Now more than ever we are bound to consider our immune health. One thing that will help to improve our health is a simple cup of hot water, lemon and honey first thing is the morning. The benefits of hot water and lemon is that it kick-starts your metabolism. While we are all at home, freaking out about the corona virus outbreak, anything we can do to improve our health and put a spring in our step is well worth a try. My list of benefits prove why this little tipple should definitely be top of your shopping list.

1: It promotes hydration, great while isolating indoors with your skin being exposed to much longer periods of central heating.

2: Is a good source of vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant. There are alternative fruits and veg’ with even higher levels of vitamin C such as broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, oranges, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Tip; Why not try a new smoothie combination while you’re stuck indoors?

3: Can support weight loss due to the enzyme poly-phenol antioxidant which reduces insulin resistance and combats the negative effects of blood glucose, the main reasons for the development of type 2 diabetes.

4: The vitamin C (ascorbic acids) found in lemons will clear your skin, improving elasticity and freshness and is also known to help the body produce collagen. Woop!

5: The acidity present in lemons is thought to breakdown the buildup of phlegm and mucus in the chest. It also soothes a cough or cold and is great for your throat. In addition you could add honey. I love the natural honey element!

Tip; If you suffer from hay fever, buying honey from your local area, pollinated by the bees in your region could help relive your symptoms!

Other great citrus fruits include oranges, limes and grapefruits. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and are dreamy in cocktails…. It’s okay you can thank me later! Mixed with peach schnapps, vodka, Indian tonic water and lime and you have a fun afternoon tonic;

Grapefruits, another citrus fruit are an amazing starter to any meal, as the nutrients and fibre aids your digestive system. Studies have shown grapefruits are thought to improve energy levels and may even reduce your risk of developing cancer.

If you do choose any of the above it may be worth investing in a straw, as citrus is known to be bad for your teeth. Drink up but don’t say I didn’t warn you?

How to make hot lemon and honey;

1: Cut half a fresh lemon and squeeze it into your glass using as much of the pulp as possible.

2: Add 1 tea spoon of clear natural runny honey (you can add more if you’d prefer?)

3: Drink or add a twist. For a slight twist I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper ?….

Enjoy x

Articles on Lemons below;

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-lemon-water#weight-loss

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-lemon-water

Article on grapefruit below;

https://www.health.com/food/grapefruit-facts

Atricle on limes below;

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/lime-water-benefits#inflammation

Article on the breakdown of phlegm and mucus in the chest;

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321549

Image; Giant footed apothecary glass jar £46 John Lewis and wine glass Graham and Green. Items no longer available but alternative links below;

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https://www.restaurantstore.co.uk/Fleur-De-Lys-8-5oz?source=googlebase&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1Iv0BRDaARIsAGTWD1sYi6OoZtxm23L2KKmej61Lk4sBjydYY5ihNVFC3WQbWiW4Nfd-GNsaArsEEALw_wcB