A simple drink that even reduces the risk of heart attack: lemon water is said to help you live a healthier life. What's in the promise?
Kassel – If only everything were that simple. According to the renowned doctor and best-selling author Dietrich Grönemeyer, a simple and inexpensive drink protects against fatigue, vascular damage and heart attacks: lemon water. In an article for
Focus
, the doctor advises
drinking a glass of water with a dash of fresh lemon in the morning - this solves all sorts of problems.
Lemon water: a simple remedy for a healthier life?
The lemon is acidic, but it works against hyperacidity in the body, explains the expert at
Focus
. Hyperacidification is caused by too much meat, alcohol or sugar. According to the doctor, these dangerous components have all sorts of side effects “that destroy the joint cartilage, make the intervertebral discs brittle, and cause the skin to age quickly.” That's why you should drizzle a little lemon into the water and drink a glass Drink before breakfast – or before all other meals. “Then you don’t eat as much.”
The fruit also contains a lot of vitamin C. “Vitamin C helps against colds [and] prevents cancer,” added Grönemeyer in his article. The vitamin also calms the walls of the arteries, which in turn prevents vascular calcification. The bottom line is that this means a lower risk of suffering from a heart attack, the doctor continued. But as with everything, lemon water should be enjoyed in moderation. Experts warn that the acid in the fruit can attack tooth enamel.
Growing old healthily: This is what science says about lemon juice, Blue Zones and Co.
Grönemeyer isn't the only one who praises the lemon. Numerous studies point to positive health effects: According to a Korean study, lemon juice in a diet helped to reduce the subjects' body fat, insulin resistance and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In another study, lemon juice was found to significantly reduce uric acid levels - which helps against urinary stones.
However, there is no single
miracle cure for good health
. An interaction of various factors is crucial. Experts recommend a balanced diet, exercise, little stress and enough sleep. Social aspects should not be neglected either. Positive relationships make us happier, healthier and live longer, according to the world's longest-running study on happiness - conducted by Harvard University.
A look at the so-called blue zones provides similar information. The “Blue Zones” are those regions of the world where people live longer than average. Among other factors, social cohesion, community and care appear to be a piece of the puzzle on the way to a long and healthy life. But lemon water every morning for breakfast certainly can't hurt.