Tell us if you haven’t Googled, “Tips to lose weight fast”, or “Does doing crunches help you lose weight?” whenever you are on your weight loss journey. Let’s face it, you’re more likely to fall prey to conceptions and misconceptions because you’re very dedicated and concentrated on losing weight fast. You may consult the internet, or believe what your friends and family tell you about losing weight. Hence, there’s no lack of advice you will find. But how many of them are actually true?
One of those pieces of advice is drinking lemon water on an empty stomach. If you’re here reading this, we’re sure you are familiar with the claims that lemon water can speed up weight loss. But is it true? Does it kick-start the fat-burning mode?
Let’s find out.
Uncovering the truth about lemon water and weight loss
As per advice, you must start the day by drinking a hot cup of lemon water. It is commonly believed that drinking warm lemon water on an empty stomach can help detoxify the body, leading to weight loss. However, as per leading nutritionists, there is no scientific proof that links lemon water with weight loss. In addition, there is no need for you to detoxify when you have your kidneys and livers for the task.
However, there is no denying that lemon water can help with hydration, especially if you drink insufficient amount of water throughout the day. You can also benefit from the vitamin C that lemons provide. Vitamin C is vital for good skin health.
When it comes to speeding weight loss, once again there is no proof. However, lemon water may help with the cravings if you’re struggling with them. In addition, drinking it before your meals may also prevent you from overeating and munching on unhealthy snacks.
So, should you not drink lemon water?
Yes, you should. But you must also keep your expectations in check. Do not drink lemon water with the hope that you’ll lose weight. Instead, you can drink lemon water for its varied benefits. These include:
Hydration:
Adding lemon water to your daily routine not only quenches your thirst but also replenishes your body’s hydration levels. The combination of water and lemon provides a refreshing drink that keeps you adequately hydrated, supporting essential bodily functions and overall well-being.
Vitamin C rich:
Lemons are renowned for their high vitamin C content, making lemon water a fantastic natural source of this essential nutrient. Vitamin C is crucial for maintaining a robust immune system, promoting skin health, aiding collagen production, and supporting the body’s natural defence against oxidative stress.
Sugar-free refreshment:
With the growing awareness of the adverse effects of excessive sugar consumption on health, lemon water emerges as a smart and refreshing alternative to sugary beverages. By choosing lemon water over sugary sodas or fruit juices, you can quench your thirst without the added calories, sugars, or artificial sweeteners.
Kidney stone prevention:
The citric acid found in lemon water has been linked to potential benefits in preventing the formation of kidney stones. Citric acid may help increase urinary citrate levels, which can inhibit the crystallisation of calcium oxalate, a common component of kidney stones. Regular consumption of lemon water can improve kidney health.
Digestive aid:
The acidic nature of lemon water may offer digestive benefits by stimulating the production of stomach acid and bile secretion, which aids in the breakdown of food and enhances nutrient absorption. Additionally, lemon water’s natural acidity may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation, promoting a healthier digestive system overall. Adding lemon water to your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to support optimal digestion and gastrointestinal function.
Lastly, are there any risks?
Adding lemon water to your lifestyle can have a few benefits. However, its regular consumption may also come with risks. The citric acid content in lemons may erode tooth enamel over time. It’s best to drink lemon water with a straw and rinse your mouth properly later. It may also increase the production of gastric acid in some people, leading to heartburn. So, drink wisely.
