Lemon water is a natural drink that many people around the world consume on daily basis for its plethora of health benefits. It allows drinkers to enjoy the various benefits of citrus fruit throughout the day, especially during a detox cure. 

Lemon water generally inherits the benefits of lemon. The latter is distinguished in particular by the presence of vitamin C in its composition, as for all citrus fruits. Lemon water, therefore, contains significant amounts of vitamin C, which gives it several health benefits. 

In addition, lemon also contains folic acid, better known under the name of vitamin B9. There are also some traces of vitamins B5 and many others.

Some mineral salts and trace elements can also be found, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, as well as manganese, iron, and copper. 

Polyphenols are also included in its composition, including flavonoids which are antioxidants.

Main benefits of lemon water

1.      Protects the cardiovascular system

Lemon is an unusual fruit, distinguished by its acidic taste and beautiful yellow color. But what is less known is that it acts in favor of our cardiovascular health. Lemon contains vitamin C and antioxidants, which are very beneficial for our heart health. Together, these elements help maintain the elasticity of the walls of our blood system. These actions fight against the appearance of cholesterol, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis.

Some studies have shown that regular intakes of flavonoids from citrus fruits (and therefore lemon) were directly linked to a reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular. Thus, antioxidants help prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol, reduce the aggregation of blood platelets, and improve coronary vasodilation.

2.      An antioxidant drink par excellence

One of the main benefits of drinking lemon water is to take advantage of the antioxidants it contains. Consuming this water regularly makes it possible to actively fight against the effects of free radicals on the body. The latter participate in the accelerated aging of our cells, and their degradation. Stress, alcohol, tobacco, a bad diet… All these elements are at the origin of their development in our body.

By fighting against free radicals, lemon water allows our metabolism to function at its optimal level. The immune system can also fully perform its functions, which allows us to enjoy enhanced health and great vitality. 

3.      Prevents and slows down cancer

Over the years, various studies have shed light on the action of lemon in the prevention of several types of cancer namely cancer of the stomach, esophagus, colon, pharynx, and mouth. Consuming citrus fruits regularly can reduce the risk of developing cancers related to the upper part of the respiratory system and the entire digestive tract.

In addition, the antioxidants present in lemon water (flavonoids) slow the development and proliferation of cancer cells. They can also reduce the growth of metastases, which may promote anti-tumor therapy. Certain compounds in citrus fruits also have the power to reduce the proliferation of cancer cells.

4.      Helps to lose weight and eliminate fat

Lemon is known for its weight loss virtues. It is endowed with different interesting abilities to help us lose weight. Lemon water can help dissolve fat and boost our metabolism. Thus, it allows the body to consume more calories to function, and therefore to burn more fat over time. 

Lemon water is also very low in calories, which makes it a great alternative to industrial drinks, which are very sweet and high in calories. 

Furthermore, lemon contains caffeine and pectin, making it a satiating fruit. Indeed, consuming lemon water helps promote the feeling of satiety and regulates our appetite. We can therefore consume it before meals to keep control over our food intake, and the quantities consumed.

5.      Good against diarrhea

The astringent virtues of lemon, and consequently lemon water, make it a good ally in the fight against diarrhea, or to prevent gastroenteritis. If you have digestion problems or suffer from diarrhea, it is recommended to drink a glass of lemon water every evening before going to bed.

Read more: What to eat when you have diarrhea

6.      Reinforces the immune system

As we mentioned before, lemon water (and lemon, more specifically) contains vitamin C and vitamin B9. These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of our immune system, and therefore of all of our natural defenses. Lemon is particularly concentrated in vitamin C, which makes it interesting to consume throughout the year, especially as winter approaches.

In addition, vitamin C helps fight fatigue and loss of morale. We can therefore consume lemon water regularly or during detox cures for a few weeks to enjoy its benefits.

7.      Alkalizes the body

The acid-base balance is essential for the normal functioning of the human body. It is influenced by our diet, by negative emotions, and by our exposure to external factors such as pollution. When it becomes too acidic, our body becomes fragile and becomes vulnerable to many diseases, such as cancer. To counter this, you have to rebalance your diet and consume foods that are said to be “alkalizing”, such as green vegetables for example.

Despite its acidic taste, lemon is an alkaline food, which fights against acidification in the body. Consuming lemon water helps restore the body’s acid-base balance. We can thus prevent the development of various ailments and diseases by acting on our diet.

8.      A diuretic drink

Lemon is a very powerful purifying and diuretic food. It helps eliminate toxins from the body. But it also supports the liver in its mission, as well as the kidneys and the gallbladder. In short, lemon purifies the body which allows our organs to work more easily and more efficiently. All of these actions allow the lemon to support our digestion and nutrient assimilation efforts. But it also makes it easier to get rid of toxins and waste from the body, which pass through the kidneys, in particular.

9.      Prevents cramps and fatigue during sport

Lemon water is very interesting during sports training because the body then naturally produces lactic acid in oxygen-deprived cells which, by accumulating, can cause muscle cramps and a feeling of fatigue.

Lemon water helps rehydrate and protect the body against acidity and mineral losses associated with sweating during exercise. This makes lemon water an energizing, detoxifying, and alkalizing drink.

10.     Activates and improves digestion

Lukewarm lemon water helps the stomach digest food and stimulates the production of bile in the liver. Lemon water can also help with constipation or diarrhea as mentioned above. Lemon water also contains a lot of citrates, which can work against the formation of gallstones or kidney stones.

Warnings

Lemon is a powerful citrus fruit, so it should be consumed in moderation and always in a reasonable manner. In some cases, however, it will be necessary to refrain from consuming it, even in the form of lemon water.

Furthermore, while lemon can aid digestion, it can also cause heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux when consumed in large quantities or on a very regular basis. In some cases, lemon water can also cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. 

As it is a diuretic, lemon promotes the evacuation of water from the body. It is, therefore, necessary to drink enough water to compensate for the effects of this phenomenon. Otherwise, the consumer of lemon water may experience dehydration.

Excessive consumption of lemon can also damage your teeth. while it whitens teeth in small quantities, it can wear and weaken the enamel, which results in great sensitivity to cold and heat, when consumed excessively. The mucous membranes can become irritated, and canker sores can appear. To avoid this, just rinse your mouth well after consuming your glass of lemon water. You must also be careful not to over-concentrate the drink.

Who should avoid drinking lemon water

People who suffer from hiatus hernia, peptic esophagitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease should avoid consuming lemon in any of its forms. That also means lemon water. Indeed, lemon can actually cause epigastric burns and irritation to the lining of the esophagus. 

In addition, people who suffer from stomach ulcers should also avoid this drink due to its acidity. 

Finally, lemon water is not recommended for people with gallstones.

Conclusion

Lemon and lemon water provide many important benefits for the health and the well-functioning of the organism. They intervene at several levels: cardiovascular system, immune defenses, digestion, weight loss, etc. This natural drink can really be a real health ally. However, it should not be consumed in too large quantities, or when there are certain contraindications. Our consumption of lemon water must always be kept reasonable!