Starting your day with a fresh squeeze of lemon in water is a great way to jump-start your day and health. It is recommended that we begin our day with two eight-ounce glasses of water. Adding ¼ to ½ of a lemon to a glass of water improves overall body functions including digestion, detoxification, immunity levels, hydration and energy.
Lemons are low in calories, have a low glycemic index (i.e., some studies show that lemons may lower the glycemic index of some foods), and are loaded with vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, flavonoids, and antioxidants. The nutritional benefits of lemons range from reducing kidney stones and inflammation as well as promoting heart health and preventing cancer. Lemons contain compounds like hesperidin and d-limonene which have both been shown to have cancer-preventing properties.
I begin each day with this detox drink:
AM Detox Drink
1 – 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 – 2 Tablespoons Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar (adjust to your tolerance)
8 ounces of warm filtered water
1 teaspoon local honey
1 stevia packet
Dash or two of cayenne pepper (adjust to your tolerance)
Optional ingredients:
1 drop Lemon Essential Oil
1 drop Onguard Immunity Blend Essential Oil
Talk about an immune boosting drink! I began drinking this concoction following my final chemotherapy treatment to rebuild my immune system. I’ve not been sick since then. The lemon essential oil is actually derived from the rind of the lemon. It takes 30 lemons to make one 15 ml bottle of essential oil. It is cold-pressed and gives you the power of lemons in a drop (without the acidity). I also drink lemon water with stevia during the day. Here is my recipe for tasty lemonade that makes it enticing for me to drink plenty of water each day:
Tasty Lemonade
64 ounces of filtered water
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 drops of lemon or lime essential oil
¼ teaspoon powdered stevia
Although lemon is also good for your oral health, there is one caution to consider. Due to the acidic content in lemon, you must be diligent in brushing your teeth. If you use my morning detox drink, be sure to brush your teeth after before running out the door. Also, if you drink lemon water before going to bed, thoroughly brush your teeth. It’s also best to use a paper straw to minimize the acidity on your teeth. If using the rind of the lemon in a smoothie, I recommend using an organic lemon since the pesticides tend to concentrate in the rind.
There’s an old saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Let’s change that to, “When life’s lemons attack your body, drink lemon water.” Lemon is not only a great way to jump-start your day and health, but it’s also a great way to protect your heart, digestive system, immune system, and prevent cancer. Hydrating with lemon is a great way to begin your New Year… each day!
Here’s to Your Health!
Ginny
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