Lemons are one of the most common, affordable and readily available super foods around, but many of us probably aren't using them to their full potential. If you're an avid cook, you probably keep some on hand at all times, but if not, you may rarely see a fresh lemon outside of the wedge hanging from your water glass at a restaurant. Consuming lemon juice can have huge benefits for your health though, so you should think about incorporating it into your daily diet. Here are some ways this super-versatile, flavor-enhancing fruit can improve your health:
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Jump start your metabolism. Starting your day with a glass of room temperature or warm lemon water is a great way to gently jump start your metabolism, which means just drinking it will help you burn more calories. Water alone has been shown to boost metabolism, and when paired with fresh lemon juice, the tasty flavor encourages you to drink more and it fills your body with electrolytes that will increase your energy.
Kick the blues. Lemon contains potassium and other minerals which improve brain health, and thusly it can serve as an anti-depressant and mood booster. Plus, the good effects it has on your overall health are likely to make you feel better in general, which will keep your spirits up.
Boost your immune system. The juice of one lemon can provide about 40 percent of the daily vitamin C recommendation. Drink some in your morning water, squeeze some on your lunch salad and sip it in your afternoon tea, to take advantage of the vitamin's immune boosting properties. If you couldn't quite prevent that cold or infection, don't worry. Lemon can actually treat illness as well. The vitamin C can help shorten the duration of a virus by kicking your immune system into overdrive, and the fruit is a natural antibacterial, so it can help rid your body of even very powerful infections. It even helps reduce phlegm and can ease respiratory symptoms.
Banish dandruff. Lemon has tons of anti-dandruff properties being that it's antibacterial, antiseptic, balances your bodys pH levels and naturally soothing. It's quite effective at combatting the various causes of dandruff when applied directly to the scalp.
Detox your digestive system. The digestive benefits of lemon juice are enormous and can detox and clear out many organs, from your liver to your colon. It can improve your digestive processes, as well as prevent and treat many related maladies.
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