Lemon Water

Ok so recently I posted a picture on Instagram of my 4 pounds of honey I purchased from a local place and got questions as to why I need all that honey!  Well besides the awesome benefits of honey, there are so many great benefits of drinking warm lemon water every morning. 

Here is what I do every morning.  On an empty stomach drink a warm cup of about 8 oz. water with about a teaspoon of honey and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon.  A little side note…Due to it’s acidity, rinse your mouth out after and don’t brush your teeth within an hour of drinking it.  You can also drink with a straw if you are concerned about enamel.  I personally have not had any issues. 

What are the benefits you ask?

~Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies.

~Lemons contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial. It can help to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause infections and disease.  It also aids in digestion (think less bloating, constipation, heartburn etc.) and encourages the production of bile.

~It balances maintain the pH levels in the body.  Drinking lemon water regularly can help to remove overall acidity in the body.

~Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins.

~It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

~It helps in reducing pain and inflammation in the body.

~It boosts your immune system and helps cure the common cold.

~It works as a diuretic.  Less water retention anyone?! 😉

~It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute.

~It is great for the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne (that’s all I needed to hear!) 🙂

~It promotes Healing. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage. Vitamin C also displays anti-inflammatory properties and  is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.

~It hydrates your Lymph System. Warm water and lemon juice supports the immune system by hydrating and replacing fluids lost by your body. When your body is deprived of water, you can definitely feel the side effects, which include: feeling tired, sluggish, decreased immune function, constipation, lack of energy, low/high blood pressure, lack of sleep, lack of mental clarity and feeling stressed, just to name a few.  And a more efficient lymph system results in less cellulite.  Again, all I needed to hear. 😉

~It aids in weight loss. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. Studies have shown people who maintain a more alkaline diet, do in fact lose weight faster.  I like weight loss. 😉

Ok so why do I add the honey and cinnamon?  Please note that using raw honey is a must.  And this is why…

Raw honey has antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-aging and anticancer properties. Raw honey is not filtered, strained, or heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit and provides far more benefits than regular honey as it is full of active enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are vital for keeping the body healthy and for preventing illness and disease. Raw honey contains vitamins such as B-complex and Vitamin C as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Raw honey has the power to strengthen the immune system, promote digestive health, reduce throat irritation, stabilize blood pressure, calm nerves, relieve morning sickness, balance blood sugar, heal ulcers, purify the blood, fight off colds and flu, soothe sore throats and laryngitis, and flush the kidneys. Raw honey is also great for digestion as it contains probiotics that help to keep the beneficial bacteria in the gut healthy and strong.

The benefits of cinnamon are numerous as well:

Lower Cholesterol
Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Blood Sugar Regulation
Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Yeast Infection Help
In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

Cancer Prevention
In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Anti-Clotting
It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

Arthritis Relief
In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

Anti-Bacterial
When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

Brain Health
One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

High in Nutrients
It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

So as you can see, these three power houses together every day can make a HUGE impact on your health!  I never get sick (cold, flu etc.) and I attribute it to a number of factors, this being one of them.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  I also use honey in my nightly tea and you can do an extra cup or two a day of this honey, lemon, cinnamon mixture if you feel something coming on.

To a Healthy Winter!!