Category: Information

The Truth About Coconut Oil: 9 Facts You Need To Know

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Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can actually be classified as a superfood. There is such a hype surrounding the product that it really makes you wonder what the sudden ubiquitousness of this tropical plant is all about.

  1. It contains a unique combination of fatty acids with powerful medicinal properties

Coconut oil contains what is known as medium chain fatty triglycerides, which are fatty acids of a medium length. Most are considered to be long-chain in fatty acids, but coconut oil is metabolized differently. They go from the liver to the digestive tract, where they are then used as a quick source of energy.

  1. Places that eat coconut oil are considered to be the healthiest on the planet

Coconut oil is still considered to be an exotic food in our Western Society, primarily consumed by health conscious people. In some parts of the world, however, coconut oil is a dietary staple. In the South Pacific, they eat over 60% of their calories from coconuts, and they are the largest consumers of saturated fat in the world. They also have excellent health, not even a shred of evidence leading to heart disease.

  1. Helps to control weight

One 2009 Study looked at the weight loss link between consumption of coconut oil and found that it reduced abdominal obesity. Coconut is easy to digest, and also protects the body from insulin resistance.

  1. Good Source of Lauric Acid

The lauric acid in coconut oil can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and help stave off infections. When the oil is enzymatically digested, it forms a monoglyceride known as monolaurin. Lauric acid and monolaurin help to kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

  1. They can reduce seizures

A ketogenic diet is a low carb diet that is very high in fat; this leads to increased concentrations in ketone bodies in the blood. For some reason, this type of diet can reduce the rate of seizures in epileptic children.

  1. Ease Digestion

Many people suffer from digestive issues; those people should consider adding coconut oil into their diets. Coconut oil benefits digestive disorders including IBS and microbial stomach bugs. The fatty acids contain antimicrobials that have a soothing effect on bacteria, candida, and even parasites that cause poor digestion.

 
  1. Helps to Manage Type 2 Diabetes

A recent study done by the Garvin Institute of Medical Research showed that coconut oil helps to protect against insulin resistance, thereby reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

  1. Cooks at high temperatures

Because of the medium chain fatty acids, coconut oil has a higher smoking temperature than most oils. You might find that you like it better than your usual olive oil, especially if you are cooking recipes that require a higher cooking temperature. Olive oil oxidizes when it reaches smoke point causing free radicals.

  1. Slows Fine lines and aging signs

Coconut oil is not just for consumption, but it has many beauty benefits as well! It helps to keep the connective tissue strong, preventing wrinkles and skin sagging. Apply the oil directly to your face to soften the appearance of fine lines or use it daily to give a lovely moisturizing glow!

Sources:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/11/18/coconut-oil-uses.aspx

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-virgin-coconut-oil.html

Here Is Why You Should Eat Avocado Every Single Day

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Avocado has many medical uses but it’s most known use is lowering cholesterol levels. So, if you have problems with high cholesterol Avocado is the fruit (Large berry) for you.

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You see the avocado is a unique fruit. It is high in healthy fats while most other fruits are high in carbohydrates. This fruit has a high nutritional value. It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, And Riboflavin. Making this definitely one of the superfruits.

Eating avocado is good for the heart, avocados contain around 25 milligrams per ounce of the natural plant sterol known as Beta-sitosterol. Daily consumption of this and other plant sterols will help regulate your cholesterol levels. It has even been noted that due to it’s high levels of folate it can contribute to reducing the risk of breast cancer in women.  This fruit if regularly eaten will detoxify your body naturally, protect you from chronic disease, improve the digestion process, and even lower your risks of becoming depressed.

It isn’t hard to incorporate more avocado into your diet just simply add a few slices to a sandwich or salad when you eat. This will provide you with tremendous health enhancements.

A study done not too long ago tested three different groups of people with different diets. One diet consisting of a low-fat diet, the second composed of a moderate fat diet, and the third composed of a diet with fats only coming from avocados. The outcome was mindboggling. They all gave good results, they all seemed to help lower cholesterol, but the avocado one (the third group) had the best results. Lowering their cholesterol by almost 14 milligrams per deciliter.

So when you decide to make your next meal consider adding some avocado to the mix. It surely can’t hurt. As seen above Avocados can do no harm.

Original Source via – Organic Health

This Little Known Chinese Herb Kills 12,000 Cancer Cells For Every Healthy Cell

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There is a very high chance that you or someone you know suffers from cancer. But, you shouldn’t fear you can kill cancer cells with this Chinese herb!
About 2 out of every 5 Canadians will develop cancer within their lifetime. Every one in four of the Canadians dies from cancer they were diagnosed with. One out of every two men and one out of three women will be diagnosed with cancer. These numbers have skyrocketed since the recording of cancer, and more people are asking questions.

