A few months ago, I started making it a point to drink a cup of warm lemon water each morning after a particularly tough battle with a nasty little cold.  Before breakfast, before emails, phone calls and before commencing my hectic day, I enjoy a few moments of peace and calm with a cup of warm lemon water.  Packed with vitamins and minerals, this simple concoction energizes, protects and prepares my body for the events of the day.  Even the scent of lemons has been shown to decrease stress levels and calm the nervous system! So without further adieu, here are a few reasons why you should begin your mornings with a warm cup of lemon water.

1) Weight Loss – Lemons are packed with pectin, a fiber that aids in fighting hunger cravings.  Sipping lemon water throughout your day will keep those pesky little hunger pains at bay, not to mention this low-calorie drink will most likely replace the unhealthy, high caloric beverages (soft drinks, lattes, energy drinks) we often reach for in the middle of the day.

2) Energy Boost – The high levels of vitamin C found in lemon juice fuel your body with a boost of energy once it enters the digestive tract.  So toss the high calorie energy drinks in favor of this inexpensive and simple drink.

3) Cleanse – Lemon juice aids the digestive system by facilitating the release of toxins within your system.  Think of it as a clean sweep of toxins for your digestive tract.

4) Protect – The high levels of vitamin C found in lemon juice provide your immune system with the support it needs to aptly fight illness.  I always reach for ample amounts of lemon water when I feel a little cold creeping up.

5) Clearer, Brighter Skin – An obvious benefit of drinking lemon water throughout your day is the increase in water consumption.  The combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in the lemon juice in conjunction with the water help fight blemishes and wrinkles and provide you with a natural and healthy glow from within!

Amount – The juice of half a lemon is sufficient for an eight ounce glass of water.  Again, it’s is important to dilute the lemon juice as the high acidity level could potentially erode tooth enamel otherwise.