A great many health experts have been singing the health-promoting virtues of lemon water for quite some time. This easy-to-fix tonic is being touted as the ideal “Good Morning Drink”.
Water is extremely good for your health as it is the best fluid to keep the body hydrated, and together with lemon, it helps flush out toxins from your body.
Contents
Nutritional Value of Lemon
Lemon is a good source for a number of nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin A, C, and B complex as well as pectin fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Lemon’s citric acid and strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers make this citrus fruit a gift that keeps on giving, particularly for your digestive health.(23)
Nutritional value of lemon per 100 grams:
- Water – 88.98 g
- Energy – 29 kcal
- Protein – 1.10 g
- Total lipid – 0.30 g
- Carbohydrate – 9.32 g
- Fiber – 2.8 g
- Sugars – 2.50 g
- Calcium, Ca – 26 mg
- Iron, Fe – 0.60 mg
- Magnesium, Mg – 8 mg
- Phosphorus, P – 16 mg
- Potassium, K – 138 mg
- Sodium, Na – 2 mg
- Vitamin C – 53.0 mg
- Niacin – 0.10 mg
- Folate – 11 mcg
- Vitamin A – 1 mcg
- Vitamin E – 0.15 mg
To easily reap the benefits of lemon, just squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a glass of purified lukewarm water. If you want, you can add a little honey too. Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and wait for 30 minutes before eating your breakfast.
Advantanges of Drinking Lemon Water Daily
Here are 10 reasons why you should start sipping lemon water right away.
1. Improves Digestion
Several components in lemon water are beneficial for healthy digestion.
As a good source of vitamin C, lemon water can help the gut heal from digestive ailments caused by autoimmune diseases, unwanted bacteria, and peptic ulcer disease.(1) This, in turn, can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, such as heartburn, belching, and bloating.
As a source of fiber, it also prevents constipation and diarrhea by promoting smooth bowel functioning.(2) The American Cancer Society recommends a high-fiber diet consisting of a variety of fruits and vegetables to help prevent the risk of colon cancer.(3)
2. Aids Weight Loss
If you are trying to lose weight, drinking a glass of warm lemon water can help. A study published in 2009 found that participants who drank a glass of water before a meal ate fewer calories during that meal than those who didn’t have any water.(4)
In addition, lemon is high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings and keeps you feeling full for a long time.(5)
Given that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, increases the risk of obesity, switching to a healthier low-calorie alternative like lemon water can help you achieve your weight loss goal.(6)
3. Clears Skin
Daily consumption of warm lemon water can help improve the appearance of your skin. The high vitamin C and antioxidant content in lemon helps to slow signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and helps combat free-radical damage.(7)
Vitamin C also has collagen-boosting properties, which promotes greater skin elasticity and takes years off your appearance.(8)
The added water intake boosts hydration, which is imperative for improved skin health. It is best to drink lemon water rather than apply it to the skin, as topical use can end up increasing your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and thereby the risk of sun damage.(9)
4. Supports the Immune System
Warm lemon water also boosts the immune system. Being rich in vitamin C, lemon helps strengthen the immune system and assists the body in fighting colds and flu.(10)
Plus, the ascorbic acid present in lemon enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron, an important nutrient for a healthy immune system.(11) Lemon also contains saponins, which have antimicrobial properties that help keep bacteria at bay.(12)
5. Treats Bad Breath
The acidic nature of lemon, combined with the medicinal properties of honey and water, can help eliminate bad breath. It cleanses the mouth and activates production of saliva that kills odor-causing bacteria.(13)
Lemon juice has also been found to help reduce oral thrush or the overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth.(14) If left unchecked, oral thrush can cause mouth pain and loss of taste. To help prevent this, you can drink lemon water on a regular basis.
Also, foul breath is often caused by dry mouth, a problem that is kept in check by the water component of this remedy.
