Chances are you have at least heard that drinking lemon water in the morning is good for you. But you have probably also heard many of the myths that come with that, so let’s dish it out and talk about what lemon water really can and cannot do for you.
Lemon Water Benefits: Truth or Myth
1. Improves digestion - TRUE
Lemons contain citrus flavonoids that act as great natural digestive tonics. They aid in the assimilation of food and are known to calm an upset stomach or mild indigestion. So if you have issues with heartburn, bloating and burping - chug a glass of lemon water in the morning and thank me later. :)
2. Makes you lose weight - MYTH
Here is why. Lemons contain a special type of fiber, called pectin, which is known to reduce appetite and therefore - helps reduce calorie intake. However - with lemon water, you are practically drinking the diluted juice of half a lemon, with only a trace amount of pectin. (A whole lemon contains only 2 grams of fiber) So, no - you won’t magically wake up 2 kilos lighter, but it will definitely help with curbing your cravings and speeding up your metabolism.
3. Immune system booster - TRUE
It’s known fact that lemons contain Vitamin C. Not in spectacularly high amount (30mg - 50mg per lemon), but consuming it in the morning on empty stomach gives the body the chance to absorb it more effectively and thus - gives you a little immune system boost.
4. Has a detoxifying effect - MYTH
There is no evidence that lemon acid itself helps in detoxing. Water, on the other hand, has detoxifying benefits, as it naturally eliminates waste from your body through urination and healthy bowel movements. The biggest benefit of lemon water may actually be from the warm water and not so much the added lemon!
5. Reduces hunger cravings - TRUE
Lemons do in fact help curb the feeling of hunger. Here is how: lemons are naturally packed with Vitamin C, which helps with the normal functioning of your digestive system. A happy digestive system flushes out waste and absorbs nutrients more effectively. If your body is lacking in Vitamin C and has difficulty absorbing nutrients, it will continue to crave them, which results in more frequent feelings of hunger. While lemon water does not directly lead to weight loss, it definitely helps with hunger cravings, so it will make it easier for you to maintain your weight.
6. Better looking skin - TRUE
The combination of improved digestion and flushing out waste naturally results in better looking skin. There is also the added benefit of Vitamin C, which helps in collagen production. So you wake up with smoother, cleaner, more radiant looking skin.
Final verdict: Even though lemon water may not be a miracle cure, it is a much better alternative to sugary drinks and even - caffeinated beverages. Why not test it out for a week and you be the judge. :)
How much and how often to drink it
There is really no rule of thumb here or specific amount, do what feels (and tastes!) right for you. Here is how I like to drink my lemon water:
Mornings
Having a tall glass of room temperature water + the juice of half a lemon is all you need to kick-start the day right. The warm water
Throughout the day
If you are like me and you sometimes find drinking water rather boring - feel free to add a few slices of lemon to your water bottle to zest it up! If you are feeling particularly adventurous - shove in a tablespoon of cut up ginger, a few slices of cucumber and some mint leaves.
Let me know how and if lemon water works for you. :) Do you have any tips on making the most out of it?
xoxo,
Rayap
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