How many times have you heard about starting your day with warm water mixed with lemon and honey to shed those extra pounds? It's a widely shared tip for weight loss across the internet. Anyone on a weight loss journey has likely given honey lemon water a try. But does it really work? And why is it touted as the ultimate morning elixir?
Lemon is packed with citric acid and boasts abundant vitamin C, making it a powerhouse of medicinal benefits. Its antioxidant properties combat harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. Honey, on the flip side, acts as a natural sweetener with antibacterial, antiseptic, and additional antioxidant properties. When combined, lemon and honey form a dynamic duo of health benefits.
# Boosts Energy In The MorningIt gives instant energy that will sustain you for a long time. Honey is an energy food, composed mainly of simple sugars like fructose and glucose, which burn to provide 64 Calories per tablespoon. During digestion, the principal carbohydrates, fructose, and glucose are quickly transported into the blood and can be utilized for energy requirements of the day. Also, lemons have the ability to kickstart your metabolism. The citric acid in lemons yield citrate salts, which are part of the citric acid cycle a chain of reactions important for energy metabolism.
# Can Help In Fat BurningHow does honey lemon water aid fat burning? It seems to be entirely the doing of vitamin C in lemon. Nutrition researchers at Arizona State University have found that the amount of vitamin C in the blood stream is directly related to fat burning both during exercise and at rest. Research has also shown a lemon detox diet that comprises lemon juice mixed with organic maple and palm syrups is effective in burning fat. But do note that a lemon detox diet is essentially a very low-calorie diet. Since it’s not feasible to survive on such low calories, keep your calories constant but get some exercise after you drink your regular glass of honey lemon water.
# Helps Detox The LiverDo you know why so many detox diets have lemon playing the lead role? Lemons are rich in vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps manufacture glutathione.Now, glutathione is a natural antioxidant in the body which helps neutralize toxins and aids the liver in detoxification. Plus, honey lemon water serves as a diuretic, which means you can get rid of toxins faster through urine.
# Aids In Digestion And Nourishes Good Gut BacteriaCitrus fruits like lemon are antioxidants, thanks to the vitamin C and flavonoids that help digestion and assimilation of food into the body.
The ascorbic and citric acids in lemon stimulate gastric acid production to aid digestion. Honey, on the other hand, prevents and treats gastrointestinal disorders such as peptic ulcer, gastritis, and gastroenteritis. It also has a prebiotic effect on the gut – that is it nurtures the good gut bacteria.
# Prevents And Cures Acne
There’s nothing in honey lemon water that cannot give you a clean, young, and acne-free skin. Like we said before, honey lemon water helps flush out toxins and nourishes your gut. A good gut directly leads to good skin. Plus lemon juice has a proven antibacterial effect on Propionibacterium acnes.
The vitamin C in lemons ensures that enough collagen is produced to keep your skin tight and free from wrinkles. It also fights free radicals that leave age spots on the skin. Honey, on the other hand, is an antimicrobial agent. It is also known for locking in moisture and healing wounds; which is why it is such a common ingredient in cosmetics. The honey lemon combination when applied topically on the skin has the same effect as drinking it.
# Fights Throat InfectionsThe honey lemon combination is especially wonderful in taking care of a throat infection. Honey has wound-healing properties and can soothe a sore throat. We have already mentioned the antibacterial properties of lemon. In combination with honey, lemon works like magic against infections. Heat your drinking water to a temperature that you can drink without burning your throat. Mix a teaspoon of honey. Now add the juice of half a lemon and drink up immediately.