6. Fights Anxiety
Lemon oil has long been considered an effective aroma-therapy agent for the treatment of anxiety as it is thought to have calming properties. Animal studies have found that rats exposed to lemon essential oil demonstrated an overall reduction of stress hormones due to the conciliatory effects of the scent.(15)
The same study also found that lemon essential oil helped reduce sensitivity to pain.
7. Cures Throat Infections
The antibacterial and immune-boosting properties of lemon aid in fighting problems related to throat infections.
In fact, people who drink a glass of warm lemon water each morning can help prevent the overgrowth of bacteria in their mouth and throat.(14)
This healthy drink even helps prevent respiratory problems, such as seasonal allergies.(17)
If you have a sore throat, drink this healthy drink and or use it to gargle frequently to soothe your throat.
8. Helps with High Blood Pressure
People suffering from high blood pressure can take the benefit from this healthy drink.
Lemons are a good source of potassium. Increased potassium intake has been found to help lower blood pressure.(18)
A study published in 2014 found that lemon consumption was associated with a modest decrease in systolic blood pressure, with greatest improvements seen in study participants who also remained active through walking.(19)
9. Benefits the Urinary System
Warm lemon water can keep the urinary system healthy by reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
In laboratory studies, the lemon was found to have antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains known to cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).(20) Although additional research is warranted for women who suffer from frequent UTIs, this healthy drink may help to keep recurrent infections at bay.
Due to its high citric acid content, regular intake of lemon water may help prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones.(21) The most common types of kidney stones are the result of calcium oxalate accumulation in the kidneys.
The best antidote for these types of stones is increasing the citrate content in your urine, which then prevents the calcium from binding with other compounds to form kidney stones. Lemons contain comparatively higher levels of citrate than other citrus fruits, such as oranges or pineapple and therefore can help mitigate the risk.
Furthermore, this healthy drink can change the pH level of urine, thus further reducing the risk of certain types of kidney stones.(22)
Moreover, lemon water helps amp up your fluid intake, which is a vital prerequisite to ensure the optimal functioning of the urinary system.
To sum up, having a glass of fresh lemon water first thing in the morning can improve your health. For your overall well-being and enhanced energy levels, consider making this an essential part of your daily routine.
10. Increases Energy
The nourishing elements, such as vitamin B and C, phosphorous, proteins, and carbohydrates, present in lemon make it a good source of many nutrients that are needed for energy. It hydrates and oxygenates the body to keep you feeling revitalized, energized, and refreshed.
Also, as lemon contains more negatively charged ions, it provides instant energy when it enters the digestive tract.(16) Plus, the scent of lemon is said to have mood-enhancing and energizing properties.
Resources:
- Aditi A, Graham DY. Vitamin C, Gastritis, and Gastric Disease: a historical review and update. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3874117/. Published April 28, 2012.
- Salhy ME-, Ystad SO, Mazzawi T, Gundersen D. Dietary fiber in irritable bowel syndrome (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5548066/. Published July 19, 2017.
- Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented? American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html.
- DAVY BRENDAM, DENNIS ELIZABETHA, DENGO ALAURA. Water Consumption Reduces Energy Intake at a Breakfast Meal in Obese Older Adults. Journal of American Diet Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2743119/. Published July 2008.
- Ho IH, -Merino LM, Huffman LM. Use of viscous fibers in beverages for appetite control: a review of studies. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26001088. Published 2015.
- Pereira MA. Sugar-sweetened and artificially-sweetened beverages in relation to obesity risk. Advances in Nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25398745. Published November 14, 2014.
- Cosgrove MC, Franco OH, Granger SP, Murray PG, Mayes AE. Dietary nutrient intakes and skin-aging appearance among middle-aged American women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17921406. Published October 2007.
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/. Published August 12, 2017.
- Naganuma M, Hirose S, Nakayama Y, Nakajima K, Someya T. A study of the phototoxicity of lemon oil. Archives of Dermatological Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4096528?dopt=Abstract. Published 1985.
