Discover the numerous benefits of lemon water and why you should make it a part of your daily routine. Improve your health with this refreshing drink!
If you’re looking for a simple and natural way to improve your health, consider adding lemon water to your daily routine. In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why drinking lemon water daily can have a positive impact on your overall health.
Lemon water: what is it?
Lemon juice and water can be combined to make lemon water. The perfect quantity of lemon juice is a matter of taste. It can be consumed hot or cold.
Additionally, some prefer to include other ingredients, like:
- lemon rind
- mint leaf
- hone
- curry
Lemon water has gained popularity as a morning beverage. Some people use it as a revitalizing beverage because of claims that it might increase metabolism and energy levels.
Lemon water nutrition profile
Lemons provide an abundant supply of vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant. Lemons are high in flavonoids, just like oranges, grapefruits, and limes, among other citrus fruits. These are substances that support good health and combat illness.
Other than that, lemons don’t have many nutrients. Lemon water has extremely little fat, protein, or carbohydrate content. It also has very little levels of potassium, folate, and some B vitamins, among other vitamins and minerals.
Nutrient | Amount | Percentage of daily value (DV) |
---|---|---|
Vitamin C | 18.6 milligrams (mg) | 21% |
Folate | 9.6 micrograms (mcg) | 2% |
Potassium | 49.4 mg | 1% |
Vitamin B-1 | 0.01 | 1% |
Vitamin B-2 | 0.01 | 1% |
Vitamin B-3 | 0.06 | 1% |
Benefits of lemon water
1. facilitates digestion
Food is broken down by acid. That explains why our stomachs contain so much of it. Because our levels of stomach acid tend to decrease with age, the acid in lemons may be particularly beneficial in boosting them.
2. keeps you properly hydrated
Most people don’t consume enough water. Making lemon water your morning ritual is a simple way to start your day off well. How can you tell whether you’re consuming enough alcohol? It’s almost evident that you peed.
3. Suitable for weight loss
We are habitual beings. Consider what happens if you swap out your morning cappuccino or orange juice for lemon water. Not once, but maybe twenty times a month – double that by ten years. Your waistline will be appreciated.
4. stops oxidation
Lemons, like all produce, are packed with phytonutrients that help shield your body from illness. These phytonutrients possess potent antioxidant qualities that shield cells from oxidative stress—the same process that leads to rust.
5. provides a sufficient amount of vitamin C
Just six more calories can be added to your diet by juicing half a lemon into your water. Moreover, you’ll receive over one-sixth of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which is necessary to shield your cells from harm and heal injuries.
6. gives a potassium boost
Without potassium, your body is unable to function. It is essential for blood pressure regulation, the movement of nutrients and waste products, and nerve-muscle communication. Vegetables and fruits are good providers of potassium.
7. aids in avoiding kidney stones
If a person has low urinary citrate levels, drinking lemon water can help prevent painful stones (a type of citric acid). More significantly, since dehydration is a common cause of kidney stones, drinking more fluids helps avoid them.
How to make lemon water
Making lemon water is simple and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- Water (preferably filtered or spring water)
- Optional: Honey, mint leaves, or other flavorings
Instructions:
- Wash the lemon thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Roll the lemon on a hard surface like a countertop, applying gentle pressure. This will help to release more juice from the lemon.
- Cut the lemon in half using a sharp knife.
- Squeeze the juice from one or both halves of the lemon into a glass or pitcher. Remove any seeds that may fall into the juice.
- Add water to the lemon juice. You can use cold, warm, or even hot water, depending on your preference.
- Stir the lemon juice and water mixture to combine.
- Taste the lemon water and adjust the flavor if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a small amount of honey or other sweeteners.
- If desired, you can add additional flavorings such as mint leaves or slices of other fruits like cucumber or berries.
- Serve the lemon water immediately over ice, or refrigerate it for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy your refreshing and hydrating lemon water!
Remember, you may modify the amount of lemon juice and water to your liking. Some people prefer a more intense lemon flavor, while others prefer a softer one. Feel free to try several variants until you discover the right balance for you.
Side effects of lemon water
For most people, there really won’t be any side effects from drinking lemon water; but for some drinking excessive amounts will, says Keri Gans, M.S., R.D., author of The Small Change Diet. “For example, the acidity from lemons may cause heartburn, reflux, canker sores or mouth ulcers.” There is also a risk of tooth decay or enamel erosion if consumed in high quantities, she adds.
Summary
The benefits of lemon water have been exaggerated, but there are few to no hazards to drinking it—other than the possibility of wearing away dental enamel. If you enjoy starting your day with lemon water, go for it. It’s an excellent way to stay hydrated if you don’t enjoy the flavor of regular water. Just don’t expect any miraculous transformations in your weight, skin, or body chemistry.
FAQs
What is the best time to drink lemon water?
Lemon water is best consumed in the morning, on an empty stomach. This technique boosts your metabolism, improves digestion, and gives a refreshing blast of moisture.
How much lemon water should I drink a day?
Is it better to drink lemon water warm or cold?
What happens if you drink lemon water for 30 days?
References
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutrition Benefits of lemon water
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29952268/ Benefits of lemon water
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209729/ Benefits of lemon water
- https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_prevent Benefits of lemon water
- https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/sugar-sweetened-beverages-intake.html Benefits of lemon water