Does drinking lemon water in the morning help lose weight

• 4 Reasons It Affects Weight Loss
  • 4 reasons why lemon water may help you lose weight
• 6 Health Benefits
  • 6 potential health benefits of drinking lemon water daily
• Possible Side Effects
  • What are the possible side effects of drinking lemon water daily?
• Related Resources
  • Related Resources - Does Lemon Water Help You Lose Weight?

Many of the beneficial effects of lemon water are due to the activity of vitamin C and the additional bioflavonoids.

The concept that lemon water contains a miraculous weight-loss elixir is untrue. However, it has potential health benefits.

Lemon juice and water will not necessarily help you lose weight, but they will help you maintain a consistent and healthy gastrointestinal system. Many of the health benefits received by drinking lemon water could be obtained by just drinking more plain water. 

According to the experts, lemon water could enhance weight loss due to its positive effects on satiety, hydration, and metabolism, but plain water offers similar effects without any negative side effects.

If you want to reduce weight, you should not rely solely on this combination. A balanced diet and regular exercise are required for any weight loss program to be effective.

However, if you do not see any change in weight over time, it is essential to consult a doctor or a nutritionist to get an appropriate diet and exercise plan and rule out any underlying medical conditions that may cause weight gain.

4 reasons why lemon water may help you lose weight

Lemon water could offer some benefits on your weight loss journey due to the following four reasons:

1. Diuretic
   • Lemon water has diuretic properties; it increases urine output. As a result, you lose water weight rather than fat.
   • Lemon juice with water as a detoxification method is plausible because lemons contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant characteristics and can cleanse, detoxify, and clear the intestines.
   • However, most studies report that drinking lemon water should be accompanied by a nutritious diet and exercise to achieve weight loss goals.
2. Vitamin C
   • Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, which is beneficial for health and may help you burn fat.
   • According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, those with appropriate levels of vitamin C burn 30 percent more fat during high-intensity exercises than those with inadequate amounts.
   • However, homemade lemon juice may not have enough vitamin C to burn fat, it may have a trace amount of vitamin C, which is helpful to your overall health.
3. Fiber (pectin)
   • Pectin in lemon juice is a type of fiber that may help avoid blood sugar spikes by prolonging the time for food to exit the intestine. Both might be beneficial to any weight-loss efforts.
   • An adequate fiber (roughage) in the diet makes you feel fuller for longer, delaying hunger and reducing excessive snacking. However, this is by no means the main factor of effective weight loss. Most of the fiber and pectin, however, are in the peel rather than the juice.
4. Antioxidants
   • According to a study on mice, the antioxidants present in lemon help reduce weight gain in overfed mice. However, there is no conclusive scientific proof that lemon aids in weight loss in humans.

SLIDESHOW

6 potential health benefits of drinking lemon water daily

Studies suggest that drinking lemon juice with lukewarm water first thing in the morning may have some advantages. Many of the beneficial effects of lemon water are due to the activity of vitamin C and the additional bioflavonoids (strong antioxidants).

1. Good for skin
   • Vitamin C prevents free radical damage, keeping your skin looking young and slowing the aging process.
   • Getting enough vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, which is necessary for healthy skin.
   • According to studies, including vitamin C regularly results in younger-looking skin with fewer wrinkles.
2. May boost your energy levels and mood
   • According to research, drinking lemon water in the morning and its aroma might help enhance energy and mood.
   • Studies report that the negatively charged ions in lemons penetrate the digestive tract and may have a natural energy-boosting impact on the body.
3. Boosts our immune system
   • Vitamin C helps combat colds and illness, as well as reduces oxidative stress, which maintains the immune system active.
   • Antioxidants help fight anything from the common cold to severe diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.
4. Prevents kidney stones
   • According to studies, drinking half a cup of lemon juice concentrate diluted in water each day or consuming the juice of two lemons raises urine citrate. As a result, the danger of kidney stones is reduced.
   • The citric acid content breaks down kidney stones and prevents stone enlargement and formation.
5. Fights cancer cells
   • Several scientific studies have suggested that flavonoids in lemon water can help prevent cancer.
   • According to studies, naringenin and limonene (plant components) in lemon have anticancer properties.
   • These substances may help prevent malignancies of the tongue, breast, lungs, and colon.
6. Great source of potassium
   • Lemon water contains potassium, which is essential for your health.
   • Low potassium levels have been linked to high blood pressure and heart disease.
   • A glass of lemon water every day can boost potassium levels that help the body function properly.

What are the possible side effects of drinking lemon water daily?

Though having lemon water daily in the morning is typically considered healthy, overconsumption might be harmful due to its strong acidic content.

• Tooth enamel can dissolve if exposed to acidic foods, such as lemons, regularly. Use a straw to drink lemon water. Acidic drinks, such as lemon juice, might aggravate pre-existing mouth sores.
• Excessive vitamin C use might cause nausea and stomach discomfort.
• When consumed in excess, lemons and lemon juice can promote excessive urination, which can lead to dehydration.
• Lemons contain the amino acid, tyramine, which may cause migraines.

To reap the benefits of lemon water, drink it in moderation. To achieve the required daily amount of vitamin C, add other foods, such as oranges, peppers, blackcurrants, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.

You may improve the taste and nutrients by adding honey, ginger slices, or mint leaves to your lemon water.

Health News

Medically Reviewed on 7/29/2022

References

Image Source: iStock image

Impact of Drinking Water on Weight Loss: A Review. https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v53-1/13.pdf

15 Healthy Ways to Use Lemons and Limes. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-lemons-and-limes

Can Lemon Water Help With Weight Loss? https://www.aknd.ca/can-lemon-water-help-weight-loss/

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