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/. Published November 2017.
- Beck KL, Conlon CA, Kruger R. Dietary Determinants of and Possible Solutions to Iron Deficiency for Young Women Living in Industrialized Countries: A Review. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4179187/. Published September 19, 2014.
- Arabski M, Ciuk AW, Czerwonka G. Effects of Saponins against Clinical E. coli Strains and Eukaryotic Cell Line. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2012/286216/. Published February 21, 2012.
- Krishna KV, Arunkumar S, Koti S. Halitosis : Discover the Cause and Say No to It ! ! ! !-An overview. semantic scholar. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Halitosis-:-Discover-the-Cause-and-Say-No-to-It-!-!-Krishna-Arunkumar/4c349df80bb3cb7a4e0969f3ef0cb2b6f223acc8. Published June, 2015.
- Wright SC, Maree JE, Sibanyoni M. Treatment of oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients with lemon juice and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and gentian violet. Phytomedicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19109001. Published March 2009.
- Ceccarelli I, Lariviere WR, Fiorenzani P, Sacerdote P, Aloisi AM. Effects of long-term exposure of lemon essential oil odor on behavioral, hormonal and neuronal parameters in male and female rats. Brain Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14972656?dopt=Abstract. Published March 19, 2004.
- PENNISTON KRISTINAL, NAKADA STEPHENY, HOLMES ROSSP. Quantitative Assessment of Citric Acid in Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, and Commercially-Available Fruit Juice Products. Journal of Endourology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637791/. Published February 9, 2009.
- Baars EW, Jong MC, Boers I. A Comparative In Vitro Study of the Effects of Separate and Combined Products of Citrus e fructibus and Cydonia e fructibus on Immunological Parameters of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. Mediators of Inflammation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270462/. Published January 19, 2012.
- Filippini T, Violi F, D’Amico R, Vinceti M. The effect of potassium supplementation on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cardiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28024910. Published March 1, 2017.
- Kato Y, Domoto T, Hiramatsu M, et al. Effect on blood pressure of daily lemon ingestion and walking. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24818015?dopt=Abstract. Published April 10, 2010.
- Liya SJ, Siddique R. Determination of Antimicrobial Activity of Some Commercial Fruit (Apple, Papaya, Lemon and Strawberry) Against Bacteria Causing Urinary Tract Infection. European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30345090. Published August 16, 2018.
- Seltzer MA, Low RK, McDonald M, Shami GS, Stoller ML. Dietary manipulation with lemonade to treat hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis. The Journal of Urology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8709360?dopt=Abstract. Published September 1996.
- Odvina CV. Comparative value of orange juice versus lemonade in reducing stone-forming risk. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17699358. Published November 2006.
- Basic Report: 09150, Lemons, raw, without peel. USDA Food Composition Databases. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/09150. Published April 2018.
Does the water need to be warm and can I use bottled lemon juice?
better use fresh lemon juice and the water should be warm for best results
Yahh.. a little bit of warm..
Just warm water and organic lemons.
I prefer cutting the lemon in half and squeezing it with a handheld half lemon squeezer into water or an herbal tea. There are many herbal teas with different health properties. I usually sun brew my tea in a plastic container and then place the container in the refrigerator. Then I use it for 2 days as a cold tea with my lemons or mandarin oranges which I squeeze in for flavor and the nutrients. Be sure to brush your teeth with a good protective toothpaste once a day. Lemon juice is strong and can make your teeth sensitive if you are lackadaisical in using a good toothpaste. It is also a superb cleanser and works well when added to clothes washing, or dishwashing liquids.
Thank u so much fo ds info….it realy helps me…
Interesting will give it a try. Thanks.
What a about using a few drops of Lemon Essential Oil?
Judy.. Read the label on essential oil bottle it says not for intake !
