10 Reasons to Detox with Lemon Water and Cayenne Pepper Drink

by Brenda Priddy
The Alternative Daily

A few years ago, the lemon and cayenne diet was hugely popular with celebrities as a weight-loss “detox.” The diet consisted of lemon water sweetened with honey and spiced with cayenne pepper. In order to detox, it was recommended that this alone should be consumed for 10 days. The diet naturally led to rapid weight loss, but for most people, it had no long-term benefits.

As with most diets, a less extreme approach is often more effective in the long run. The properties of cayenne pepper and lemon make them ideal for detoxing the body when used as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle. A drink of lemon water, honey and cayenne pepper taken daily can provide a wealth of benefits when included as part of a healthy diet.

Here are 10 reasons to detox with lemon water and cayenne pepper:

Immune boost
Lemons contain a large amount of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Cayenne pepper contains an ingredient called capsaicin, which also has immune-boosting properties. A 1998 study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research showed that mice fed with capsaicin had better immune responses than those that were not given capsaicin.

Liver stimulation
The mix of vitamins and minerals in lemon and cayenne pepper help to stimulate the liver and provide it with the right balance of nutrients to detox from harmful substances, such as sugar and alcohol.

Digestive aid
Cayenne pepper stimulates the digestive system and intestines and can soothe gas, a sour stomach, and other digestive problems. Lemon is also a natural stimulant for the digestive system and helps to balance acidity in the body. Drinking lemon water can reduce heartburn and acid reflux.

Defense against bacteria
Cayenne and lemon are both powerful allies in the fight against bacteria. The properties in lemon and cayenne are so strong, they can be used as antibacterial cleaners. Drinking lemon water with cayenne can prevent you from getting sick. If you do happen to pick up an infection, the combination of lemon and cayenne can work to reduce your symptoms.

Blood pressure
Cayenne is stimulating to the circulatory system, which can help keep blood pressure low and may even fight common heart problems that can lead to serious conditions. Cayenne works to strengthen the blood vessels, keeping blood moving efficiently and cholesterol levels low.

Craving fighter
Lemon has appetite-suppressing properties, which may also reduce sugar cravings during the day. Cayenne boosts the metabolism, which burns fat while also suppressing the appetite. The combination is the ultimate painless weight-loss aid that encourages your body to stay at a healthy weight and discourages overeating.

Lymphatic health
Cayenne is an overall stimulant. It encourages the cells to work more efficiently, which not only improves blood circulation but also improves lymphatic health.

Possible cancer-fighting properties
Lemon and cayenne not only have short-term benefits, but they may also have long-term benefits. The 1998 study found that capsaicin has 22 anticancer properties. In some studies, capsaicin intake has been linked with a reduction in lung cancer.

Fight viruses
Lemon and cayenne both have properties that help soothe minor viral infections, specifically sore throats. Lemon boosts the immune system and cayenne contains compounds that soothe sore throats and reduce congestion, making this beverage ideal for use during cold and flu season.

Mouth healer
Lemon contains high levels of vitamin C, which can be effective in fighting gingivitis. Most adults suffer from a lack of vitamin C in the diet, which can cause gingivitis and the spread of bacteria in the mouth. Capsaicin found in cayenne pepper has been linked to a reduction in toothaches and tooth pain in multiple studies.

Lemon and cayenne detox recipe

• 1 cup warm or hot water
• 1/2 a lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)

Drink daily first thing in the morning, and you will receive all of the benefits that lemon and cayenne pepper provide. We do not recommend the extreme diet of drinking lemon water and cayenne alone. This is not a healthy way to lose weight or detox, and it should not be your only source of nutrition during the day. Balance the intake of your detox drink with a healthy diet filled with vegetables and fruit, and you will feel much better in no time.

About Author:

Brenda is a writer, chef and health nut with many years of writing experience in the alternative health industry. She specializes in health news, healthy living, alternative treatments, and healthy recipes. She loves educating others about sustainable, healthy living. Brenda lives in Texas with her husband and two daughters.

Article sources:

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/22367
http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/35751
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-545-lemon…
http://www.webmd.com/diet/peppers-health-benefits?page=2
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9565827

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