The Tamesis
Drinking water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning is one of the most recognized health tips, but it doesn’t have to be only for its purifying properties. The benefits of lemon water extend beyond detoxification. “It amplifies the benefits of water, adding to the mental and physical benefits,” says Kylie Bensley, registered dietitian and founder of Sulinu. “While drinking water can help us achieve our hydration goals, adding lemon to water is a very simple, quick task that enhances the power of the water itself.”
The health benefits of lemon water are numerous and worthy of further study. Below, Bensley and Slow Living House director nutritionist Laura Parada break down everything we need to know about lemon water and how to drink it properly (because yes, there are wrong ways to drink it). Read on to see what they had to say.
benefit
Water supports our overall health and helps us stay hydrated. Adding this citrus fruit is a nice bonus for even more health benefits. According to Bensley and Parada, there are six main ingredients in a glass of lemon water. These benefits include:
Supports gut microbiota
“It helps kick-start the digestive process in the morning,” says Parada, who adds that it also helps fight indigestion, heartburn and bloating. Additionally, lemons are known to stimulate the production of bile and gastric juice, which helps prevent gas from forming.
“[Lemon water] “It improves intestinal transit and hydrates the colon,” says Parada. That’s why it can help relieve constipation, especially in the morning on an empty stomach. Additionally, lemons are rich in fiber, which helps with gut health.
strengthen immune system
“It strengthens the immune system,” Parada said, referring to lemon juice’s high content of vitamin C. In addition, it is rich in B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and enzymes. Research shows lemons contain minerals that help lower blood pressure and support our overall health.
Provides anti-aging skin benefits
It’s good for the skin, says Parada, because it contains high levels of antioxidants that “prevent damage caused by free radicals.” Bensley agrees, saying lemon peel has been found to have anti-aging benefits, reduce oxidative stress in skin cells and boost collagen production.
Moisturize the body
You always need to make sure you drink enough water. Lemon water can replenish water for the body, especially drinking lemon water on an empty stomach in the morning is an effective way to stimulate metabolism.
Another benefit of upgrading a glass of water with lemon juice? It can help you achieve your water drinking goals. “[It] Can give it a pleasant taste [drinking plenty of water] It’s easier,” Parada said.
reduce anxiety
The scent of lemon is more than just pleasant. Bensley noted that one study showed that orthopedic surgery patients who used lemon as aromatherapy experienced reduced preoperative anxiety. While more research needs to be done to definitively prove its effects on anxiety and stress, there’s no harm in drinking lemon water before drinking lemon water if it piques your interest.
May help maintain (or lose) weight
Preliminary research suggests lemon water is linked to weight loss. Bensley noted that one study showed lemon polyphenols may inhibit diet-induced obesity. “So while it may not aid weight loss through its chemical properties, it may curb the risk of obesity,” she said. But the relationship between lemon water and weight loss needs more research. As with anything health-related, experts always recommend that you seek medical advice from your doctor or healthcare provider to develop a safe plan for incorporating lemon water into your diet.
May help prevent kidney stones
This is true for some types of kidney stones. Heather Viola, assistant professor of general internal medicine at Mount Sinai, explains that lemon water is rich in citrates, compounds that bind to calcium in the urine and help reduce the formation of crystals that can turn into stones. Therefore, drinking lemon water increases urine production and dilutes stone-forming substances.
shortcoming
Lemon water has very few side effects, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Of all the benefits it provides, alkalizing isn’t one of them, Parada says. “People often hear that lemon water changes the pH of the blood and has an alkalizing effect,” she says. “However, this is wrong because the kidneys, liver and lungs are responsible for regulating blood acidity, keeping it in the range of 7.3 to 7.5.”
