A woman drinking lemon water(Image: Getty)

Vitamin C drink at 8am will burn fat and flush out sugars and toxins

by · NottinghamshireLive

A simple, affordable and nutritious drink has been praised as a health booster that can help your body flush out sugars and toxins, strengthen your immune system and aid in fat burning. The 'powerful' beverage is none other than lemon water.

Water is the top choice for hydration throughout the day. If you want a bit of flavour without the added sugar, consider adding some ice cubes with fresh mint or cucumber strips.

A popular choice is to add a couple of slices of lemon as infusing water with lemons enhances its health benefits and taste. Lemons are packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids the body in fighting off infections and supports a strong immune system.

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Those with high levels of vitamin C tend to experience shorter and less severe colds. Lemons also contain citrus flavonoids, antioxidants that combat free radicals and may lower your risk of brain disease and other degenerative conditions.

Vitamin C can also help reduce blood cholesterol levels, reports Surrey Live. Daily consumption of water mixed with the juice of two to three lemons may effectively lower your low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease, reports the Mirror.

High cholesterol typically doesn't show any symptoms unless it becomes quite serious. When it does, you might notice fat deposits appearing in your skin or tendons, or you could experience intense stomach pain from an enlarged liver or spleen.

Having high cholesterol can raise your chances of developing other health issues, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and angina.

Other health benefits of lemons include:

As for water, it plays a crucial role in many cellular activities in the body, including maintaining the health of your liver and kidneys and helping your body function more efficiently. When the body is dehydrated, it struggles to eliminate waste correctly through urine or faeces.

Water is a vital player in helping the kidneys flush out toxins and waste, while preserving essential nutrients and electrolytes. When we're dehydrated, our kidneys cling onto fluids. Water assists the kidneys in filtering surplus sugar through urine. Being well-hydrated boosts urine production, effectively aiding in the expulsion of sugar from the body.

The optimal time to drink lemon water is first thing in the morning to hydrate your body and jump-start your day after an overnight fast. The average time people in the UK wake up is 7am, with breakfast between 7am and 9am.

So, aiming for 8am may be the best time. However, for some, consuming it on an empty stomach may be too acidic, so enjoying it post-meals could be a better alternative.

Research indicates that individuals who consume more water are less likely to have elevated blood sugar levels. Water plays a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.

It assists in the removal of waste products such as urea and carbon dioxide from the body through urination, respiration, or perspiration. Water also promotes the healthy functioning of the lymphatic system, aiding in the transportation of immune cells and antibodies.

It keeps mucous membranes moist, providing a barrier against harmful pathogens. A lack of adequate water intake can lead to hard or lumpy stools and constipation.

By softening and loosening hardened stools, water ensures smooth waste movement. Furthermore, it helps the body recover from digestive problems like diarrhoea and indigestion.

When waste accumulates in the body, it can cause symptoms such as bloating, swelling, and fatigue. Bloating can even result in an increase in waist size.

One effective method to prevent this is by staying well-hydrated, which can help avoid unnecessary weight gain. Our bodies depend on water to effectively break down stored fats and carbohydrates.

This process, known as lipolysis, begins with hydrolysis, where water molecules interact with triglycerides (fats) to produce glycerol and fatty acids. Drinking enough water is essential for burning off fat from food and drink, as well as stored fat.

Increasing your water intake could enhance lipolysis, the process by which the body burns fat for energy.

A mini-review of several studies conducted in 2016 found that increased water intake led to enhanced lipolysis and a reduction in fat. Not only can drinking water aid in burning fat, but it can also burn calories and reduce hunger pangs, potentially assisting in weight loss.

Water can also accelerate metabolism by increasing lipolysis. However, it's important to remember that drinking water alone is unlikely to result in significant weight loss.

Other considerations should include replacing sugary drinks with water, reducing salt and carbohydrate intake, and exercising regularly. There isn't a one-size-fits-all recommendation for how much water to drink.

The amount needed varies from person to person, depending on several factors. Keeping well-hydrated is crucial for all, with the goal being light, clear yellow urine.

The NHS and government's Eatwell Guide recommends that people should aim to drink six to eight cups or glasses of fluids each day.