This highly palatable drink can
benefit your health from head to toe.
With temperatures heating up around the U.S., drinking water to
avoid dehydration is more critical than ever. And if you want to make your
regular glass of water taste even better, adding a squeeze or a slice of lemon
is a quick and easy way. However, a hint of citrus won't just add flavour to
your water; lemon water can also benefit your health from head to toe. Read on
to learn about the multiple health benefits of drinking lemon water, as advised
by dietitians.
1. It can reduce bloating.
If you find that your jeans feel a little tighter than usual, a
glass of lemon water might be the medicine you need.
"Lemon water decreases bloating because it acts as a diuretic
which helps when you are retaining fluids," says Jodi Greebel, MS, RDN, a
nutrition consultant with Citrition.
2. It may give your immune system a boost.
Find yourself catching every bug that goes around? By adding some
lemon water to your routine, you may find that you have an easier time fending
off illness thanks to lemon's immune system-boosting properties.
"A lemon has roughly 20 milligrams of vitamin C, which is
about 20% of the daily required amount," explains Alicia Galvin, RD,
Sovereign Laboratories' resident dietitian. "Vitamin C is an antioxidant
that benefits the immune system."
3. It may reduce your risk of kidney stones.
Kidney stones aren't only painful; they're more common than you
might expect. According to a study published in the journal European Urology in
2012, about 8.8% of adults would have kidney stones.
Fortunately, drinking lemon water may help spare you from this
severe condition.
"If you have certain types of kidney stones—oxalate kidney
stones—the citrate in lemon water will help break up the stones and help to
dissolve them," Galvin says.
And if you want to avoid encountering kidney trouble in the
future, skip these Popular Diets That May Cause Damage to Your Kidneys.
4. It may improve your digestion.
If you're struggling with digestive issues, adding fibre to your
diet isn't the only way to speed things up.
"When you drink warmed lemon water in the morning, it acts as
a laxative," says Trista Best, RD, a dietitian at Balance One Supplements.
5. It may make your skin healthier.
It is unnecessary to spend much money on skin care treatments to
achieve a beautiful complexion. A bit of lemon water may suffice.
"Hydration itself improves skin quality. You can buy all the
creams and serums, but if you aren't hydrating from the inside out, you'll
never get the optimal skin results you're looking for. When your skin is
adequately hydrated, it can keep your skin plump and prevent signs of aging
like fine lines and wrinkles," says Jessica Bippen, RD, a dietitian with
Essentia Water, who recommends drinking at least half your weight in ounces of
water every day.
According to a 2017 review of research published in the journal
Nutrients, the vitamin C found in lemons can promote collagen synthesis,
helping your skin look younger and healthier over time. And if you want a more
radiant glow, it's time to ditch the 6 Worst-Ever Foods for Your Skin.
6. It may aid your weight loss.
Looking to shed a few pounds? Adding lemon water to your routine
could help you drop that weight more straightforwardly than possible.
"Water may help fill you up, especially if you drink it before eating a meal," Bippen says. "By drinking lemon water before and during meals, it can promote fullness and be an effective way to help reduce calorie intake."