A quick internet search of lemon benefits reveals that it improves digestion, rids the body of toxins, aids in weight loss, and is good for the skin. So what are the benefits of drinking lemon water?
The truth is, there’s little to no research that you get 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 together — somewhere along the way, celebrities and social media influencers have spread the word. the idea that starting our day with a glass of lemon water will improve our health easily and quickly. But let’s see below if there are any benefits of drinking water with lemon
Can it help you lose weight?
Avoid any claims 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 aid in weight management by promoting 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 Nutrición Hospitalaria, researchers looked at studies that included several weight loss strategies: increasing daily water intake, replacing high-calorie 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 to replace caloric drinks with water.
Water also fills you up, so it makes sense, as this review suggests, that having a drink before meals can reduce the amount of food you eat. But research is mixed on whether drinking water boosts metabolism or increases calorie burning.
Is it good for your skin?
Are there any benefits of drinking lemon water for your skin? Lemons and water can improve your skin, but you don’t need to consume them together to see the benefits.
Lemons, like other citrus fruits, are rich in vitamin C, essential for collagen production. Collagen is responsible for the elasticity and resistance of the skin. According to research, such as the 2020 ACS Omega study, vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals found in the skin and built up from air pollution and UV rays.
The juice of one lemon provides 20% to 25% of the daily value of vitamin C, but a slice only provides between 2.5% and 3% of your daily value. Compare that to 1 cup of strawberries, which provides between 108% and 130% of the daily value of vitamin C. Note that daily vitamin C intake for adults ranges from 75 to 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 you don’t drink enough water.
Does it have an alkaline effect on your body?
The idea that lemon water has an alkaline effect on our bodies is a myth. The foods we eat do not have the ability to alter the pH of our blood. The body is a well-oiled machine when it comes to pH regulation and is always working to maintain homeostasis.
Although eating more basic (alkaline) or acidic foods can temporarily change urine pH, there is no effect on blood pH. It’s important to note that the so-called “alkaline diet” may be healthy simply because it emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods, not because it changes body chemistry.
Should you drink cold or hot lemon water?
What are the benefits of warm lemon water? And if you drink it cold? It doesn’t really matter. There’s no evidence that drinking lemon water at a specific temperature is optimal, so choose what you prefer.
Are there any negative side effects?
The acid in lemons can be a problem for your teeth. Lemons contain citric acid and too much acid can wear down tooth enamel. If you regularly drink lemon water, consider drinking it through a straw.
Also, for some people, drinking an acidic drink on an empty stomach can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Otherwise, drinking a glass of water and lemon does not present significant risks.
Does lemon water count in your daily water intake?
Yes. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for optimal physical function. Adequate water intake is essential for metabolism, digestion and nutrient transport. Some people dislike 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 outsized, but there are little to no risks in drinking it – other than possible wear and tear on tooth enamel. If you like to start your day with lemon water, go for it. It’s a great way to stay hydrated if you don’t like the taste of plain water. Don’t expect magical changes in your weight, skin, or body chemistry.