New research is being done every day that puts into question the two approved treatments for cancer, which is radiation and chemotherapy. Scientists have found that chemo fuels cancer growth and kills the patient faster, yet nothing has changed; both are extremely toxic to the human body.

This Chinese herb could be eligible for the list of cancer killer of alternative methods of treatment. Artemisinin can kill cancer cells and can do it at a rate of 12,000 cancer cells for every healthy cell. This herb is 100 times more selective in killing cancer cells as opposed to normal healthy cells. It is 34,000 times more potent in killing cancer cells over its cousins.

This wormwood extract was used centuries ago by the Chinese for healing purposes, and the treatment became lost over time. It has been rediscovered because of the ancient manuscript that contained medical remedies. It can kill 12,000 cancer cells for every healthy cell, which means that it could be turned into a drug of minimal side effects.

“The compound is currently being licensed by the University of Washington to Artemisia Biomedical Inc., a company that Lai, Sasaki and Narendra Singh, UW associate professor of bioengineering, founded in Newcastle, Washington for development and commercialization. Human trials are at least several years away. Artemisinin is readily available, Sasaki said, and he hopes their compound can eventually be cheaply manufactured to help cancer patients in developing countries. Artemisinin reacts with iron to form free radicals that kill cells. Since cancer cells uptake relatively larger amounts of iron than normal cells, they are more susceptible to the toxic effect of artemisinin. In previous research, we have shown that artemisinin is more drawn to cancer cells than to normal cells. In the present research, we covalently attached artemisinin to the iron carrying plasma glycoprotein transferrin. Transferrin is transported into the cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis and cancer cells express significantly more transferrin receptors on their cell surface and endocytose more transferrin than normal cells. Thus, we hypothesize that by tagging artemisinin to transferrin, both iron and artemisinin would be transported into cancer cells in one package. Once inside a cell, iron is released and can readily react with artemisinin close by tagged to the transferrin. This would enhance the toxicity and selectivity of artemisinin towards cancer cells. We found that holotransferrin-tagged artemisinin, when compared with artemisinin, was very potent and selective in killing cancer cells. Thus, this ‘tagged-compound’ could potentially be developed into an effective chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.”

Sources:

http://www.washington.edu/news/2008/10/13/scientists-develop-new-cancer-killing-compound-from-salad-plant/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22185819

http://www.cancer.ca/~/media/cancer.ca/CW/cancer%20information/cancer%20101/Canadian%20cancer%20statistics/canadian-cancer-statistics-2013-EN.pdf

How Matcha Tea Can Change Your Life

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Matcha tea is taking the world by surprise. It is making a big name for itself with its old traditional ritual setting and with good reason.

Matcha originated in China around the 10th century and were a staple ingredient in Japanese tea ceremonies around the 12th century. It has great health properties with visual appeal and because of its distinct flavor and texture, it makes a good tea. Matcha comes from the Tencha leaf and is grown in the southern half of Japan, which is de-stemmed, de-vined and stone ground to a fine dark green powder.

The tea is traditionally prepared in a ceremonial setting that is known as “Chanoyu”. The powder is placed in a hand painted bowls that is mixed with warm water and whisked with a bamboo whisk. It is usually made in two different forms, Usucha and Koicha. Usucha means a thin tea and commonly seen in cafes and restaurants. Koicha means thick tea and is made from the highest grade of Matcha.

Matcha has about 137 times the antioxidants of the average green tea. The most important antioxidants are Catechines, and one being epigallocatechin gallate that is known for its cancer-fighting properties. ECGg makes up about 60 percent of the antioxidants that is found in Matcha, which makes it the most potent cancer-fighting tea. Matcha also contains L-theanine, which helps keep you calm while also keeping you alert. L-theanine helps reduce anxiety and stress and increase alpha brainwaves that relax the body without feeling drowsy or sleepy.

Matcha has energy boosting properties because of the caffeine content. It has been shown to increase the metabolism and helps the body burn fat four times faster than average. It has strong detoxifying properties which makes it able to clean the toxins and heavy metals from the body. Matcha tea leaves are covered about 20 days before they’re harvested because it increases the production of chlorophyll in the plant that makes it darker in color.

When matcha is harvested at different times, it results in different leaf colors. The best grade matcha is the ceremonial is usually the most expensive. There is a premium grade which is high quality and more available at decent prices. Then there is a culinary grade that is a lesser quality but is cheaper and can be used to make cakes and smoothies.

