Want a great tip on how to lose inches off your waist and add a zing to your morning? Drink a glass of water with lemon juice and cayenne pepper upon waking and experience a healthy Eye Opener!

I started drinking this concoction years ago and soon discovered its many benefits. Upon waking up in the morning, fill a glass with 12 - 16 oz filtered water, add the juice of a half lemon and enough cayenne to feel the heat (1/4 -1/2 tsp).

Some of the many benefits of this drink, broken down per ingredient, are as follows:

• Water. Hydration is vital for your health. If your urine is dark, you are thirsty, have dry skin or a slight headache than you are dehydrated. Considering the fact that your body is approximately 55 - 60% water, dehydration can cause all types of problems. Drinking water in the morning will give you a head start on hydration, flush out your digestive system, clean your liver and kidneys, and help remove toxins.

• Lemon Juice. According to WebMd, "lemon contains antioxidants called bioflavonoids. Researchers think these bioflavanoids are responsible for the health benefits." Lemon juice helps the body fight infections, aids in digestion and constipation, improves hair and skin, and reduces high blood pressure. Lemon juice also strengthens your immune system and cleanses your stomach.

• Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper, also known as Capsicum, red pepper or chili pepper, is an herb. It is used to flavor dishes and for medicinal purposes. Cayenne pepper is high in Vitamin A and also contains vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium and manganese. It is used to help in the treatment of high blood pressure, increases metabolism, cleanses the body's arteries, reduces the presence of bad LDL cholesterol and has great effects on your circulatory system.

An article titled Cayenne by the University of Maryland Medical Center, states "...studies show that taking capsaicin orally may increase the body's production of heat for a short time. It may also help to regulate blood sugar levels by affecting the breakdown of carbohydrates after a meal."

• The Motivation Factor. Drinking water, cayenne pepper and lemon juice every morning also increased my motivation for living a healthy lifestyle. By starting my day off with a nutritional positive, I found it easier to make the right decisions throughout the day, snacking on carrots rather than cookies, for example.

You may have heard about the Cayenne Pepper Water Lemon Maple Syrup Drink, The Master Cleanse, Maple Syrup Diet, etc. which was created by Stanley Burroughs back in the 40's. I am not promoting nor condoning this detox program. I certainly would not recommend this being your only source of nutrition to meet your daily requirements. For, a temporary detox, it may be great, but again, I haven't tried it, so I have no comment.

In conclusion, I have experienced wonderful benefits from drinking water, lemon juice and cayenne pepper each morning. It helps you lose inches off your waist, increases your physical fitness and helps motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle.