We all have our vices, but if you’re looking for a thirst quencher or a way to cut down on drinking soda and similar sweet beverages, adding lemon to your water is still one of the simplest.  It’s also one that’s healthy and inexpensive.

Lemon is a versatile citrus fruit. It works well in chicken, cakes and as a garnishment.  It’s a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B, magnesium, proteins, riboflavin, potassium, calcium and other minerals. When combined with water, it’s a smart way to stay hydrated.

In alpha order, here are my top 9 health benefits of lemon water:

1. Digestive problems – It helps relieve some nausea, indigestion, bloating and heartburn.  It also helps with constipation.
2. High Blood Pressure – It helps lower the systolic blood pressure (the top, higher number that measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) because of its bioactive components such as ascorbic acid, citric acid and polyphenol.  It also helps reduce stress.
3. Liver Health – It helps strengthen the liver by helping it to produce more enzymes.
4. Purifier – It acts as a diuretic, so it helps flush out bacteria and toxins found in the body.  It also helps purify the blood and detoxifies the body because of the vitamin C and antioxidants.
5. Respiratory Disorders – It can help those with asthma because there’s a boost of vitamin C that helps build resistance and helps fight allergens that enter the lungs.
6. Skin Care – It acts as an antiseptic and rejuvenates the skin, so it helps rid acne and minimizes the effects of aging.
7. Throat Care – It has an antibacterial property, so it can help soothe a sore throat.
8. Weight Loss – It boosts metabolism.  If combined with a smart eating and exercise plan, it can help one lose weight faster.

In terms of safety: With all fruits (and vegetables), there is a need to practice safe food handling methods, like handwashing.  Fruits and vegetables are known to carry certain bacteria and other pathogens which can cause foodborne illness, so handwashing and other measures (e.g., scrubbing the lemons with a clean brush, etc.) are extremely important.

In terms of full health benefits: Drinking lemon water is refreshing (not a cure).  In combination with healthy habits such as increasing one’s activity (e.g., walking, etc.), watching the amount of sodium you consume, types of foods you eat, your ability to breathe and manage stress, it’s a better option for the body compared to soda and similar beverages.

Because it’s highly acidic, it’s best to rinse your mouth after drinking it and limit the amount you consume each day.  It’s also important that you don’t brush your teeth for at least 60 minutes after you drink it because the acids have been known to weaken the tooth enamel.

If you’re looking for a thirst quencher beyond the basics, try one of these:  15 Beautiful & Healthy Fruit Water Recipes To Replace Soda (Life Hack).

Disclaimer.  Some content published in my original SLHLE article, Lemon water: Not a bad thing if you take precautions, released May 30, 2010.

Credits:  Large Glass w/ Lemon Slice image by Johanna Goodyear/Dreamstime; Lemon Water on Blue Background image by Darleen Stry/Dreamstime.