Lemon juice has long been considered a familiar, easy-to-make drink and is favored by many people because it feels refreshing and easier to drink. Recently, many people have been saying that drinking lemon water every morning helps lose weight, purify the body or even alkalimize the blood. However, according to experts, these statements are often exaggerated. Although lemon water has many benefits, not everyone is suitable and should not abuse it.
Maintaining adequate water intake, the most obvious benefits
Lemon juice helps stimulate the taste buds, causing many people to drink more water. This is truly beneficial for the body because water accounts for more than 55% of the body's weight and plays an essential role in regulating body heat, transporting nutrients and eliminating waste.
If the flavor of lemons makes you drink water more often, it is a healthy choice, especially compared to sugary drinks, says Mary Nolan Pleckham, a nursing professional (USA).
Natural vitamin C supplementation
An average lemon provides about 34mg of vitamin C, an important nutrient in boosting immunity, creating collagen and supporting iron absorption. Supplementing lemon water daily helps the body easily achieve the recommended vitamin C needs without the need for tablets.
Prevent kidney stones with citrate
Lemon contains citrate, a compound that can bind to calcium, thereby reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. According to Jonathan Purtell, a clinical nutritionist, Drinking enough water and urinating regularly is a fundamental measure to prevent kidney stones; if lemon juice helps you drink more water, it is a significant indirect benefit.
Improve digestion and support weight loss
Some studies show that flavanone in lemons helps reduce inflammation and improve digestive function. Citric acid also helps stimulate flavor, supporting the breakdown of food.
Drinking water before meals, including lemon water, can create a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing calorie intake. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to confirm that lemon water has a distinct weight loss effect.
Many popular concepts such as lemon water burning belly fat or alkalimizing the body lack scientific basis. The human body maintains a stable pH thanks to its complex biological mechanism, not depending on the acidity of the drink.
Risks that should not be taken lightly
Although mostly safe, lemon water can still cause negative effects if used too often:
Tooth decay: Citric acid erodes tooth enamel. Experts recommend drinking it through a straw and then rinse with water.
Increased acid reflux: People with acid reflux may experience more severe symptoms after drinking lemon juice.
Drug interactions: Some drugs may be affected when used together with citrus juice, you should consult a doctor.
Although lemon water is a simple, cheap and healthy drink, users still need to be alert and avoid getting too much information. As expert Jonathan Purtell emphasizes: "No water can replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle".
