Honey and lemon: properties and benefits of the panacea drink
Rich in vitamins B and C, mineral salts, antioxidants and soothing properties, the drink based on water, honey and lemon is confirmed as one of the natural remedies against seasonal diseases and one of the most effective weight loss systems.The combination of honey and lemon, in fact, highlights the qualities of these two foods, which can be taken mixed together in hot water or can be applied directly to the body for some cosmetic purposes.
Also, lemon falls into those 10 super food that should never be missing in our diet, thanks to its deflating action that acts directly on the abdominal area, for a dry and slender life.
The properties of lemon
If there is a food that proves to be a true ally for our daily health, that is lemon. cure various ailments both through internal and external use.
Several studies have made it known that lemons lower the risk of certain diseases. Thanks to the high content of vitamin C and potassium, this citrus fruit boasts a powerful action as a natural antioxidant, which makes it able to strengthen the immune system, counteract flu diseases, such as colds, and have an anti-aging effect on the whole body.
With its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, lemon also acts on the skin and hair, helping them to counteract impurities and excess sebum. Finally, it has excellent diuretic and deflating virtues, which ensure that it is included in all slimming diets to fight excess fat and facilitate diuresis.
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The benefits of honey and lemon
The properties and beneficial effects of lemon on our body are enhanced even more when combined with those of honey. They range from natural remedies against some symptoms and seasonal diseases, such as sore throat, to problems of the intestinal area up to a "combined action" detox ", perfect in the" context of a "healthy and balanced diet for those who want to lose weight or stay Here, then, are the main therapeutic benefits of lemon and honey:
- Thanks to their antibacterial and expectorant properties, honey and lemon are an excellent natural remedy against diseases of the respiratory system, such as colds, sore throats and coughs. Especially honey helps to dissolve even the driest cough and soothe the annoying burning of a sore throat, while lemon disinfects the oral cavity.
- Drinking this drink not only helps to cure seasonal flu diseases, but, if taken consistently, it also strengthens the immune system thanks to the numerous vitamins it contains and antioxidant properties.
- Both of these ingredients are rich in vitamins B and C and in riboflavabin. For this reason, honey and lemon, just like ginger, reduce stomach acidity, related disorders, such as reflux, help purify the digestive system and promote intestinal transit.
- By the same virtues, they can also purify the blood and urinary tract.
- Thanks to their antiseptic properties, honey and lemon disinfect wounds and insect bites, speeding up their healing and healing.
- Lemons boast low calories and a high level of antioxidants, while honey contains no fat. Together they work to burn fat in the abdominal area with a detoxifying and diuretic effect, essential for weight loss.
The cosmetic uses of honey and lemon
These foods, however, are not only found as natural remedies for certain diseases of the body. Combined together, lemon and honey are revolutionizing the world of beauty care thanks to the beneficial virtues.
For example, applying a mixture made of 4 tablespoons of honey and the juice of 2 lemons directly on the hair before shampooing, is particularly useful for those suffering from oily hair. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, this treatment eliminates excess sebum and results in a soft and shiny hair. We recommend leaving the mixture on for 10-15 minutes, then proceed with the classic wash and rinse carefully.
Always mixed without water but only with each other in equal parts, lemon and honey can be applied and massaged on the face to fight the imperfections and impurities of oily skin, such as acne and blackheads. Furthermore, this facial mask is also perfect for normal skin, because it is able to restore brightness and tone, acting on the production of new cells. To achieve these miraculous effects, simply apply the mask gently on the face and leave it on for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. It is best to follow this beauty routine in the evening, to avoid complications between the interjection between the ingredients and the sun's rays.
How to prepare the honey and lemon drink
As already mentioned, if you want to take advantage of the cosmetic qualities of lemon and honey, just mix them together and apply them on the affected area. The same can be done in the case of annoying insect bites, which will be disinfected and healed in a short time. If, on the other hand, you want to drink the drink made with these two foods, just follow a very simple recipe full of variations, so as to satisfy everyone's tastes. The classic method of preparation is as follows.
Ingrediants:
- 400 ml of water
- 1 lemon (preferably organic)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Heat the water without bringing it to a boil, but up to a temperature of about 50 ° C, and start squeezing the lemon. Combine the hot water and the lemon juice obtained in a cup, adding the honey afterwards. The ideal is to drink water, lemon and honey every morning on an empty stomach or twice a day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon. For a continued effect, it is best to take it all year round, even in summer.
There are those who prefer to prepare this drink with ginger as well. In this case, the latter must be put before the other ingredients, directly in the pot together with the water for at least 5-10 minutes.
Warnings on the consumption of honey and lemon
Although this drink is often recommended as a natural remedy, it is equally important to pay attention to some possible side effects. For example, if consumed in excessive quantities, lemon can damage tooth enamel, inflame or irritate the oral mucous membranes. If you suffer from gastrointestinal disorders, it is always best to consult your doctor first to get his feedback.
As for honey, however, it is advisable to stick to the indicated doses to avoid the risk of excessively increasing the glycemic index. Finally, in case of diabetes, a doctor can prohibit the intake of the mixture even for only once a day.
For more information on honey and lemon, consult the Humanitas website.