A Healthy Breakfast Prepared While You Sleep!

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Everybody loves breakfast, but not everyone loves waking up in the morning and cooking first thing. But, with this breakfast you don’t have to place a few ingredients into a jar and let it sit overnight, that’s it!

You will need to start with a big jar, add 2/3 cup of organic oats, 2 tbsp. Chia seeds, ½ cup milk, and ½ cup yogurt. This is your base after you have established your base, you can add whatever topping you want.

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1. Carrot Cake: 4 Tbsp honey, 6 Tbsp cinnamon, 6 Tbsp grated carrot, and 1 cup walnuts onto of the base.

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2. Pina Colada: 2 Tbsp chopped banana, 4 Tbsp ground walnuts, 2 Cups fresh Pineapple, and finish with shredded coconut.

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3. Banana Nut- 4 Tbsp Organic Maple Syrup, 6 Tbsp organic peanut butter, Chopped Banana, and finish with walnuts.

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4. Chocolate Strawberry- 4 Tbsp Honey, 2 Tbsp Cacao, 2 cups fresh strawberries, and grated dark chocolate.

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Put it in the fridge overnight and in the morning you will have a delicious, healthy breakfast for two!

A Guide to Plant-Powered Cooking with Herbs

Herbs can help you create delicious meals you’ll love to eat. But many people don’t know how to use them.

If you think your meals are lacking in flavor or excitement — or even if you enjoy your foods but simply want to spice things up a bit — adding the right herbs while cooking will improve the taste, smell, and appearance of your food.

Another good thing about herbs is how nutritious they are.

Herbs are high in vitamins and minerals and have more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables. Herbs also feed the health-promoting bacteria in your gut and nurture the optimal kinds of bacteria throughout your microbiome.

Plus, you can usually find them fresh or dried for affordable prices at the grocery store or farmers market. And now is a great time to plant herbs outside or start your own kitchen garden.

If you’re new to the world of herbs, or just want to expand your horizons, the infographic below shows 10 staple herbs you need, along with complimentary ingredients and recipe ideas.

You can use this as a guideline as you experiment in the kitchen. Because when you know how to use herbs, your foods will taste, smell, and look better, and will have more beneficial, disease-fighting properties.

Here are five things to keep in mind about cooking with herbs:

  • If you’re buying fresh herbs, you should remove any wilted leaves and elastic or strings and trim the stems.
  • With fresh herbs, wait to wash them until right before using them or they will wilt.
  • To store soft-stemmed herbs like basil and cilantro, you should treat them like a bouquet of flowers and put them in a cup or jar filled with about 3/4 water. Keep basil at room temperature, but cover any other soft herbs with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. Then, change the water when it gets cloudy. They should keep for at least a week.
  • To store hard-stemmed herbs like rosemary and oregano, wrap them in a damp paper towel or kitchen towel and put them in plastic or an airtight container.
  • Dried herbs should be added toward the beginning of cooking to release their flavor, and fresh herbs should be added toward the end of cooking to maintain freshness.

A-Herb-Guide-to-Cooking
Note: Top image by Flickr

May 18, 2015

9 Foods That Could Help Unclog Your Arteries

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The arteries handle pumping blood throughout the body, but after a while they can become clogged from lifestyle and diet.You can prevent or even unclog your arteries by changing your unhealthy ways.
Cardiovascular disease is caused by a buildup of plaque that leads to a gradual clogging of arteries. This is the number one killer in the world; an average 2,000 Americans die from cardiovascular disease every day. High rates like these make cardiovascular health one of the most important body system that you need to maintain and repair.
Having progressive clogging of the arteries is caused by diet, genetics and a sedentary lifestyle. It is not impossible to treat this condition; there are natural ways that you can treat this condition. These foods will help unclog the arteries.

1. Garlic: Garlic protects cardiovascular health and helps treat viruses, infections and even cancer. Scientists say that consuming 4,000 mcg of allicin can lower cholesterol, decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and prevent blood clots from forming.
2. Pomegranate: This fruit cleans the arteries from plaque and stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the blood, this will open the arteries and reduce blood pressure.
3. Turmeric: curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is efficient in the reduction of fatty deposits in the arteries by 26 percent.
4. Chia seeds: the fiber content and alpha-linoleic acid that is contained in chia seeds regulates blood pressure, lower triglycerides and regulates cholesterol by increasing good and decreasing bad cholesterol.
5. Cinnamon: When cinnamon is consumed wisely, it has amazing benefits. Take a tbsp. Of cinnamon per day and it will reduce cholesterol levels, and you will get plenty of antioxidants.
6. Apples: Apples contain pectin that lower cholesterol and slows the progression of artery clogging.
7. Tomatoes: Carotenoid lycopene is an antioxidant that is contained in tomatoes. This antioxidant reduces the oxidation of bad cholesterol which causes atherosclerosis.
8. Broccoli contain vitamin K that helps to prevent calcification or hardening of the arteries. Eating broccoli prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol which can lead to heart conditions.
9. Coconut oil: Consuming coconut oil regularly can help reduce plaque buildup in the arteries by aiding in the conversion of cholesterol in the blood stream into a form the body can use. This high concentration of medium chain triglyceride, the lauric acid present in coconut oil is thought to improve blood coagulation and perform antioxidant functions in the blood stream.