Make sure your essential is ok to consume. DeTerra is great
its really work,before i have a belly fats ,then i use to drink lemon water in the morning im loosing wiegth and my belly fats is going lesser and lesser
It works miracles for me, belly fat..flushed out.
check this out honey.. I think you will like it:) lv u ter
thanks it will help me alot
I try this..I want to lose my belly fats.
yes,,its true,,it reduces weight,,it worked for me,,but doesnt reduces inches.
Thank you very much. I will give a try.
i have the tree at the back yard I have been drinking it ,and havin it as a face mask tell u it works wonders .however m suprised with other benefits …lucky me
This has really helped me get over hunger pangs I don’t feel like munching all the time
Thanks for this good information. I want to give it a try for my skin especially and other benefits too
Only use Natural Lemon for being 100 percent Organic and natural lemon tastes more refreshing and impacts rapidly , try using the lemon with juicy pulp not the one with no juice in it but only dry pulps !
would daily intake of honey not b harmful to a diabetic n if so what can b substituted with warm lemon water, pl reply for quick wt loss
Cinnamon water.
The fat busting effect of lemons is so impressive,plus all the other good benefits it gives my body, Im hands down to it . Thats why I always drink it in the morning and at night.
Now a days I am suffering from constipation, I will try it from tomorrow morning in empty stomach.
if your having constipation you should try prune juice that is for constipation it’s really work for constipation..:)
How many times to drink prune juice a day?
make sure it as hot as you can stand to driink. i promise you you will see results wiht in 1 hour. oh please. Don”t for get to drink 2 more with in the hour. Use A 7-8 OUNCE GLASS. Good Luck.
Also massage your stomach by using ur fingers nd circling ur belly button in a clockwise direction for a few minutes.Tht wll help bowel movement.Also try to increase fiber in ur daily diet nd drink 8glasses of water.
100% pure pineapple juice works well. Also if u don’t like prune juice get some Welch grape juice, warm in a coffee cup and sip. Once you finish sip on h20 and it will work wonders.
Am going 2 try the lemon & water. Tnx.
thanku for giving sugestion
hi,thank u for d top 10…
i start drink the lemon in the morning…
n i m waiting for lemon juice benefit.
thank u again.. 🙂
Its all info is Really Helpful For anyone Who Loss weight Or Like Fitness …….
Yes it is true, i have had constipation before this and since i practice drinking natural lemon juice+warm water, i poo every morning since and i feel great!
Thanks I will it now
Ill do it start tommorrow
I amm going to try warmwater, lemon with honey
Two tbs. Lemon juice with honey or molasses in 8 oz. of warm water is good for killing cancer cells. Everybody has cancer cells floating around but as long as you have a strong immune system it will keep those cells from getting together and creating tumors. Cancer cells are acidic and lemon juice with honey or molasses helps kill those cells. Cancer Cells, being acidic loves sugar (Glucose) and will seek it out. With the glucose mixed with the alkalinity of the lemon juice the cancer cells will take in the alkalized lemon juice when it takes in the Glucose. The alkalinity of the lemon juice will neutralize the acidity of the cancer cell and turn it into a regular oxygenated cell. You will have one more good cell and one less cancer cell.
i will try this.thanks for the information
Use alkaline water is well alkaline diet cancer thrive in acidic body no alkaline lemon broccoli tomatoes bake , alkaline water , cinnamon, Etc helps to destroy T cells , but some of us have a confused immune who mistaken attack the body what we do then ? We use TNF blockers who cause cancer best no or we make atomic bomb ? Or sulphazaline?
I will try it tomorrow….. Thanks for this information…..
Hi, Some said With or without Honey, result is same if Warm water with 1/2 lemon squeezed. Does Honey really help in weight reduction or it just enhances the taste?
can i use calamansi instead of lemon?
I don’t wanna lose weight.. But i like this… Is there any way to gain weight while drinking this???
What if I use citric acid? Is it harmful?
