Benefits of Hot Water and Lemon Juice

Derived from a flavorful--if famously sour--fruit containing citric acid, calcium, potassium, minerals, and vitamins, lemon juice provides a host of health benefits. Diluting lemon juice with hot water lessens its sour flavor and negates some if its acidic qualities, saving the teeth from enamel damage. To experience the spectrum of lemon juice's benefits, squeeze half a lemon into a cup of hot water and drink the mix twice daily, once early in the morning.

Digestive

Regular intake of lemon juice helps many aspects of the digestive system, acting as a cleansing agent and promoting increased efficiency of the bowels. Lemon juice helps relieve constipation, lessens feelings of nausea, and eases heartburn and gastric complications, because its acidic qualities alkalize within the human body. Lemon juice's citric acid increases the intestinal absorption of calcium while cutting back gastric acids. The antibacterial qualities of lemon juice help fight cholera, typhoid, and vomiting. This natural juice also assists the liver in regulating the production of bile, and may prevent the stomach from bloating. Lemon juice combats parasites and intestinal worms, and may assist in dissolving gallstones.

Cosmetic

High amounts of vitamin C in lemon juice act internally to enhance the skin's natural glow, and may assist in anti-aging and appearance of healthy skin by reducing wrinkles and blackheads. Vitamin C in lemon juice benefits the skin by helping to synthesize collagen and serving as an anti-inflammatory agent. Acidic qualities help negate oil internally before it is released through the pores, while citric acid promotes the natural sheen of hair. Though lemon has a bad dental reputation due to its ability to damage tooth enamel with direct contact, lemon juice diluted by hot water may help cleanse the teeth of tarter. Its astringent qualities cleanse the mouth and control bad breath--it may also prevent bleeding gums and ease dental-related pain.

Preventative

Aside from cleansing the body and assisting afflictions, lemon juice presents a host of preventative health benefits. The fruit's rich antioxidants combat free radicals and ward off illnesses such as influenza, malaria, and the common cold by improving natural immunity and strengthening white blood cells. Lemon juice defends the vascular system from disease and deficiencies with its vitamin PP content; the vitamin benefits circulation via speeding up the fat burning process and helping along the fluidization of blood. The healthy lemon juice and hot water mix employs natural bioflavonoids, niacin and thiamin to assist in preventing such conditions as diphtheria, rheumatism, and osteoarthritis.