Lemon Juice and Weight Loss

The many weight loss programs include a variety of diets, exercise programs or even just cutting calories. However, the main ingredient in weight loss is easily overlooked. The digestive system is something that many may think past when trying to lose weight. Yet losing unwanted pounds is nearly impossible without an effectively functioning digestive system.

The Problem

Theresa Cheung, the author of the book "The Lemon Juice Diet," states that many simply cannot lose weight due to the digestive system not working properly. Poor digestion leads to the body being shorted of the proper nutrients needed to burn fat. It may also build up unnecessary toxins that may, in turn, slow metabolism and make weight loss nearly impossible.

Citric Acid

Cheung, through extensive research in writing her book, has stated that lemons are the secret and natural ingredient to boosting the body's digestive system. Lemons contain 7 percent to 8 percent citric acid, which is the highest of all fruit, and when combined with other acids and enzymes, it stimulates the stomach juices leading to a more efficient digestive system.

Pectin

Found in the peel of a lemon, pectin promotes weight loss by turning into a sticky gel after digestion, preventing the stomach from absorbing too much sugar or too quickly. According to a study conducted in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition, after eating pectin, one may feel satisfied for up to four hours; therefore, eliminating the drive to eat more food.

Vitamin C

Not only is vitamin C effective for improving the immune system, it has also recently been proven to help improve the digestive system. In a study at Arizona State University, it was found that people who eat more foods with high amounts of vitamin C have better digestive systems and are more likely to lose weight.

The Plan

Include lemon juice in an intense exercise program to assist in the loss of unwanted fat and weight. Drink lemon juice with warm water in the morning to stimulate your digestive system for the remainder of the day. To go along with that and exercise, eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, cutting down on sugar-rich foods, and consume a large amount of fresh whole foods. They are fundamental components for losing weight with lemon juice.