If you’re looking for a morning health boost and can’t stand the taste of apple cider vinegar, try hot water with lemon.
Health experts say the acidity of the lemons improves digestion.
Lemons contain potent antioxidants, which can also protect against disease, says Dr. Jonny Bowden, a nutritionist and health author.
“It’s very alkalizing for the system,” said the Woodland Hills, Calif.-based Bowden, whose books include “Smart Fat” and “The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.” Having a healthy alkaline balance helps fight germs.
Bowden calls himself a “nutrition myth buster” but said this is one myth he’s not busting, adding that “no one ever was harmed by drinking more water, especially first thing in the morning.”
This health tip doesn’t take much time to incorporate into your morning routine. Bowden recommends squeezing about half of a lemon into a cup of hot water, but you can decide on the amount of fresh lemon juice depending on your taste buds, he said.
As for hot versus cold water? Both have the same health benefits, but hot water warms up the vocal cords and soothes the throat, says Bowden.
For an added boost, Bowden infuses his lemon water with small pieces of fresh ginger. He puts it in the fridge overnight and drinks it the next morning.
Drinking it in the morning helps get the digestive juices flowing, he said.
Acidic drinks can be hard on tooth enamel, so make sure to rinse with plain water right after drinking the lemon water. Also, the Mayo Clinic recommends waiting 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming an acidic drink.
