A quick internet search for lemon benefits reveals claims that it improves digestion, removes toxins from the body, aids in weight loss, and is good for the skin. So what are the benefits of drinking lemon water?
The truth is, there is little to no research that you get any magical health benefits from adding lemon juice to water. And while lemons and water individually have health benefits, so it makes sense that they do it together, somewhere along the way, celebrities and social media influencers spread the word. the idea that starting the day with a glass of lemon water will improve our health easily and quickly. But let’s see below if there is any benefit in drinking lemon water.
Can it help you lose weight?
Avoid claiming that a food or drink can help you lose weight. There are no reliable studies to date that support the idea that drinking lemon water helps with weight loss. However, studies show that drinking water can help you lose weight.
Drinking water can help with weight management by supporting hydration, increasing energy, and helping to regulate metabolism and digestion. However, adding lemon to water does not make it superior.
In a 2019 review in the journal Hospital Nutrition, researchers looked at studies that included several weight-loss strategies: increasing daily water intake, replacing caloric drinks with water, and drinking water before meals. All three strategies resulted in some level of weight loss, with an average weight loss rate of 5.15%. The most effective intervention was the replacement of caloric drinks with water.
Water also fills you up, so it makes sense, as this review suggests, that drinking a glass before meals could reduce the amount of food you eat. But the research is mixed on whether drinking water boosts metabolism or increases calorie burn.
Is it good for your skin?
Are there any benefits of drinking lemon water for your skin? Both lemons and water can improve your skin, but you don’t have to consume them together to see the benefits.
Lemons, like other citrus fruits, are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity and strength of the skin. According to research, such as the 2020 study in ACS Omega, vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals present in the skin and accumulated by air pollution and UV radiation.
The juice of one lemon provides 20-25% of the daily value for vitamin C, but one slice provides only 2.5-3% of the daily value. Compare that to 1 cup of strawberries, which provides 108-130% of the daily value for vitamin C. Keep in mind that the daily intake of vitamin C for adults ranges from 75-90 mg, depending on gender.
Your skin is an organ, and all organs need water to function properly. Your skin can lose its elasticity if it doesn’t get enough water.
Does it have an alkaline effect on your body?
The idea that lemon water has an alkaline effect on our body is a myth. The foods we eat do not have the ability to change the pH of our blood. The body is a well-oiled machine when it comes to regulating pH and is always working to maintain homeostasis.
While eating foods that are more basic (alkaline) or acidic can temporarily change the pH of your urine, it has no effect on the pH of your blood. It’s important to note that the so-called “alkaline diet” may be healthy simply because of its emphasis on nutrient-dense whole foods, not because it changes the body’s chemistry.
Should you drink hot or cold lemon water?
What are the benefits of hot water with lemon? What happens if you drink it cold? Really do not care. There is no evidence that drinking lemon water at a specific temperature is optimal, so take your pick.
Are there negative side effects?
The acid in lemons can be a problem for teeth. Lemons contain citric acid, and too much acid can wear away tooth enamel. If you drink lemon water regularly, consider drinking it through a straw.
Also for some people, drinking an acidic drink on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal upset. For the rest, drinking a glass of water with lemon does not pose significant risks.
Does lemon water count towards your daily water intake?
Yes. Maintaining adequate hydration is essential for optimal physical function. Adequate water intake is key to metabolism, digestion, and nutrient transport. Some people don’t like the taste of water or find it boring, so adding lemon to improve the taste can help increase water intake.
The benefits of lemon water have been exaggerated, but drinking it has little to no risks, aside from possible wear on tooth enamel. If you like to start the day with lemon water, do it. It’s a great way to stay hydrated if you don’t like the taste of plain water. Just don’t expect magical changes in your weight, skin, or body chemistry.