What are the Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water?

Water. We know that life as we know it would not exist without it. Can it be replaced? Probably not. But, enhanced? If you’re looking to spruce up the health kick on your water intake or wanting a hint of refreshing flavor—look no further than the inexpensive, accessible superfood: the lemon.

It’s simple. Water has its benefits, lemon has its benefits, and combining the two makes for a power duo.

What Lemon Water Can Do for You

Adding lemon to your water can be done in several ways. Enjoy lemon added to a tall glass of cold water, or iced for flavor. To unlock the nutrients and health components, and further steep them into your water, give hot or warm lemon water a try.

According to nutritionist Autumn Bates, the best time to drink lemon water to absorb its benefits is first thing in the morning. This works to replenish any water lost overnight through breathing or sweating.

Your Immune System Votes Yes

Lemons’ high content of vitamin C makes them a force against illness and an advocate for your immune system. They are both antibacterial and antiseptic. When infused with water, they can be used as a natural remedy for fighting and preventing illness.

Hello Anti-Aging

Antioxidants and citrus abound in lemons. This makes them a valuable tool for anti-aging when combined with water. Water on its own is beneficial for hydration of the skin, and lemon helps to prevent the onset of wrinkles as well as incite a warm glow to the skin.

Weight Loss Made Easy(er)

If you’re trying to lose weight, you know all too well that there’s nothing easy about it. Effective and sustainable weight loss takes time and requires an individualized approach, among other things. It can get complicated. Drinking lemon water every day may help speed up your weight loss efforts by boosting your metabolism through hydration, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Too Much of Anything Can Hurt

It’s not the best news. If reading about the potential benefits of lemon water has you so excited that you’re all cluster-of-lemons and fancy-water-cylinder-in-hand, dial it back for one second. Yes, lemon water holds its value as a GR8 food for a reason, but be aware of the potential downfalls of consuming too much.

1. Teeth erosion: The high acidity in lemon can cause enamel erosion in the mouth. When this occurs, the enamel becomes thinner, and yellow dentine shows up beneath the surface. Teeth can also become indented and change in texture.
2. Acid reflux: Though small amounts of lemon can aid with heartburn or acid reflux, too much can cause it. However, the degree to which it can affect any person on any given day is fleeting.
3. Vitamin C overload: Too much vitamin C in the body can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headache, and insomnia.

Now that you’ve got the facts to feel free to clutch that water cylinder and get to sip on some delicious lemon water.