DHAKA: We have all heard it somewhere or the other that drinking warm water with the juice of one lemon, is beneficial for health. Here is delving into the reasons, reports The Times of India.

Helps your digestive system

Warm lime water on an empty stomach early in the morning helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. Digestion improves, heartburn is reduced and it helps in the process of elimination.

Detoxifies liver

Lemon juice has citric acid, which helps the enzymes to function better. It also stimulates the liver and aids in detoxification.

Works on your pH level

The acidity in our body can be harmful and lemon water can help reduce this. Though lemon has citric acid, the nutrients and minerals in it are alkaline in nature. Citric acid is not a strong acid and so, is easily removed from our bodies by elimination processes like perspiration. 

Lemon, however, stimulates the formation of calcium carbonate that neutralizes other strong acids in the body. This is helpful, especially if your diet is heavy in proteins like meat and cheese. Experts say lemon can help change the pH balance of the blood and can also help in dealing with urinary tract infections.

Strengthens your immune system

All citrus foods are a storehouse of vitamin C. This vitamin is known to fight colds and is good for your immune system. Lemons also have potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function and controls blood pressure.

Clears and freshens your skin

Experts say that vitamin C is great for youthful skin, because it helps in the production of collagen. Its antioxidants revive dull skin and keep it healthy. Warm lemon water removes toxins from the blood stream. Also, diluted lemon juice, when applied to blemishes, can actually help lighten them.

Battles bad breath

Lemon juice battles bad breath by keeping bacteria away.

Aids in weight loss

Lemon juice in the morning fights food craving. Also, it has been found earlier that people who maintain an alkaline diet tend to lose weight more quickly than others.

Do not overdo the lemon bit

Do not overdo the lemon. Just because one lemon helped you lose two kilos, squeezing four in your juice will not help you lose eight! Lemon has corrosive properties too and your tooth enamel may suffer.

Note to remember:

Adding a little honey to your lemon juice makes it more palatable and also battles phlegm and helps rid your body of mucous.

Never:

Use bottled lemon juice. Only the natural lemon is beneficial.

Always:

Rinse your mouth with plain water after you drink lemon juice.

BDST: 1524 HRS, DEC 12, 2014