Thanks to drinking this beverage, a Harvard expert can “cheat” 10 years off his biological age.
David Sinclair, a renowned expert in gene research and longevity, currently working at Harvard Medical School, shared with Insider that according to his birth certificate, he is 53 years old. However, biologically speaking, he is 10 years younger than his actual age based on the results of a recent DNA test.
David Sinclair, a renowned expert in gene research and longevity, currently working at Harvard Medical School.
“Based on the calculations of my biological age, I have reduced my age by 10 years or more, so in the future, I may live at least 10 years longer,” he shared. Therefore, the expert wants to advise everyone that it is never too late to change lifestyle habits to protect health.
Sinclair mentioned that in his 30s, he used to overeat and was overweight. However, since he adopted a plant-based diet and almost completely stopped drinking alcohol, these changes have made a significant difference in his expected lifespan.
In addition to exercising, managing stress, and controlling energy levels, the Australian-American expert revealed that he often drinks a warm lemon water each morning.
In fact, our ancestors have long regarded warm lemon water as a health-boosting drink. Below are some amazing benefits of drinking warm lemon water in the morning.
Benefits of Warm Lemon Water
Boosts the Immune System
Lemon water is rich in vitamin C, making it an excellent remedy for preventing and treating illnesses caused by colds.
Lemon also contains a good amount of potassium, which stimulates the brain and other nerve functions. Additionally, potassium helps control your blood pressure.
Drinking lemon water every morning can help eliminate acids in the body.
Balances the Body’s pH Levels
Lemon is one of the strongest alkaline foods. Although it is acidic, once ingested, it has an alkalizing effect (once metabolized, citric acid does not produce acidity in the body).
Lemon contains a significant amount of citric acid, such as ascorbic acid. This weak acid is easily metabolized in the body, and thus the mineral content of lemon is sufficient to alkalize the blood. You only become ill when the body’s pH level is acidic.
Therefore, drinking lemon water every morning can help eliminate acidity in the body, including uric acid in the joints—one of the main causes of joint pain and swelling.
Aids in Weight Loss
Lemon is high in fiber, which helps combat feelings of hunger and cravings. In fact, maintaining a diet that is more alkaline will help you lose weight faster.
Supports Digestion
Lemon water helps cleanse the intestines, expelling unnecessary waste from the body as it is an essential acid for digestion. This significantly reduces symptoms of heartburn and constipation.
Acts as a Diuretic
Drinking lemon water will increase urination as it is considered a diuretic in the body, aiding in the cleansing of the digestive system. Consequently, the detoxification process becomes quicker, helping to keep your urinary tract healthy.
Drinking lemon water that is too hot will destroy the beneficial enzymes in lemon.
Things to Avoid When Using Warm Lemon Water in the Morning
While there is no drink as nutritious and easy to prepare as warm lemon water, there are some precautions to avoid causing stomach ulcers or affecting digestion.
Mixing Lemon Juice with Water That Is Too Hot
Drinking lemon water that is too hot will destroy the beneficial enzymes in lemon, losing its nutritional value. It is best to mix lemon juice with warm water, at a temperature equivalent to the body’s core temperature.
Sue Mah, a leading nutrition expert from Canada, recommends the following method for preparing warm lemon water in the morning: Take approximately 240ml of warm water, consisting of 6 parts boiling water and 4 parts cold water. Then squeeze half a lemon into the glass, stir well, and finally, add the lemon peel, letting it steep for a while before drinking.
Drinking Lemon Water on an Empty Stomach
Lemon water is high in acidity, and drinking it on an empty stomach in the morning can adversely affect digestion. If this habit is repeated often over a long time, it can cause the stomach to be eroded by acid, leading to inflammation, ulcers, or even gastric bleeding.
Thus, it is advisable to drink a glass of warm water to dilute blood viscosity, eat light food, and then consider drinking warm lemon water.
Drinking Too Much Warm Lemon Water at Once
Warm lemon water is a nutritious drink, known for its many health benefits and skin beautification. Drinking a glass of warm lemon water daily can enhance antibacterial properties, boost immune health, and facilitate toxin elimination.
However, despite its benefits, excessive consumption should be avoided as it can trigger symptoms of heartburn. According to Medical News Today, consuming too much lemon water can exacerbate common stomach conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux.
Typically, one should limit themselves to a maximum of 2 glasses of lemon water per day. Additionally, lemon water can harm tooth enamel, so it is best to drink it through a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
Continuing to Drink Warm Lemon Water with Mouth Ulcers
Drinking warm lemon water while having mouth ulcers or canker sores can worsen the condition. According to the American Dental Association, mouth ulcers typically heal within 1-2 weeks, and it is advisable to limit lemon water consumption during this period. The high acidity in lemon can exacerbate the condition, even if the ulcer is small.
