Consumption of water with lemon on an empty stomach became popular due to its many benefits for maintaining a healthy weight and promoting health. However, in this regard, it is essential to make some clarifications to break myths that can be harmful.
In this sense, it is first convenient to know that it is not a “miraculous” drink or with “powerful” effects; Although it provides small amounts of nutrients, it is not a unique treatment or preventive against diseases. On the other hand, taking it on an empty stomach is of little relevance.
Despite this, including it as part of the regular diet can be helpful to keep us hydrated and benefit from the properties of lemon. It may provide some benefits, whether you take it at the start or throughout the day. We detail them below.
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Water with lemon on an empty stomach to hydrate the body
Consuming water with lemon on an empty stomach or any other time of the day can contribute to the body’s hydration. As a study published in Nutrition Reviews points out, water is involved in processes that are determinants of health. It is considered an essential nutrient since its absence would be lethal in a few days.
Now, in this case, when combined with lemon, it provides a small contribution of nutrients such as:
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Copper
- Match
- thiamine
- Niacin
- sugars
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin B6
- Folic acid
- Dietary fiber
- Pantothenic acid
It should be noted, among other things, that this extra nutrient helps protect the body against the effects caused by dehydration. Therefore, water with lemon is an excellent option to quench your thirst.
Water with lemon to combat constipation
Lemon water is not a cure for constipation, but it can help combat constipation when consumed in moderation as part of a proper diet. This is because both the water and the fiber that lemon contains help improve intestinal transit’s functioning.
We recommend you drink warm, almost hot water combined with the juice of half a lemon. Citrus fruits and hot water allow us to relieve retention and soften the stool.
Less risk of kidney stones
No solid scientific evidence supports the consumption of warm lemon water on an empty stomach as a preventative for kidney stones. It is still best to lead a healthy lifestyle, especially regarding diet.
Despite this, some findings have suggested that citric acid may help prevent this problem since it increases the volume of urine and its pH, altering the environment that favors the formation of stones.
bad breath reduction
Proper oral hygiene habits are the best way to avoid bad breath. However, when this symptom appears, drinking lemon water can help. Lemon stimulates saliva, and water hydrates the body to prevent problems such as dry mouth.
On the other hand, as observed in research published in Biomedicines, citrus fruits such as lemon contain antimicrobial substances that could inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Water with lemon to lose weight
There is no miracle formula to lose weight. Therefore, we must break this false belief that consuming lemon water on an empty stomach helps burn fat. In this regard, it should be said that this drink is only a supplement to the diet.
Although the flavonoids and nutrients in lemon have shown positive effects on weight control in animal studies, the evidence in humans is limited. Despite this, it should be noted that lemons’ water and fiber are healthy within a weight loss plan.
It helps take care of the skin.
The vitamin C and antioxidant content that lemon water provides can help prevent premature aging. On the one hand, water helps keep the skin hydrated and firm. On the other hand, the nutrients in lemon promote the formation of collagen and protect against damage caused by the sun.
Although the evidence is still limited, a study published in Food Chemistry determined that citrus-based drinks could help prevent the premature appearance of wrinkles.
Water with lemon to strengthen the immune system
Consuming this natural drink as part of the diet can make a small contribution to keeping the immune system strong. The reason? Its significant contribution to vitamin C. As highlighted by research published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, vitamin C supplementation improves the components of the human immune system and reduces the risk of infections.
Definitely…
Drinking water with lemon can help promote well-being, and the fact of consuming it or not on an empty stomach is irrelevant. However, one should not attribute miraculous properties to it.
It must always be clear that it must be incorporated into a healthy eating plan adapted to our needs. In addition, it is essential to follow medical treatment in case of illness.