Ajit Karn
One of the most frequently recommended health benefits of lemon water first thing in the morning. And no, we are not merely referring to its purifying properties. In addition to its detoxifying effect, it possesses a number of additional advantages. Given that it is one of the most polarizing wellness and nutrition tricks and one that generates the most conflicting opinions–from those who fervently believe that it helps you lose weight (spoiler alert: it doesn’t) to those who claim it is worthless–we spoke with nutritionist Laura Parada, technical director of Slow Life House to discuss the actual benefits of lemon water. Before delving deeper into the topic, we will mention one advantage of consuming liquids first thing in the morning: it prevents the body from retaining fluids when it is unable to carry out its physiological functions.
Benefits of Lemon Water:
- “It kick-starts the digestive process in the morning,” the expert explains. Consequently, it also relieves indigestion, reflux, and congestion. Additionally, lemon is known to stimulate the production of bile and gastric secretions, preventing the formation of flatulence. However, this does not imply that it can be used for weight loss; on the contrary, this remedy is not remarkable and has no fat-burning properties.
- “It strengthens the immune system,” says Parada, alluding to lemon juice’s high vitamin C content. In addition, it is also rich in vitamin B, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and enzymes.
- It is beneficial for the epidermis due to its high antioxidant content, which “prevents damage from free radicals,” according to the expert.
- It moisturizes the epidermis. Let us not forget that, as previously discussed, consuming a significant portion of our daily water intake on an empty stomach is an effective way to stimulate the metabolism and hydrate the body. Given that consuming water can sometimes be a bit of a chore, adding lemon juice “can give a pleasant taste that makes the task easier,” says Parada. In addition, doing it on an empty stomach facilitates the rehydration of the body after it has gone many hours without water.
- “It improves intestinal transit and hydrates the colon,” explains Parada, so consuming it on an empty stomach can aid in relieving constipation. In addition, lemon’s high fiber content promotes intestinal health.
Also read: Aloe Vera for Sunburns: Does It Help?
Requirement: the water must be lukewarm, not hot
It is crucial that the temperature of the water be lukewarm and not scalding, as Parada emphasizes, because “being at the same temperature as our body, it is absorbed much more quickly because it does not have to lower its temperature to be assimilated,” as the expert explains.
And no, lemon is not alkalizing
In addition to all the benefits of this technique, Parada rules out the possibility that it is an alkalizing ploy. Parada affirms that it is not feasible to change the pH of our body through diet, despite the fact that much has been said about the potential ability of foods to alkalize the blood’s pH and the presumed benefits of doing so, such as preventing osteoporosis and regulating blood pressure. “It is commonly believed that lemon water can alter the blood’s pH with an alkalizing influence. “This is false because the kidneys, liver, and lungs are responsible for regulating blood acidity, keeping it within a range of 7.3 to 7.5,” he explains.
