Lemon water is a simple and refreshing drink that can offer many health benefits. Lemon water is made by squeezing the juice of a fresh lemon into a glass of water and adding some ice or honey if desired. Many people drink lemon water in the morning as a way to start their day with a boost of hydration and vitamin C. But what exactly happens to your body when you drink lemon water? Here are some of the effects that lemon water can have on your health and well-being.
1. It boosts your immune system
Lemon water is a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from free radical damage and supports your immune system. Vitamin C can also help prevent or treat infections, such as the common cold or the flu. The juice of one lemon contains 18 milligrams of vitamin C, which is about 21% of the daily value for adults.
Drinking lemon water in the morning can help you meet your daily vitamin C needs and strengthen your immunity. However, you should not rely on lemon water alone as your only source of vitamin C, as you may need more than one lemon to meet your daily requirements. You should also eat other foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, kiwis, bell peppers, broccoli, and kale.
2. It aids in digestion
Lemon water can also help improve your digestion and prevent or relieve constipation. Lemon juice has a similar pH to stomach acid and can stimulate the production of bile, a fluid that helps break down fats and oils in the digestive tract. Lemon juice can also act as a mild laxative and increase the frequency and ease of bowel movements.
Drinking lemon water before or after meals can help you digest your food better and prevent bloating, gas, or indigestion. However, you should avoid drinking lemon water if you have acid reflux, gastritis, or ulcers, as the acidic nature of lemon juice can irritate your stomach lining and worsen your symptoms.
3. It hydrates you
Lemon water is mainly composed of water, which is essential for your health and well-being. Water helps regulate your body temperature, transport nutrients, and oxygen to your cells, flush out toxins and waste products from your body, lubricate your joints and organs, and maintain your blood pressure and electrolyte balance. Water also plays a role in weight management, as it can boost your metabolism, suppress your appetite, and prevent dehydration-induced fatigue and headaches.
Drinking lemon water can help you stay hydrated throughout the day and reap the benefits of water for your health. Lemon juice can also add some flavor and freshness to plain water, which may encourage you to drink more. However, you should not drink too much lemon water, as it can cause side effects such as nausea,
diarrhea,
tooth erosion,
or kidney stones
4. It supports weight loss
Lemon water may also help you lose weight by increasing your metabolism, suppressing your appetite, and reducing your calorie intake. Lemon juice contains a compound called pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help you feel full and eat less. Lemon juice can also boost your metabolism by enhancing your liver function and increasing the production of bile, which helps break down fats.
Drinking lemon water before meals can help you reduce your calorie intake and prevent overeating. One study found that drinking 500 milliliters of water before a meal reduced the number of calories consumed by 13%. Another study found that drinking water with lemon juice and honey for four weeks resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference compared to a control group.
5. It improves your skin
Lemon water can also improve your skin by providing hydration, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Hydration is essential for keeping your skin moist, plump, and elastic. Dehydration can cause dryness, dullness, and wrinkles. Antioxidants can protect your skin from free radical damage, which can cause premature aging, inflammation, and acne. Vitamin C can stimulate collagen production, which is a protein that gives your skin structure and firmness. Vitamin C can also brighten your skin tone and fade dark spots.
Drinking lemon water can help you hydrate your skin from within and provide it with antioxidants and vitamin C. You can also apply lemon water topically to your skin as a toner or a mask to cleanse, exfoliate, and brighten your complexion. However, be careful not to use lemon juice undiluted or too often on your skin, as it can cause irritation, sensitivity, or sunburn.
6. It prevents kidney stones
Lemon water can also prevent kidney stones by increasing your urine volume and citrate levels. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in your kidneys when your urine becomes too concentrated or acidic. They can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. One of the most common types of kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones, which form when calcium and oxalate combine in the urine.
Drinking lemon water can help you prevent kidney stones by diluting your urine and making it less acidic. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can bind to calcium and oxalate in the urine and prevent them from crystallizing into stones. Citric acid can also dissolve existing stones and make them easier to pass.
Drinking lemon water is a simple and healthy habit that can benefit your body in many ways. However, it is not a miracle cure or a substitute for a balanced diet and lifestyle. You should also be aware of the potential side effects of drinking too much lemon water or using it improperly on your teeth or skin. As with anything, moderation is key when it comes to lemon water.