12 Natural Antibiotics That Our Ancestors Used Instead of Pills

teatreeOver the last several decades, over-use of antibiotics has reached an all-time high. The result has been drug-resistant bacteria and “superbugs” that evolve faster than scientists can figure out how to fight them. A future where bacteria are at the top of the food chain is not unheard of.

Long before there were pharmaceutical antibiotics – developed in the 1940s, there were foods and herbs that helped guard against infection and disease on a daily basis. Many of these natural defenders are still in use today with holistic healers around the globe.

Our ancestors also had a solution for healing, using antibiotics from nature and it would be good to remind ourselves who these antibiotics are and possibly think about using them in case of an illness.

Natural Antibiotics That Our Ancestors Used Instead of Pills

Oregano and the oil of oregano

You’ve probably used oregano as a flavoring in your favorite Italian dishes without even realizing the health benefits that it contains. Beyond its antibacterial properties, oregano can help with digestion and aid in weight loss. An oil that is found in oregano, Carvacrol, has been found to fight the bacteria that can lead to infections. The oil of oregano has been found to treat digestive infections, and even one particular yeast infection. It is more than just a food flavoring.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

The far-reaching benefits of daily doses of apple cider vinegar (ACV) include antibiotic and antiseptic properties, naturally alkalizing your system, and can aid you in everything from managing your weight to lowering cholesterol and your risk of cancer.

A chemical-free astringent, ACV can be used topically to disinfect and sterilize.

Honey

Ancient Romans used honey on the battlefield to treat wounds and prevent infection.

Civilizations all over the world continue to consider honey one of the best natural antibiotics, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and antiseptics known to man after thousands of years.

New Zealand’s Manuka honey has been proven to have the highest levels of antioxidants and curative powers.

An enzyme found in honey releases hydrogen peroxide. This process helps your body fight infection and prevents the growth of bacteria. Soothing to the digestive system, honey removes toxins from the blood and helps your liver operate more efficiently.

A great boost to the immune system, consider combining honey with cinnamon to strengthen your white blood cells! Raw, organic honey is the best option since most pasteurization methods kills the antioxidant effects.

Turmeric

This spice isn’t just rich in color and flavor, but it also products your body against harm. Turmeric and be both consumed and applied externally, making it a great choice for fighting against bacteria. For extra benefit, from combining two bacteria fighting substances, you can mix turmeric with honey and create a paste to apply to infected areas on your skin.

You can protect your body against infections and bacteria based sicknesses by taking advantage of these safe and natural remedies that are available in the average kitchen. Protect your body without the use of prescription drugs by using honey, oregano, garlic, echinacea, and turmeric.

Garlic

Flavorful and wonderful on a piece of butter toast, this plant also has very powerful qualities to it. Garlic can fight such simple infections as the common cold, pushing the germs away before they have a change to disrupt your life. Using the allicin that it contains, garlic protects against yeast, parasites, bacteria, and more. If you are looking for a simple way to live healthier, add more garlic to your diet.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a study that found grapefruit seed extract (GSE) effective against more than 800 forms of viruses and bacteria, more than a hundred strains of fungus, and many parasites.

High in many antioxidants, GSE boosts immunity, alkalizes the body naturally, and aids in digestion by improving your beneficial gut flora.

Echinacea

So, you might not have as much experience with this product, but it is a safe herb that is found in many kitchens. The consumption of this herb has been proven to reduce the amount of colds that a person deals with in their life, and shorten the colds that the person does have to face. This herb is a great choice when taken as a preventative measure.

Cabbage

There are sulfur compounds found in cabbage – a member of the cruciferous family that includes broccoli and kale – that have been shown effective as cancer fighters.
What many people don’t realize is how much vitamin C is found in cabbage. One cup provides 75% of what you need every day.

Naturally antibacterial, eating shredded raw cabbage in your salad, as a side dish in the form of slaw, or drinking fresh cabbage juice (with honey added to sweeten) is an excellent way to improve digestion, prevent disease, and even manage your weight!

