Lemon is a common feature of a number of health treatments and lifestyle musts – at least, according to the beauty bibles. Whether it’s fast-track diets consisting lemon, pepper and maple syrup, or using lemon juice as a household cleaner, the yellow citrus fruit is truly versatile. So when celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow confess to drinking warm filtered water with lemon juice first thing in the morning, people have started to sit up and take notes.

Just like the water cure, this seems to be more than just a fad as the beneficial properties of lemon water first thing in the morning are becoming more and more well-documented.

• Detox – the citric acid in lemons stimulates the liver by maximising enzyme function, thus producing a natural detoxifying effect.

• Diuretic – the faster rate of toxin release works as a diuretic, as the urinary tract gets rid of all the unwanted elements in the body. This process also helps keeps bloating from water retention to a minimum.

• Digestion – while lemon juice flushes out toxins, it also helps keep the digestive system in tip top condition. The reason it works so well is its atomic composition is a very close match to saliva and the acidic composition of digestive juices. This  encourages the production of bile which moves food through the gastrointestinal tract, helping to ease stomach discomfort or indigestion.

• Immune system – lemons contain high levels of vitamin C for fighting colds, potassium for brain stimulation and controlling blood pressure and saponins, a powerful antimicrobial agent that helps in the prevention of cold and flu. The ascorbic acid found in lemons can also aid asthma sufferers. It helps reduce the buildup of phlegm in the body.

• Skin – it’s a well known fact that antioxidants can help fight the damage done by free radicals, decrease wrinkles, and contribute towards blemish free skin. Luckily lemons are packed with flavonoid antioxidants including alpha, naringin, xanthin and lutein.

• Mood enhancing – it’s not just the taste of lemon that can alter our moods, it’s the smell of it too. Research at Northumbria University showed that the scent of a lemon can ‘have positive effects on improving mental performance,’ and comes top in the top five mood boosting scents for women.

• Breath freshener – although it’s wise to be aware of the damage lemon juice can cause to tooth enamel, it’s worth remembering that lemon water can help with bad breath. Adding lemon juice to water and drinking after every meal can help eliminate the bacteria which can cause bad breath.

• Weight Loss – the high levels of pectin fibre in raw lemons can help fight hunger pangs by tricking your body into feeling fuller. By starting the day with a lemon water cleanse, helping the body to rid itself of toxins will also help assist weight loss.

Why not enjoy a glass of warm lemon water every morning (made even simpler by installing a hot water tap from Quooker)? You can learn to appreciate  all the benefits it can have on your health, skin and general mood. It really is time to get some zest into your life!

[Photo by 821764]