list celebrities swear by it.

Celebrities who drink lemon water for dazzling skin include super-radiant actress Jennifer Aniston, who starts her day with warm lemon water, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who drinks lemon water as part of her daily health routine. Says Aniston: “Usually when I wake up, I’ll make my standard cup of hot water with a slice of lemon in there.”

While they follow a stringent diet and exercise regime, according to them, lemon water is partly responsible for their glow!

However, it’s not just the skin that benefits from lemon water. Here are 7 surprising benefits of regularly drinking lemon water:

1. Sparkling Skin!

Radiant health isn’t a ‘one solution’ matter. However, regular lemon water can help bring a sparkle of vibrant health. Lemon water contains Vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights the free radicals that cause dull skin.

It also boosts collagen production. For good reason, Collagen has been raved about in beauty and health circles. It is the protein responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic. 

Lemon water is also good for the skin because it contains citric acid, which lightens hyperpigmentation and age spots over time.

2. A Slimming Aid

There’s no quick fix for weight loss, but lemon water can help support weight loss by boosting metabolism when included in a balanced, healthy diet. Many celebrities and health experts swear by starting the day with lemon water, saying it starts their metabolism. 

Lemon water is linked to a process called ‘thermogenesis. ‘ During this process, the body uses extra calories to heat the water to body temperature.

Drinking water and staying hydrated have also always been celebrated as a means of losing weight, as they prevent dehydration, which is an enemy of metabolism. 

Adding lemon to water makes it more appealing to those who struggle to drink water because of its taste. Simply put, it gives water that extra zing!

3. Mood-Enhancing Magic

Usually, one reaches for a good cuppa in the morning, believing caffeine is the only way to lift the body into active mode and cope with the demands and stresses of the day. However, studies show that lemon water has negative ions that are linked with alertness and energy.

The unique scent of lemon also has a calming effect on the nervous system. Lemon essential oils enhance dopamine and serotonin levels, reducing depression, anxiety, and stress.

4. Freshens Breath

So you want to impress that special someone or make a good impression on the job. Lemon water has antibacterial properties which kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. This makes it a natural breath freshener. Lemon water also stimulates saliva production, preventing a dry mouth. The result: fresher breath 

5. Balances pH Levels

One always hears about balancing ‘pH’ levels. However, one might not necessarily understand what this means. pH levels control biological functions, microbial activity and the availability of nutrients, among other essential functions. This means that anything that helps keep them balanced is good. 

While lemons are acidic, they help to balance pH levels by having an alkalinising impact on the body. 

6. Boosts Immunity

Following the COVID-19 pandemic and with the recent rise in viral and flu threats, much importance has been placed on immunity. One way to boost immunity is to drink regular lemon water. This is because it is packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C, essential, natural immunity-boosting ingredients.

Lemons also contain a plethora of other good nutrients: B-complex vitamins, magnesium, iron, calcium, fiber and potassium. They contain more potassium than grapes or apples!

7. A healthy heart

The magic combination of Vitamin C and potassium makes lemon water a winner in terms of helping to regulate blood pressure. This helps to improve circulation, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise programme.

While there is no such thing as a miracle cure, drinking lemon water can be part of a holistic approach to wellness and facilitate your transformation into ‘the best you ever’. 

It is recommended that you drink 1 to 2 glasses of water a day to start experiencing general health benefits. This should be around 1 to 2 Tbsp per glass of water. Add honey or ginger for extra health benefits.