The crisp, yet slightly sour tang of lemon water is not only refreshing — particularly on a hot day — but also offers your body a wide array of health benefits. If you don’t already drink lemon water throughout the day, this list of 11 health benefits will help ensure you add it to your daily diet.

1. Lemon water helps flush toxins out of the body.

Lemon water is ideal for giving your liver the boost it needs to function at its optimal level. In particular, the citric acid it contains enhances your body’s ability to detox and cleanse itself by flushing unwanted toxins and potentially harmful toxins and bacteria. Toxins can damage your health and lemon water fights this.

Lemon water also helps flush out uric acid that can cause painful attacks of gout, as well as increase your chances of possibly developing kidney or bladder stones. Add a bio-available turmeric curcumin supplement to this morning drink and it becomes a mighty elixir that radically reduces inflammation and improves overall health.

2. It can help you get rid of those few extra pounds.

Not only does drinking lemon water throughout the day ensure you stay well hydrated, which gives your metabolism a boost, but the pectin — a type of fiber contained in lemons — helps you feel much more full, for longer periods of time.

By replacing at least one calorie-laden drink per day with a glass of lemon water, you improve your chances of losing weight. As an added bonus, lemon water is a natural diuretic that can help get rid of bloating and painful gas in your intestines.

3. It assists in digestion.

Lemon juice has a similar structure to the digestive juices in your stomach, which allows it to trick the liver into producing extra bile. Bile is responsible for ensuring foods continue to move through your body and GI tract for regulated digestion.

Of course, the more bile your liver produces, the easier digestion is and the less likely you are to struggle with painful indigestion. In addition, thanks to the water running through your digestive system, you are less likely to suffer constipation.

4. It gives your immune system a boost.

We all know how important nutrition is for our overall health. Vitamin C — which is something you must get from food, is highly crucial for a healthy immune system because it stimulates your body’s production of white blood cells that help fight off infections and protect your cells from oxidation. Lemons have between 30-50 mg of potassium each, as well as magnesium and other healthful natural nutrients.

5. It improves focus and mental clarity.

Studies have found that drinking lemon water in the morning can help with alertness and focus. Additionally, the potassium and magnesium it contains are known for playing a crucial role in brain and nerve health, which could potentially fight against feelings of stress and depression, among other more serious issues.

6. It helps fight the aging process.

Lemons are filled with antioxidants that fight off cell damage caused by harmful free radicals, while also making it easier for the body to produce collagen. Collagen helps smooth out the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, that form on the face. At the same time, drinking lemon water ensures that you stay well hydrated and fully nourished, which can help give your skin a radiant glow.

7. It helps your muscles perform at their best.

When muscle cells in the body become dehydrated due to a lack of water and electrolytes, they begin to shrivel, leaving you with muscle fatigue, typically accompanied by pain and cramping. It's uncomfortable and it's unhealthy.

Fortunately, fresh lemon water not only keeps you well hydrated but also contains plenty of the electrolytes your muscles need to function at their optimal level and its anti-inflammatory qualities can ward off a whole host of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer and even depression.

8. It supports strong bones and repairs cartilage.

Research has shown that vitamin C helps to promote bone health as well as the strengthening of your teeth, while also enhancing your cartilage health. Cartilage, which covers the ends of your bones and allows them to smoothly glide over each other, is crucial for the health of your joints and the prevention of soreness and swelling with movement. Those ailments can lead to very painful conditions.

| Related: 7 Best Anti-Inflammatory Spices for Arthritis Pain Reduction |

9. It helps keep your heart healthy.

The potassium contained in lemons helps strengthen your heart and triggers it to squeeze and circulate blood throughout your body. At the same time, the vitamin C it contains helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for blood to circulate through them. Studies show that someone who suffers from high blood pressure can see a 5 mm reduction in their blood pressure when they consume 500 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C. For this benefit alone, lemon water is helpful.

10. It helps ensure your body is running normally.

Your body is made up of about 60% water, which plays a role in absorption, circulation, maintenance of your body temperature, saliva creation, and the transportation of essential nutrients. Of course, it also helps keep your liver flushed out, gives your brain power a little boost, strengthens your heart, and assists your immune system in fighting off harmful toxins and free radicals too.

11. It reduces the growth of bacteria in your mouth.

Lemon offers plenty of oral benefits, including working as a natural bleaching agent to help keep your teeth nice and white. In addition, the citrus in lemon water may help decrease the growth of bacteria in your mouth, which may result in fresher breath. Be aware that the acid in lemon has the potential to cause the enamel covering your teeth to erode over time. To reduce the chances of this happening, try drinking through a straw. Bypassing your teeth will help reduce that one risk.

The big question you need to ask yourself is, how often do you consume lemon water throughout the day, and are you ready to up the ante with this power fruit? Giving lemon, lemon slices, and lemon water a try can benefit your health for life.