The lemon wedge on your water glass is far more than garnish. Adding fresh lemon juice to your water adds flavor to the healthy, but bland, beverage. Even better, it can have a host of medicinal uses and health benefits
Enhances Appearance
Drinking lemon water rejuvenates the skin. It can be used as an astringent, which purifies the skin and restrains the growth of bacteria, reducing the likelihood of pimples and blackheads. Daily consumption greatly improves the skin's appearance and gives it a healthy glow.
Aids Digestion
Adding lemon to hot water relieves many symptoms of poor digestion, including nausea, heartburn, and bloating. Regular consumption also aids in eliminating bowel waste more efficiently. The cleansing properties of the lemon also aid in the purification of the liver and kidneys.
Adds Vitamins and Minerals
Most people are aware of the high content of vitamin C in lemon. However, lemon water has a host of other nutrients. It contains vitamin B, riboflavin, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium. It also has proteins and carbohydrates.
Relieves pain
Lemon water acts as a diuretic, which flushes out excess fluid and salt from the body. This can aid in relieving the inflammation, and thereby pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism. Applying lemon water to a toothache also aids in pain reduction.
Warning
Daily use of lemon juice in hot water can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, according to Purdue University's Center for New Crops and Food Products, and has been known to reduce teeth down to the gum level in extreme cases.