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

There is not enough that can be said for the benefits of coconut oil. It has naturally occurring anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and is packed with antioxidants you can’t find anywhere else in nature.

Use it to boost your immune system, balance thyroid, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and even improve brain function. Safe to use internally and externally, coconut oil is one of the most versatile and unique gifts from Mother Nature.

Stir a spoonful into your morning coffee for added energy and a clearer head all day.

Fermented food

Unpasteurized cabbage, homemade pickles, kefir and probiotic yogurts, all of these renew our intestinal flora, protects us from cancer and keeps our body fit to fight off infections.

Colloidal Silver

A natural antibiotic, colloidal silver is a mixture of silver particles suspended in fluid that have been used for centuries.

This treatment is temporary since too much silver – a heavy metal – can be toxic. However, it disables the enzyme that single-cell bacteria require to multiply. Deprived of their oxygen supply, the bacteria and viruses are destroyed without damage to you.

Reference:

http://www.myhealthwire.com/news/herbs-supplements/796

http://higherperspective.com/2014/05/5-natural-antibiotics-already-kitchen.html

http://www.coolhealthyrecipes.com/10-natural-antibiotics-that-our-ancestors-used-instead-of-pills/2/

 

This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Switch To Organic Food

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By this point we are all more than aware of the options we are faced with when shopping for food, especially produce. Mostly because of its higher price point – although the gap is shrinking – the vast majority of us opt away from the organic section to buy conventional. This Swedish family, featured in the video below, is of no exception, as they too have spent their entire lives eating conventionally grown and produced food.

That is until Coop, a Swedish supermarket chain, challenged them to go completely organic for two weeks. This transition was monitored and studied by The Swedish Environmental Research Institute to see firsthand whether or not an organic diet positively impacted the lives of this young family.

The results are quite drastic and might just convince you to go organic, check it out:

This isn’t the only study to examine the issue. A recent study conducted by researchers from RMIT university, published in the journal Environmental Research, found that an organic diet for just one week significantly reduced pesticide exposure in adults by 90 percent.

Cynthia Curl, an assistant professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences Department of Community and Environmental Health at Boise State university, recently published a pesticide exposure study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Results of her research indicated that among individuals eating similar amounts of vegetables and fruits, the ones who reported eating organic produce had significantly lower OP pesticide exposure than those who normally consume conventionally grown produce. You can read more about that here.

The Importance In Thinking Long Term

As the video clearly shows, there certainly is a lot to be gained health-wise by making the decision to eat organic as often as possible. With this understanding in mind, is it really worth saving some money at the cash register today if it ultimately could lead to even more costly long-term problems?

Living in a world dominated by affordability and convenience, far too many of us are casting aside what we know to be beneficial for our health. This is not only helping to create the first generation of children who will not outlive their parents, but is also keeping organic produce at its higher price point.

The more we collectively demand to eat organic, the closer we come to a world where organically grown produce once again becomes the norm and the standard. In that world, more attention would be placed on finding ways to grow and produce organics more efficiently, hopefully making it more affordable in the process.

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What are your thoughts on the conventional versus organic debate? Did the study conducted in this video help to sway or strengthen your stance? Let us know via the comment section below.

For those that are interested, I also encourage you to find out more about the full study HERE.

To view a couple of other studies that have been published regarding pesticide reduction levels measured in adults when switiching to organic produce, click HERE.

May 18, 2015 by

11 Benefits of Lemon Water You Didn’t Know About

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1. Reduces inflammation.

If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

2. Aids digestion.

Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, burping, and bloating.

3. Helps you lose weight.

Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings.

4. Cleanses your system.

It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.

5. Keeps your skin blemish-free.

The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.

6. Gives your immune system a boost.

Vitamin C is like our immune system’s jumper cables, and lemon juice is full of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra vitamin C during especially stressful days.

7. Excellent source of potassium.

As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.

8. Freshens your breath.

It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis (say wha?). Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it.

9. Gives you an energy boost.

Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!)

10. Helps to cut out caffeine.

I didn’t believe this until I tried it, but replacing my morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water has really done wonders! I feel refreshed, and no longer have to deal with that pesky afternoon crash. Plus, my nerves are thankful.

11. Helps fight viral infections.

Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection completely.

How much?

For those who weigh less than 150 pounds, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of juice into a glass of water. If over 150 pounds, use an entire lemon’s juice. You can of course dilute the lemon juice more, depending on your personal taste.

Not only are the benefits of lemon water endless, it’s one of the most substantial yet simple changes you can make for your health.