Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means so is all the weight you are prone to gain over the next week. Many Americans tend to over eat during the holiday season, and find themselves turning to some weight loss pill of a fad diet to lose the weight. Lemon water is a safe, healthy, and natural alternative to help shed the pounds. Lemon water also has many other health benefits; here are five reasons to drink lemon water.

1. Helps to lose weight

Lemons contain pectin, which is a fiber that helps you to feel fuller longer thus eliminating the need to be constantly eating.

2. Helps digestion process

The atomic structure of lemons is like the atomic structure of the digestive juices in our stomachs. This allows the lemon water to trick the liver into producing bile (fluid that aids in digestion). This keeps food running through the digestive tract smoothly. Lemon water also helps with indigestion, heart burn, and the classic case of an upset stomach. Lemons also remove toxins from the body while at the same time processing all the good nutrients from the foods you eat more slowly. This allows you to get more nutrients from the foods that you eat and stops bloating.

3. Boost energy

The negative charged ions in lemon water increase the bodies energy levels, so much so that a warm glass of lemon water can be used to replace that morning cup of coffee. Lemon water doesn’t give you that afternoon crash. Studies have even shown that the smell of lemons alone reduce stress levels and improves your mood. Perfect for those mornings where you are so tired that you ask yourself “Do I really need this job?”

4. Reduces Inflammation

Lemons decrease the acidity levels in your body. Diseases, such as cancer, thrive in high acidity levels. They also remove uric acid, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

5.Keeps skin clear

The antioxidants in lemons can decrease blemishes as well as wrinkles. The vitamin C in lemons causes the body to produce collagen (protein that keeps skin tight).Studies have shown that regularly ingesting lemons has led to younger fresher looking skin.

One simple glass of lemon water daily can have multiple benefits, and its extremely easy on your wallet. This should be a practice that extends far beyond the upcoming holidays. The benefits are nearly endless, and it’s a small change that will lead to big changes for your overall health.