Seven Reasons to Drink Lemon Water

Today, drinking lemon water is very popular. Many restaurants serve their customers daily, and some people start their day with a glass of lemon water instead of coffee or tea. Lemon is certainly a delicious product, but does it make us healthier if we add it to the water? We will try to find answers.

Health benefits of lemon water

Most of the evidence for the health benefits of lemon water is untrue. Very few studies have been conducted in this area, but there is some separate research on the benefits of lemon and water.

1. Hydrates the body very well

According to the US Department of Food and Nutrition, the recommended amount of water for consumption is 2.6 to 3.6 liters, including water from food and beverages. Water is the best source of hydration, but many people do not like it's very tasty. Lemon intensifies the taste of water, which can help you increase the amount of water consumed.

2. It is a good source of vitamin C.

Citrus fruits such as lemon are rich in vitamin C. This is a primary antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from free radicals, which are nothing but harmful substances. Vitamin C may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke, but it can lower blood pressure.

According to a study published on the Stroke portal, people with vitamin C deficiency in the body, especially obese people with high blood pressure are more exposed to the risk of a stroke. Also, in some people, vitamin C may prevent or contribute to a faster cure of the common cold, although the results of the studies are controversial.

Although lemon is not the richest in vitamin C among citrus fruits, it is still a good source. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a quarter cup of lemon juice contains 23.6 grams of vitamin C. This is more than 30% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).

3. It can make your skin healthier

Vitamin C in lemon helps reduce wrinkles. A study published on the website of the American Society for Clinical Nutrition concluded that people who consume more vitamin C-rich products are less likely to have dry skin or wrinkles.

There are controversial opinions about how water improves skin quality, but one thing is certain - if the skin becomes dehydrated, it dries out and becomes prone to wrinkles. It is not known which is better: using a skin moisturizer or consuming more water, but still, UW Health recommends consuming at least eight glasses of water a day to moisturize and cleanse the skin of toxins.

4. Contributes to weight loss

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Biochemistry showed that in mice, the antioxidants, namely polyphenols, contained in lemons significantly help reduce weight gain caused by a high-fat diet. In addition, insulin resistance has improved.

While the same effect has not been shown in humans, there is a well-established stereotype that lemon water helps to lose weight. However, it remains to be seen whether this is due to the consumption of a large amount of water and the feeling of satiety or lemons.

5. Participates in digestive activity

Some people drink lemon water every morning as a laxative to prevent constipation. Drinking hot or hot water with lemon in the first hours after waking up can stimulate the activity of the digestive system.

According to the principles of Ayurvedic medicine, the sour taste of lemon is considered to help stimulate the person's ability to process all aspects of life, including food and the so-called "Agni" experience. In Ayurveda, the considerable growth of this "Agni" accelerates the activity of the digestive system, facilitating the digestion of food and preventing the accumulation of toxins.

6. Refreshes the breath

Have you ever rubbed your hands with lemon juice to get rid of the bad smell? It is very difficult to neutralize bad odors. The same folk remedy can be used against bad breath caused by foods that have a strong odor such as garlic, onion, or fish.

Refresh your breath by drinking a glass of lemon water in the morning and after each meal. Lemon is believed to stimulate the production of saliva, and water helps prevent dry mouth, which leads to bad breath caused by the rapid proliferation of bacteria.

7. Helps prevent kidney stones

Lemon citric acid can help prevent kidney stones. UW Health recommends consuming more citric acid to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Consumption of lemon water provides not only a higher amount of citric acid, but the water itself needed to prevent kidney stones. Half a cup of lemon juice contains the same amount of citric acid as in various prescriptions.

How to prepare lemon water

To enjoy the benefits of lemon water, you should drink it regularly, and a glass of this drink should contain more than just a slice of lemon.

To prepare lemon water, always use fresh and unpreserved lemons. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into about 250 milliliters of hot, cold, or cold water. To make the drink as healthy as possible, use filtered water and natural lemons.

Infuse lemon water with the addition of:

• a few sprigs of mint

• a teaspoon of maple syrup or natural honey

• a slice of fresh ginger

• a little cinnamon

You can also add slices of other citrus fruits such as lime and oranges or cucumber slices.

With ice cubes of lemon juice at hand, you can prepare this drink faster. All you have to do is squeeze the fresh lemon juice directly into the ice cube tray and put it on the ice cream. Add a few cubes to a glass of cold or hot water as needed.

Start the morning with a glass of warm lemon water, and keep a jug of water infused with a few slices or whole lemons in the fridge to drink throughout the day.

Lemon water side effects

In general, drinking lemon water is not harmful to health, but there are some possible side effects that you should be aware of. Lemon contains citric acid, which can erode tooth enamel (an ironic twist for people who use lemon against bad breath). To minimize the risk, use a straw when drinking lemon water and rinse your mouth afterward.

When it comes to heartburn, lemon water can have both positive and negative effects. In some people, citric acid can cause heartburn. Others may feel a slight burning sensation because lemon juice acquires alkaline properties in the digestive tract. If lemons aggravate your heartburn, avoid drinking lemon water.

Some people go to the bathroom more often after drinking lemon water. Although lemon juice is often considered a diuretic, a substance that increases urine production, there is no evidence that vitamin C obtained from natural sources such as lemon has diuretic effects.

If you feel the need to go to the bathroom more often while drinking lemon water, this is most likely due to the higher amount of water than the properties of lemon juice.

Conclusions

Studies show that lemon water can have health benefits, but in some cases, more studies are needed. Lemon added to water can make you drink more fluid during the day, helping to hydrate the body, which is essential for health.

If you prefer it hot, lemon water is a great alternative to other hot drinks. If you prefer it cold, it is invigorating and energizing. No matter how you enjoy it, lemon water can give you a boost to make you feel better.