Health benefits of lemon water

express.co.uk

Drinking a citrus-flavoured drink has been shown to have positive effects on blood sugar levels. In addition to preventing dehydration it can help the kidneys flush out extra sugar in the blood. Otherwise, mounting blood sugar levels – an indicator of type 2 diabetes – could increase stroke risk. Observational research, cited in the National Library of Medicine, stated that the intake of water (which can be flavoured with lemon) correlated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Experts at Medical News Today noted that lemon-flavoured water is one of the best drinks for diabetes.

Lemon water contains no sugar, meaning the risk of blood sugar spikes are considerably reduced.

The drink is also very hydrating, meaning you are less likely to mistake dehydration for hunger.

As such, the likelihood of inappropriate snacking is reduced, which may otherwise spike blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar health risks
By maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, you are effectively improving your chances of longevity.

This is because uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (and high blood sugar) can lead to heart disease and stroke, the NHS confirmed.

By drinking lemon water, the risks of blood sugar spikes are lowered, thereby reducing the risk of a deadly stroke.

However, good management of blood sugar levels requires more than just sipping on lemon water.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted warning signs of high blood sugar. These are:

• Feeling very tired
• Feeing thirsty
• Having blurry vision
• Needing to urinate (pee) more often.

To help keep blood sugar levels under control, the CDC strongly recommend drinking water instead of juice or soda.

In terms of dietary actions, it’s best to “eat at regular times, and don’t skip meals”.

The foods you eat need to be lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and salt.

The NHS expanded on what it takes to “eat healthily”, which involves:

At least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily
Higher fibre starchy foods, such as brown rice and pasta
Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, and meat.
Good blood sugar control also requires regular exercise, for at least 150 minutes each week.

An annual visit to the doctor is also wise to keep on top of your health.

The benefits of lemon water
As well as helping to control blood sugar levels, registered nutritionist Jo Lewin outlined the other health benefits of consuming lemon water.

For example, one 150ml glass of lemon water provides approximately 18mg of vitamin C and 65mg of potassium.

The citric acid in lemon water may also help to prevent kidney stones, said Lewin, which are caused by a build-up of calcium oxalate.

In addition, remaining hydrated can also help flush out any potential kidney stones.

وكالات

يؤدّي ارتفاع نسبة السكر في الدم إلى تهيج جدران الأوعية الدموية وإتلافها، وهو الأمر الذي يمكن الوقاية منه.

وثبت أن تعاطي العصائر بنكهة الليمون له آثار إيجابية على مستويات السكر في الدم. وبالإضافة إلى منع الجفاف، يمكن أن يساعد الكلى على التخلص من السكر الزائد في الدم.

وذكرت الأبحاث الرصدية، التي تم الاستشهاد بها في المكتبة الوطنية للطب، أن تناول الماء المنكّه بالليمون يرتبط بتقليل خطر الإصابة بالنوع الثاني من مرض السكري. ولاحظ الخبراء في Medical News Today أن الماء بنكهة الليمون من أفضل المشروبات لمرضى السكري.

ولا يحتوي ماء الليمون على السكر، ما يعني انخفاض خطر ارتفاع السكر في الدم بشكل كبير. كما أن المشروب مرطب للغاية، وعلى هذا النحو، تقل احتمالية تناول وجبات خفيفة غير مناسبة، ما قد يؤدي إلى ارتفاع مستويات السكر في الدم.