Chemical-Free Power Drink: Lemon Water

Bored of plain old water? Why not try adding lemon to it? It will not only boost the taste, but the health benefits as well. A common recommendation in Traditional Chinese Medicine is to begin each day with a glass of water with fresh-squeezed lemon (extra bonus if it's luke warm or room temperature). Lemon water is alkalizing for the body, ridding it of acidity that can have harmful affects on digestion, liver function and skin health.

This simple power drink contains vitamin C, vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. It helps digestion, cleanses and stimulates the liver and kidneys, offers relief from a sore throat, diminishes acne symptoms and acts as a natural diuretic to flush toxins from the body and assist in weight loss.

Tips:

Slice lemon and add it to a pitcher of water for an attractive and healthy drink to serve to guests

If you're including the rind, opt for organic lemons or wash really well to avoid pesticides

At a restaurant, simply squeeze the lemon in your water and leave the rind out to avoid pesticides and germs from being handled by employees

Keep lemons at room temperature for the biggest benefits

Don't microwave your water with lemon in it; it can lose some of its nutritional benefits

Squeeze a lemon in your water bottle before heading off to the gym