Lemon is a natural source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that participates in protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Oxygenated stress is considered one of the mechanisms contributing to the progression of fatty liver related to metabolic disorders and many other chronic liver diseases.
However, the amount of vitamin C in a glass of lemon juice is not too large and not enough to create a liver disease treatment effect.
The main benefit comes from supplementing with vitamin C along with increasing daily water intake, helping the body maintain a state of sufficient water for organs, including the liver, to function normally.
A common mistake is to squeeze a lot of lemon into a small cup and drink it purely. This increases the amount of citric acid in contact with the stomach and esophageal lining, easily causing irritability, burning, or worsening reflux symptoms in sensitive people.
Nutrition experts recommend using only about 1/4-1/2 fresh lemons mixed with 250-300 ml of warm water or room temperature water. This dilution method still provides a pleasant flavor and a certain amount of vitamin C but reduces the risk of digestive irritation.
Many people have a habit of drinking lemon water as soon as they wake up. However, for people with gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux or frequent heartburn, the acid in lemon can make symptoms more uncomfortable.
Vitamin C is a relatively sensitive nutrient to temperature. When brewing lemon water with boiling water, a part of vitamin C can decompose.
Experts recommend using warm water at about 40-50°C or room temperature water.
To reduce sourness, many people add sugar or honey in large quantities. However, consuming too much added sugar is associated with an increased risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and fatty liver.
If you want to improve the flavor, you can add a few mint leaves or thin slices of ginger instead of using a lot of sugar.
To effectively support liver function, health organizations all emphasize measures with clearer scientific evidence, including maintaining a reasonable weight, limiting alcohol, eating more green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, exercising at least 150 minutes per week and controlling blood sugar and blood fat well.
