Batman and Robin, Bert and Ernie, cookies & cream, peanut butter and jelly. Some things just sound better in pairs. Perhaps, however, this dynamic duo is one you haven’t thought of…honey and lemon. With antioxidants, vitamin C, and healing properties, this elixir is one you don’t want to miss out on. Here’s exactly why these ingredients are so powerful and how to take advantage of their incredible health benefits.
Health benefits of honey
Honey is an incredible natural powerhouse that has been used for thousands of years as a sweetener and for its incredible health benefits. It is the only food that never spoils, and it can also be used topically to speed healing, soothe burns, and keep infection at bay. It makes sense then that honey would also be beneficial for the inside of the body as well.
Raw, unfiltered honey can be used to reduce coughs in place of cough syrup and soothes the throat, allowing for better sleep, especially in children suffering from upper respiratory infections. It is also high in phenolic acids and flavonoids, which have antioxidant activity that can act as protection against dangerous free radicals in the body and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and some types of cancer.
Health benefits of lemon
1 lemon provides about 50% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C for adults, which is essential for the growth and repair of tissues throughout your body that help maintain healthy skin and keep cells functioning optimally. Some research even suggests that vitamin C can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and increase the effectiveness of your immune system.
Though the research is inconclusive, there is some evidence that adding lemons to your diet could help you lose weight by keeping you full longer or increasing the number of calories you burn. Interestingly, many people turn to lemon to help prevent kidney stones from forming. According to studies, the citric acid in lemons may help prevent kidney stones as it can create an inhospitable environment by increasing urine volume and raising the pH levels in your urine.
Benefits of honey and lemon water
Boosts energy
Drinking honey and lemon water in the morning is an excellent way to jumpstart your metabolism and get your body ready to take on the day. It can increase your energy levels and give you mental clarity that helps you focus and stay alert.
Increases weight loss
By replacing a sugary drink each day with lemon water, you will still get your sugar fix (through the honey), but you won’t be adding to your waistline, something that soda certainly does. Even just the absence of one sugary drink will help you reach your target weight, and drinking honey and lemon water certainly isn’t a bad substitute! Some believe that honey and lemon water’s weight loss capability is simply due to the increase of water in your diet, as water is known to improve metabolism and increase feelings of satiety, while others insist that honey and lemon alone are to thank. Regardless, if you really want to lose weight and become healthier, be sure to incorporate honey and lemon into a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a whole foods diet.
Improves digestion
We all suffer from various stomach issues at one point and sometimes our bowels just don’t agree with us. Thankfully warm lemon and honey water is to the rescue. This soothing drink can help keep you regular, get things flowing smoothly, and reduce feelings of bloating or constipation. The honey and lemon together increases the secretion of bile in your stomach, which aids in digestion and keeps your gut happy.
Reduces edema
As mentioned earlier, lemon can increase urine production, which, along with preventing kidney stones, can also help remedy water retention that leads to swelling, hypertension, and edema. Since lemon and honey water is a diuretic, it can help reduce swelling issues and actually reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Eases the common cold
Though drinking lemon water all the time is certainly helpful, it may be even more beneficial when you are feeling under the weather. Vitamin C has been shown to help reduce the length and severity of the common cold while honey is a known cough suppressant and sore throat remedy.
How to make honey and lemon water
To make honey and lemon water, simply boil a cup of water, allow it to cool for a few minutes, and stir in the juice of two lemons and about a tablespoon of honey. You can enjoy it like this or add some ginger or mint for an even greater health and flavor boost.
If you’re not a fan of warm drinks, simply refrigerate the honey and lemon water for a few hours and serve chilled over ice cubes for a refreshing summer drink.
Note: Even though honey and lemon water is a delicious beverage and can provide a number of health benefits, it should not replace the water in your diet and should be consumed in moderation as excessive lemon ingestion could lead to issues with teeth enamel erosion over time.
– The Backyard Garden Team
