Personal sharing – this is one of my morning rituals. Every morning when I get up the first thing I do is drink one litre of slightly warm water with the juice of one lemon added. This is not a new fad, I have done this for many years.
Why do I do it?
What you put into your body first thing is important. You have just been fasting all night. Hydrating is a good first step.
We all know we are supposed to drink more water. I struggle to get my water intake throughout the day, and a litre first thing in the morning gives me a head start. Sometimes I drink another litre of sparkling mineral water in the evening, and those two things together are a big plus in the hydration department. Adding lots of sips as I move throughout the day is also important.
Why add lemon to my morning glass of water? It tastes better than drinking plain water. It gives me some extra vitamin C which helps my immune system and I get a nice clean and clear feeling in my body.
A glass (150ml) of lemon water with the juice of one lemon provides approximately:
• 4Kcal / 16KJ
• 0.1 g Protein
• 0.8 g Carbohydrate
• 65 mg Potassium
• 18 mg Vitamin C
Other benefits to consider:
• Aids in weight management: Drinking water can aid in weight management by supporting hydration, boosting energy and helping to regulate metabolism and digestion. Drinking water before a meal also curbs the appetite. It doesn’t have to be lemon water, but if the lemon flavour encourages you to drink more water, that is a plus.
• Improves your skin: Lemons, like other citrus fruits, are high in vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity and strength of the skin. According to research vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that neutralises free radicals present in the skin that build up from air pollution and ultraviolet radiation. The juice of one whole lemon delivers between 20 to 25% of your daily value of vitamin C.
• Helps digestion: Drinking your lemon water warm “can loosen things up,”. Many people report that warm liquids help stimulate digestion and gets things moving.
And here’s a helpful tip:
The acid in lemons may be a problem for teeth. Lemons contain citric acid, and too much acid can wear away tooth enamel. So I drink my morning lemon water with a straw.
Why not try it and see how you feel?
