Asking any celebrity, and it seems like drinking lemon water in the morning is the secret to looking good. Gisele Bündchen starts every day with a lukewarm cup, while Jennifer Aniston and Naomi Campbell like theirs hot. Beyoncé loves her lemon water so much, she even invested in it.
Of course we all want a simple and uncomplicated magic remedy that can instantly improve our health. Even better if it can give us glowy skin. But is drinking lemon water really the answer?
What is lemon water?
Lemon water isn’t some kind of fancy lemonade. We’re literally talking about water with fresh (!) lemon juice. “Lemon water has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic healing and nutrition to keep the body healthy,” says Ayurvedic physician Vaidya Kalyan Indukuri. “It can be easily made with lemons and has numerous benefits.”
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The benefits of drinking lemon water
1.It helps with digestion
Water with lemon can stimulate digestion, according to Indukuri. “This is due to the high proportion of insoluble fiber,” the expert explains. “This is mainly due to the pectin it contains.” According to a small study, the acidity of the lemon also stimulates the secretion of gastric juices—a digestive fluid in the stomach that can help break down food.
2. It’s hydrating and good for the skin
“Lemon water helps to regulate the water balance,” says Indukuri. “This allows the body’s cells to regenerate faster—which is also great for improving the appearance of the skin.” The vitamin C in the lemon juice can support clear and firm skin, as it promotes collagen promotion. Vitamin C also fights free radicals that can harm the skin. Of course, a squeeze of lemon isn’t going to make a huge impact…but it’s certainly a start.
3. It strengthens the immune system
For us, this is one of the most compelling reasons to drink lemon water: “As an antioxidant, the vitamin C it contains also boosts the immune system,” says Indukuri. So you can prevent colds—or at least support the immune system during one—with lemon water.
But remember, according to the NHS, adults need 40mg of vitamin C per day. The juice of a whole lemon contains just under 25mg of vitamin C. So though this is a good start, it doesn’t cover the entire daily requirement to sufficiently support the immune system. You’ll still want to eat plenty of other foods which are rich in vitamin C, like bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli.
Lemon water in the morning or at night: which is best?
“It’s best to drink a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning,” says Indukuri. “At night, the body switches to renewal and detoxification. In the morning, the accumulated toxins can then be better excreted with the lemon water while at the same time, the vitamin C and the minerals it contains allow us to take in many healthy ingredients.”
Is lemon water in the evening harmful? “No, but the positive effects are simply stronger in the morning,” says Indukuri.
What’s the difference between cold or hot lemon water?
Stars often say they like to drink their lemon water hot or lukewarm, but Indukuri says it depends on your body and constitution. If you’re not sure, the expert says, “you certainly can’t go wrong with lukewarm water.”
How to make lemon water
What you need:
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