Contents
- The composition and calorie content of lemon water
- Effects of lemon water on the body
- Benefits of lemon water
- The benefits and harms of drinking water with lemon on an empty stomach
- Benefits of lemon water for weight loss
- How to make lemon water
- How to drink water with lemon
- Limitations and contraindications
- Conclusion
It is difficult to imagine modern human life without the use of the popular citrus – lemon. This fruit is actively used to prepare a variety of dishes and drinks, it is an integral part of cosmetic and perfumery products. Traditional medicine has hundreds of recipes with lemon, it is used for domestic needs. Water with lemon is a drink that is valued not only because of its taste, but also has beneficial properties that contribute to the healing of the body.
The composition and calorie content of lemon water
Lemon is the basis of lemon drink, the most famous fruit of the Citrus family. It has beneficial properties that have made lemon water especially popular.
Lemon is the fruit of the tree of the same name, which grows in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and Central Asia, in the Transcaucasus. Citrus is cultivated in countries with a subtropical climate. Every year, more than 14 million tons of fruits are harvested around the world. The main exporters are India and Mexico.
The composition of lemon water depends entirely on the composition of the fruit. In addition, especially healthy parts are used to make a lemon drink.
Lemon water contains elements that can be divided into several main groups.
Trace Elements | Vitamins | Macronutrients |
Hardware | Beta-carotene | Calcium |
Zinc | thiamine | Magnesium |
Copper | riboflavin | Sodium |
Manganese | pyridoxine | Phosphorus |
Fluorine | niacin | Chlorine |
Molybdenum | Ascorbic acid | Sulfur |
Bor | Folic acid |
|
Ascorbic acid is the leader in terms of volume among other components: each fruit of this citrus is rich in vitamin C for 50% of the daily intake.
In addition, lemon is valuable oils, organic acids, pectin. Its pulp contains about 3,5% sugar. The seeds are filled with a bitter substance – limonin, so they are not recommended to be left in the drink for a long time, so as not to spoil the taste.
Lemon peel is rich in a valuable useful substance – a glycoside – citronine. Essential oils give a special aroma to citrus. The main component of oils is alpha-limonene, a volatile compound with unique properties.
To prepare water with lemon in industrial production, purified water is used. Independently lemon water is prepared from boiled or mineral water. This preserves its main useful properties. A medium-sized lemon has a calorie value of 34 kcal.
Effects of lemon water on the body
Lemon drink has several beneficial properties that affect the human body.
- Antipyretic property. The action becomes possible due to the increased content of ascorbic acid.
- Hemostatic property. Useful components of the composition activate the processes of wound healing, contribute to the normalization of blood flow.
- Antioxidant property. Organic acids, flavonoids and glycosides act at the cellular level, helping to stabilize metabolic processes.
- Cholagogue property due to the mixing of water and acids, which affect the formation of pancreatic juice. The benefit of water with lemon for the liver is also to activate the production of bile.
- Anti-inflammatory property. The constituent parts of the drink stop the processes of inflammation. This is due to the diuretic, choleretic and antioxidant beneficial properties of citrus.
Benefits of lemon water
Water with lemon, if taken every day, can significantly correct the functioning of the body systems, due to its beneficial properties.
- For digestion. Water with lemon in the morning starts the processes of digestion, this is due to the activation of the production of gastric juice. Lemon water is a prophylactic in the fight against constipation, as it contributes to the natural cleansing of the intestines, as well as the removal of harmful substances from the body;
- For immunity. Ascorbic acid is absorbed faster in the presence of auxiliary micro and macro elements that prepared lemon water has. Vitamin C is good for immunity, it increases natural defenses and activates metabolic processes that are important for the overall state of immunity;
- For joints and maintaining water balance. Ascorbic acid, as well as its compounds with other elements, contribute to the leaching of uric acid from the body. This reduces stress on the joints, making them more mobile. Water balance is responsible for overall health;
- For face, body, hair and nails. Antioxidant properties have an impact on the condition of the upper layer of the epidermis. Replenishment of the spent liquid is important for appearance. Moisturizing from the inside is one way to take care of your own health;
- For the cardiovascular system. Daily consumption of a glass of water acidified with lemon juice reduces the risk of developing cholesterol plaques, blood stasis, and problems with venous blood flow. Due to the saturation of brain cells with oxygen, the main processes of hematopoiesis are stabilized at different levels. In addition, daily intake increases the ability to deal with irritation, stress, relieves feelings of anxiety, and has a general calming effect.
Water with lemon for weight loss deserves special mention. It is prepared independently and taken according to the established scheme. Water has the beneficial properties of helping you stay energized throughout the day and maintain your natural hydration levels.
Benefits of water with lemon for a woman’s body
They talk about the benefits and harms of water with lemon, taking into account the general health of a woman, indicators of stomach acidity. Benefits of lemon water:
- during pregnancy (ascorbic acid helps to increase immune defense indicators, potassium and magnesium are necessary for the proper functioning of the heart muscle during the formation of the fetus);
- while following diets, getting rid of extra pounds, as a remedy for fitness loads (water performs several functions at the same time: with inflammation of the water balance, it has a powerful cleansing and antioxidant effect);
- to improve the skin (cleansing the intestines and normalizing the processes of digestion affects the appearance of the skin).
Benefits of lemon water for men
Those men who are constantly involved in sports have already appreciated the beneficial properties of lemon water. It replenishes the balance after physical exertion, energizes in the morning. With regular use, water and lemon help to normalize the activity of the cardiovascular system, which is important for men after 30 years.
