A simple, cost-effective and nutritious drink has been hailed as a health booster that can help your body flush out sugars and toxins, bolster your immune system and aid in fat burning. The 'powerful' beverage is none other than lemon water.
Water is the top pick for hydration throughout the day. If you fancy a bit of flavour without the added sugar, consider popping in some ice cubes with fresh mint or cucumber strips. A popular choice is to add a couple of slices of lemon as infusing water with lemons enhances its health benefits and taste.
Lemons are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids the body in fighting off infections and supports a robust immune system. Those with high levels of vitamin C tend to experience shorter and less severe colds.
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Lemons also boast citrus flavonoids, antioxidants that combat free radicals and may lower your risk of brain disease and other degenerative conditions. Vitamin C can also help reduce blood cholesterol levels, reports .
Daily consumption of water mixed with the juice of two to three lemons may effectively lower your low-density lipoprotein, often dubbed 'bad' cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol typically doesn't show any symptoms unless it becomes quite serious. When it does, you might notice fat deposits appearing in your skin or tendons, or you could experience intense stomach pain from an enlarged liver or spleen. Having high cholesterol can raise your chances of developing other health issues, such as high , stroke, and angina.
Other health benefits of lemons include:
- Relieving bloating after meals
- Preventing kidney stones
- Improving skin health
- Reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer
- Increasing electrolytes and metabolism
- Reducing inflammation
- Balancing pH levels in your body
As for water, it plays a crucial role in many cellular activities in the body, including maintaining the health of your liver and kidneys and helping your body function more efficiently. When the body is dehydrated, it struggles to eliminate waste correctly through urine or faeces.
Water is a vital player in helping the kidneys flush out toxins and waste, while preserving essential nutrients and electrolytes. When we're dehydrated, our kidneys cling onto fluids.
Water assists the kidneys in filtering surplus sugar through urine. Being well-hydrated boosts urine production, effectively aiding in the expulsion of sugar from the body.
The optimal time to drink lemon water is first thing in the morning to hydrate your body and jump-start your day after an overnight fast. The average time people in the UK wake up is 7am, with breakfast between 7am and 9am.
So, aiming for 8am may be the best time. However, for some, consuming it on an empty stomach may be too acidic, so enjoying it post-meals could be a better alternative.
Studies suggest that those who drink more water are less likely to have high blood sugar levels. Water is also crucial for digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste removal.
It aids in transporting waste products like urea and carbon dioxide out of the body via urination, breathing, or sweating. Water also supports the lymphatic system's healthy function, facilitating the transport of immune cells and antibodies.
It keeps mucous membranes hydrated, offering a defence against harmful pathogens. Insufficient water intake can result in hard or lumpy stools and constipation. By softening and loosening hardened stools, water ensures smooth waste movement. Additionally, it aids the body in recovering from digestive issues such as diarrhoea and indigestion.
When waste builds up in the body, it can lead to symptoms such as bloating, swelling and fatigue. Bloating can even cause your waist size to increase. One effective way to prevent this is by staying well-hydrated, which can help avoid unnecessary weight gain. Our bodies rely on water to break down stored fats and carbohydrates effectively.
This process, known as lipolysis, starts with hydrolysis, where water molecules interact with triglycerides (fats) to create glycerol and fatty acids. Drinking sufficient water is crucial for burning off fat from food and drink, as well as stored fat. Increasing your water intake could boost lipolysis, the process through which the body burns fat for energy.
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A mini-review of several studies conducted in 2016 found that increased water intake led to enhanced lipolysis and a reduction in fat. Not only can drinking water aid in burning fat, but it can also burn calories and reduce hunger pangs, potentially assisting in weight loss. Water can also accelerate by increasing lipolysis.
However, it's important to remember that drinking water alone is unlikely to result in significant weight loss. Other considerations should include replacing sugary drinks with water, reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, and exercising regularly.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all recommendation for how much water to drink. The amount needed varies from person to person, depending on several factors.
Keeping well-hydrated is crucial for all, with the goal being light, clear yellow urine. The and government's Eatwell Guide recommends that folks should aim to down 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluids each day.
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