The most popular morning beverage on the internet right now is lemon water. However, is it truly as advantageous as some claim?
People claim on social media that drinking lemon water has helped them detox, clear up acne, and—most notably—manage or reduce weight.
In one video, which has had over 14 million views, it is claimed that drinking lemon water will result in “an increase in calorie burning, potentially aiding in weight management,” in addition to more energy, better attention, and a stronger immune system.
But is drinking lemon water the best option for controlling your weight? Or is it just another unworthy fad in the wellness world?
What the Studies Say
Apart from being a fantastic way to increase your daily fluid intake, lemons are also a wonderful source of antioxidants, vitamin C, and trace levels of magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, and other nutrients. Experts concur that not everyone will benefit from the mixture’s weight-loss properties.
Owner of OakStone Health and Nutrition and registered dietitian Samantha Turner, MPH, RDN, told Health that “lemon water is not necessarily better than regular water for weight management.”
Studies have indicated a correlation between higher water consumption and decreased meal intake as well as enhanced fat breakdown. A 2019 study indicated that waist circumference, body weight, and body fat mass all dropped with higher water consumption, which has also been connected to a healthier body composition.
A 2021 study discovered that after consuming a slice of bread, individuals who drank 250 milliliters of lemon juice—roughly one cup—had a smaller blood sugar surge than those who drank the same quantity of tea or water.
The study’s findings also indicated that lemon juice accelerated the rate at which the stomach empties and secreted food, which may help with weight loss. This may suggest that drinking lemon water after dinner is a good choice, but further research is required.
How Beneficial Lemon Water Is
In a nutshell, there is currently insufficient evidence to substantiate the claim that drinking lemon water can result in greater weight loss than drinking regular water.
But since it’s important to drink enough water, following the lemon water fad should be safe and healthy overall.
If people don’t like lemon water (or don’t have a lemon on hand), they can also rely on other fruits high in vitamin C, like strawberries, kiwis, and oranges. Lemons aren’t the only fruit that can provide vitamin C or flavor water.
It’s crucial to bear a few things in mind as well if you want to try lemon water. When ingested in excess, lemons’ high acidity can destroy tooth enamel. Consider rinsing with plain water after drinking lemon water through a straw to reduce this risk.
