Self-care enthusiasts claim that drinking lemon water works wonders due to a host of benefits, including improving digestion, ridding the body of toxins, having antimicrobial properties, aiding weight loss, balancing the body's pH, and is good for your skin.
However, there is little to no research that supports the theory that you get magical health benefits by adding lemon juice to water. It is true lemons and water separately do have health benefits but does that mean their combo leads to something even stronger? Keep reading to find out.
The Myths and Truths About What Lemon Water Can Do
Myth 1: It Can Help You Lose Weight
This is untrue. No credible studies exist to date to support the notion that drinking lemon water aids weight loss. However, there are studies that show that drinking water might help you lose weight.
"Drinking water can aid in weight management by supporting hydration, boosting energy, and helping to regulate metabolism and digestion," says registered dietitian and weight loss expert Joannah Konecny, RD. "However, adding lemon to the water doesn't make it superior for increasing the rate and efficiency of burning fat."
Myth 2: It's Good for Your Skin
Both lemons and water can improve your skin, but you don't have to consume them together to see the benefits. Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity and strength of the skin. According to the USDA, the juice of one whole lemon delivers 21% of the daily value for vitamin C, but one wedge offers just 2.5% of the daily suggested intake. There are just better sources of the vitamin e.g. strawberries.
Myth 3: It Has an Alkalizing Effect on the Body
"The idea that lemon water has an alkalizing effect on our bodies is a total myth," an expert says. "The foods that we eat don't have the capacity to alter the pH of our blood, and our kidneys make sure of that!"
The body is very effective when it comes to regulating pH and is always working to maintain homeostasis. While consuming foods that are more basic (alkaline) or acidic may temporarily change urine pH, there is no impact on blood pH. A so-called "alkalizing diet" may be healthy simply because of its emphasis on nutrient-dense whole foods, not because it alters body chemistry.
Conclusion
The benefits of lemon water have been severely exaggerated but there are little to no risks in drinking it. It's a great way to stay hydrated if you don't like the taste of plain water. But don't expect any magic to happen with your weight, skin, or body chemistry
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