The benefits and harms of drinking water with lemon on an empty stomach
The benefits of water with lemon juice on an empty stomach depend on the general condition of the body. In the absence of contraindications, water, which is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, acts in stages:
- activates metabolic processes;
- eliminates the remnants of harmful substances;
- replenishes the water supply lost during the night.
Lemon water has a negative effect when, due to certain diseases or body characteristics, taking on an empty stomach can cause nausea. Ascorbic acid can have such an effect with individual intolerance to citrus fruits or with increased acidity of the stomach.
Benefits of lemon water for weight loss
To achieve weight loss, nutritionists advise, first of all, to review the daily diet, fluid intake patterns and the amount of physical activity.
Lemon water exhibits several beneficial properties at the same time:
- stabilizes metabolic processes;
- activates the absorption of carbohydrates and fats;
- reduces the feeling of hunger.
Water with lemon for weight loss is prepared according to the classic recipe, taken in the morning, as well as during the day.
Weight loss, which comes as a result of the normalization of processes within the body, as well as control over the maintenance of water balance, is considered the most effective. If kilograms go away as a result of a hard refusal of food or increased physical exertion, then they quickly return back. Therefore, the beneficial properties that lemon water has are indisputable.
How to make lemon water
To make lemon water at home, you need to purchase ripe and intact fruits. For mature citruses, pronounced external signs are characteristic:
- rich yellow color of the peel;
- the fruit is even, without chips, cracks, dry spots;
- a faint citrus aroma comes from the fruit.
Before you start cooking, the lemon is scalded with boiling water and rolled on a hard surface from side to side. These tricks contribute to a more intense and abundant release of juice from the pulp.
Classic recipe
For cooking you will need:
- 3 – 4 tbsp. l. juice;
- 250 ml of boiled water.
The juice is poured with water, mixed thoroughly. Leave for 10 minutes, then drink through a straw.
With crushed pulp and zest
The whole fruit is ground in a meat grinder, after removing the bones. The porridge is seasoned with sugar. To a glass of water add 1 tbsp. l. mixture and drink in the morning.
With slices
For 1 st. water take a few slices of lemon. They are pricked with a fork, then poured with warm water.
With honey
Lemon water helps boost the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory for colds or stomach ailments. To prepare it, 50 ml of juice is mixed with 1 tbsp. l. liquid honey, pour 150 ml of warm water. A healthy drink is taken in the morning or evening.
Compote with sugar
In the preparation of a lemon drink, as in a canteen, according to a traditional recipe, the technological process is completely changed. To do this, the fruit is cut into slices, covered with sugar, poured with water and boiled over low heat for 25 minutes. After the liquid has cooled, it is filtered.
Lemon water recipes for weight loss
When following a diet, to activate metabolic processes, a drink is prepared with the addition of auxiliary ingredients that have their own beneficial properties.
Cinnamon
- water – 750 ml;
- juice of half a citrus;
- Cinnamon – 2 sticks.
This composition with unique beneficial properties, which starts metabolic processes and promotes more active fat burning, is why it is often used for detox programs and included in the diet menu.
Cinnamon sticks are poured with hot water, cooled, juice is added, mixed. Water is drunk according to the established scheme.
With ginger
- juice of half a citrus;
- chopped ginger root – 50 – 70 g;
- water – 750 ml;
- honey – 1 tsp.
The crushed ginger root is poured with boiling water, cooled, mixed with honey and juice. Ginger-lemon water helps to get rid of extra pounds much faster due to the action of lemon juice with ginger. This compound acts as an appetite suppressant and increases the rate of metabolic processes.
Green tea based
To increase the beneficial properties, prepare a drink with green tea. It is known for its healing effect on digestion and improving blood flow in the body. For 500 ml of green tea brewed according to the traditional recipe, take 3-4 slices and 1 hour. l. honey.
How to drink water with lemon
The benefits and harms of lemon water depend on when and how it is taken: in the morning, in the evening, or throughout the day. When using, it is recommended to adhere to the basic rules:
- daily portion should not exceed 2 liters;
- water is drunk in small sips before meals;
- the classic lemon water recipe involves taking a freshly prepared drink;
- infused water with lemon is prepared in glassware.
How to drink lemon water on an empty stomach
In the morning, water with lemon is taken for 40-45 minutes. before breakfast. Nutritionists advise drinking morning water with lemon through a straw so as not to overload the body.
How to drink water with lemon at night
Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink warm lemon drinks, they have a relaxing effect, calm the nerves, and improve the quality of sleep. The best option is to take a drink with honey. Often, to eliminate insomnia, juice or slices are added to chamomile honey tea.
Limitations and contraindications
The beneficial properties of lemon water are undeniable, but, in addition, there are contraindications that depend on the general state of health.
Acceptance is excluded if:
- increased acidity of the stomach, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are at the stage of exacerbation;
- there is a risk of an allergic reaction due to a general reaction to citrus fruits;
- increased sensitivity of the gums, damage to the enamel of the teeth;
- diagnosed with pancreatitis.
Reception is limited during pregnancy, as well as if a woman is breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Water with lemon is good for the body in the absence of contraindications. It is taken in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening before going to bed. The recipes used involve various variations with the addition of useful ingredients. Taking lemon water in compliance with the basic rules energizes, helps maintain tone and prevents the occurrence of inflammatory processes.