The benefits of drinking lemon juice in the morning
Words Matthieu Morge-Zucconi
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Add some zest to your morning routine.
Plenty of people drink (warm or cold) water with some lemon juice in the morning. This habit - which has been picked up by art director Jean-Baptiste Talbourdet and artist Jean André - is much more than a simple alternative to traditional breakfast drinks such as tea or coffee. As we’re about to show you, it has plenty of health benefits.
When we asked fitness coach and nutrition expert John Martins what was the best way to prepare for going back to work after our holidays, he let us into the following secret. Drink half of a pressed lemon, to which you can add half of a tablespoon of ginger, diluted in warm water. It has proven to be beneficial on more than one account.
It purifies the body
Lemon juice has substantial diuretic qualities, which help eliminate toxins from the body. This juice will also cleanse the kidneys as well as stimulate your liver (by producing more bile). Everything you need to be in top shape from the morning onward. Extremely handy, in particular for those extra busy days.
It stimulates the digestive system
One of lemon juice’s most important benefits is the stimulation of bile production, an essential component of healthy digestion. By drinking a glass of lemon juice and water in the morning, you’ll guarantee easy and efficient digestion for the rest of the day. This will prove to be particularly useful for the days when you have Gérard Depardieu-level appetite.
It improves your skin tone
Lemon holds great quantities of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients will improve your skin tone. They will also combat free radicals, which induce skin ageing (and thus, wrinkles), and minimise skin outbreaks. In other words, you’ll be able to stay forever young without looking like a teenager.
Vitamin C also helps reduce the risk of dark circles under your eyes.
It helps balance your body’s pH
Overly acid body pH can lead to inflammations. Lemon is very alkaline and can help your body’s pH become more alkaline, thus leaving your body in a healthier state.
It contains great quantities of vitamin C
The most essential thing to know about lemon (like many other citruses), is that it contains high levels of vitamin C. This vitamin has numerous benefits for the body. It is an important source of energy, and plays a crucial role in the development of the bones and teeth, and contributes to the good health of blood and capillary tissues. Needless to say, lemon juice could come in handy to prevent bad hair days.
It helps relieve stress
Vitamin C (once again) helps lower cortisol - also known as the stress hormone - secretion, and minimises the physiological symptoms of stress. All in all, you’ll be more relaxed.
It strengthens the immune system
When your immune system is weakened, it is vulnerable to all passing viruses and bacteria. We all know this one person who always has a cold, a headache, or is coughing constantly. Give this person some Amalfi lemons. - It's an excellent gift for his immunity. - By drinking the juice and the vitamin C and potassium it contains, his/her body will be strengthened. Lemon has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, efficiently fights off most germs, and promotes easy absorption of iron. Everything your body needs to become stronger.
It provides excellent hydration
Pressed lemon juice enables your cells to be hydrated, thus preventing the terrible feeling of dehydration. When drank in the morning, lemon juice can replace the numerous liquids required by your body to properly operate, and thus leaves you feeling revived and refreshed, ready to take on the day.
It refreshes the breath
Lemon refreshes your breath and strengthens your gums through the vitamin C’s action. It goes without saying that this doesn’t mean you can stop brushing your teeth every day, don’t be silly. Be careful however, over the long term citric acid can corrode your teeth. Protect them from this risk by brushing them before you drink your juice.
It contributes to weight loss
Last but clearly not least on the list of lemon’s considerable benefits, in particular when we’re so close to #beachseason. Lemon’s pectin-rich content, helps control and reduce urges. You’ll no longer find yourself hiding out in your office to eat two hours before lunch.
I think we’ve successfully proved lemon is one of your body’s best allies. However we’ve got to warn you that adding a lemon slice to your Negroni (or to your Perrier, like vintage specialist Gauthier Borsarello) will not suffice for it to work its magic. If you really don’t like lemon, you can always sweeten its taste with ginger, as suggested by John Martins. Or just force yourself. It’s totally worth it.