Lemon water and healthy eating

Much has been said about Lemon water and the benefits of the liver and renal cleansing qualities of the humble lemon and only slightly less about the green cousin, the lime. The origins of this unique fruit is unclear, but it is a common perception that they have their roots in Burma, China and India. From here it is believed lemons were taken to Europe in the late 2^nd century A.D.

Lemon juice in its pure state is well-known for its antioxidant properties and it is thought that this is due to its acid pH factor of around 2 as well as its high vitamin C content. Lemon juice is rich in ascorbic acid and is essential to the assistance of a well functioning immune system.

Lemon water aids digestion and rids the body of toxins that create a sluggish, unhealthy metabolism. Lemon juice is known to have many curative properties and some even believe in its ability to assist in the prevention of heart failure. IE cleansing the blood.

However, Lemon water is no lazy cure all ! Lemon juice will not create weight loss on its own !! But like green tea, it will assist the suppression of appetite; while ridding the body of toxins.

So with a sensible eating plan, the weight loss will; or should occur. The best way to utilise the benefits of lemon juice, is by consuming a glass of Lemon water; first thing every morning.

Lemon juice and healthy Living

I have been doing this for 14 years, (give or take) and I first started this practice as an antidote; to my overindulgence of alcohol and my worry, of what damage I may have been doing to my liver. I believe that this single action, coupled with the fact that I have always eaten an antioxidant rich diet; has saved my health.

My doctor is quite astounded at some of my test results, given the fact that she realises; that I used to bash the bottle a little bit, to coin a phrase. All good things must come to an end and so I substituted Lemon water for alcohol.

Lemon water does not have to be confined to the early-morning cleanser and the days pick me up drink. A glass of lemon water 15 to 30 minutes before each of the 3 main meals of the day, assists the gut in having a stable acid level for the processing of the nutrients; that are about to be consumed.

Lemons neutralise acidity

There is a myth out there, that is being perpetuated by some health gurus; that lemon juice consumed outside the body as an acid, somehow mysteriously turns to base once consumed. That is not so!

I read a very interesting article recently, from a very world renowned chemistry buff and columnist named Kat, on the blog, the “Chronicle Flask”.

Some other self proclaimed Health expert had stated, “Lemons neutralise acidity.”

Kats response, you can see in the enclosed link.

https://chronicleflask.com/2013/08/28/amazing-alkaline-lemons/

Her condensed version goes on to outline, that basically lemons are acidic as they contain about 5% of citric acid by volume/weight and have a pH factor of about 2. This makes them a weak acid.

The accepted theory of what pH stands for, is Potential of Hydrogen ions.

From my old school days at an agricultural college, I learned that every change of one on the pH scale was in fact by a factor of 10. The example being that if you tested one patch (A) of soil, where the pH value was 7.5 and then you tested patch (B); which had a pH value of 5.5, then patch B was 100 times more acid than patch A.

So prior to planting the crop, patch A would only need a small amount of agricultural lime to bring the pH value up to around about 8 to 8.4.

Patch B though,would need to be heavily limed and also treated with slow-release dolomite; to help neutralise the acid soil, to get it anywhere near a pH value approaching 8.

So the point Kat is making, is that neat lemon juice has a pH value of around 2 and when it is added to a glass of water it is probably a lot closer to neutral which is pH 7 or over that which is “base”. So when you drink that glass of lemon water, or a glass of mineral water with some Bi-Carb, for a very short time; they would dilute the acid level of the stomach.

The bottom line then is that drinking acidic lemon juice, is not going to neutralise the acid content of the stomach; nor change the acid level of your bloodstream.

To quote Kat “can lemons neutralise acid? No.

Can what you eat ‘alkalize’ your blood? (It’s terrifying just how many websites there are about this.) No. Absolutely not. Under no circumstances.

If you were to eat a lot of indigestion tablets, they would neutralise the acid in your stomach; but that would have no effect on your blood. Literally no effect.”

Now to the positive effects of lemon juice:

1. Lemon juice supports the immune system, is rich in vitamin C and it assists the bodies metabolism by absorbing iron into the bloodstream.
2. Lemon juice aids digestion and stabilises the acidic pH levels in the stomach. It is considered an anti-inflammatory, due to its antioxidant properties. That is why a glass of lemon water first thing of the morning is a good way to start the day and crank up the body’s metabolism.
3. Lemon juice is nature’s diuretic and it encourages the production of urine and so helps to clean the urinary tract and bladder.
4. The antiseptic properties of lemon, help to kill the bacteria and germs in the mouth that cause bad breath.
5. Lemon water has a calming effect due to its potassium levels which assist serotonin and brain function capabilities.
6. The high vitamin C content of lemon helps to promote healthy bones, healing of tissue and cartilage and helps to ward off inflammation of the bodies cellular structure.
7. One of the most important roles that lemon juice plays, is the detoxifying of the liver and the bodies vital organs. It cleanses the gallbladder, assists with bile flow, helps to dissolve gallstones and helps to cleanse the lungs of mucus. Lemon water supports the removal of toxins from the body, by cleansing the renal glands.

What cannot be guaranteed about lemon juice, are all the wild claims that are made about its weight loss capabilities. Like green tea, lemon juice is simply an aid to a sensible exercise and weight loss eating plan; as both are simply appetite suppressants.

Note: There have been many cleansing plans over the decades involving the use of lemon juice. One of the oldest in the modern era, dates back to the days of the US naturopath Stanley Burrows some six decades ago.

Radical plans that encourage people to lose weight by purging, without eating any food for days at a time, are simply foolish and potentially dangerous.

In this modern day and age there are far too many impurities in the air and in the food we eat. These can cause unknown illnesses or conditions, which should be overseen by a hospital physician or your family GP.

To be not eating a sensible reduced intake of protein and carbohydrate, throughout the duration of any diet; is simply inviting more illness. If the dieter feels the need to take a break from solid food, then it’s quite simple. Consume juices made from super foods, that are explained in more depth in our “Nibbling on the Mild side” Ebook due for release in March 2018.

Lastly, Do you realise why birthdays are so good for you?

Seems People who have the most, live the longest.

Take a big breath an then take it easy. Cheers mike