Can i use citric acid for the same results?
Thank you for this site it really helps us. Can I used calamansi instead of lemons? lemons are very rare in our place, what is the best substitutes for lemons? thank you and more power ! God Speed.
Which country are you in…. let me see if its possible I send you some lemons from here…
Thanks so much for this information.
Is it ok to use lime. I drink half a cup of fresh ginger warm water every morning.
N during day time 3 or 4 glasses of bottle lemon water.please reply.
Very informative site. Than you.
I do take it every morning
THANK YOU for sharing home Remedies.
I dont.dint.what to do im constipated and i m tired to drink prunes juice everyday to make me poop poop..i will try this stuff to make me help for everyday my routine.
Thank for the concern authorities for providing good health support.
golden post! d lemon is best when fresh & with little bit warm water!!!
If in cases where lemon juice is not available, can we use the calamansi juice as its substitute?
Yes you can drink calamasi instead of lemon, I do and it’s works for me.
I can drink this method after drinking water in the morning? Tnx
I drink ACV in the morning. Is warm lemon water better?
I do both lemon and ACV you can do both or either it depends what your in the mood for. Some people don’t like the taste.
ACV, lemon, honey + warm water totally a good combination
Thanks, I have been using it for a couple of weeks ago with garlic because I am having high blood.
Hi and thanks for the information, I want to loose belly fat so I will use the lemon supplement.
i am using lemon water in the morning and having weight lose and also feeling so good. It’s really works so fast.
My mum drinks lemon honey every morning and encouraged me to do the same, it’s the best remedy.
wao , thats nice information , i wanna also reduce my belly fat , can any body help me abt the natural treatment abt bulging of disc L4 & L5
Yes it work really for belly fat
Hello,
I started 2 weeks ago drinking ginger and lemon tea and I put a teaspoon of honey in my cup. I drink it hot and lasts for 1/2 hr of drinking it. I drink 5 cups a day of it. I also drink peppermint tea too.
I really like to try this but can i substitute calamansi instead of lemon? Lemons in our country is very expensive and very rare to find.
i was a Coke addict 8 cans a day for years didn’t drink water ,Dr advice me to cut down,but was hard ,when i read about this lemon & water ,wow after few days cut down to 4 cans…but now because of lemon all I want water,no more coke or any sodas and I feel great & healthy..
Please can lime be used if lemon can’t be found? and can it be given to a small child if she has constipation? Thanks
yes it helps to lose weight plus all other benefits thank you
It’s so nice to share ur viewd
Calamansi can be use instead of lemon? How many Calamansi can be use?
Hi.. i jus wanted to know…will daily consumption of lemon harm the bones.. heard that lemon softerns the bones..
Thank you I will try it
My sister is drinking it every morning and she is looking good
Thank you I will try it
Grate thanks
Can Lime do the same as Lemon? Lime is more available in the market in my locality than Lemon.
Can I replace lemon With lime in all the write-ups. Will I get the same results? Thanks.
I use lemon warm water with honey since long time in morning and I really feels good and energetic
Yes this is true warm lemon water give you a lot of energy and it regulate you, I was starving for energy for years and and with warm lemon water it took less then a week to free from low energy and constipation ( due to medication).
What about lemon, water&parsley I hear it works too.
I was told many many years ago. tepid or room temp water with a twist of lemon and a sprinkle of ground ginger everyday cleans the pipes and keeps everything running smoothly.
I mix green chai and kalunji onion seed powder and boil it. I drink 4 cups in intervals after lunch and i feel really healthy and fresh. Your lemon sujjestion is wonderful my father use to drink every day but it is in chilled water.
Thank you, i will also try from tom………
hi thank you for very good info about home remedies can you drink warm lemon and apple cider at the same time?
also my brother had a beer belly which he don’t drink of course only heavy food at night started to drink warm lemon with honey and cinnamon first think in the morning and green tea after dinner has lost a lot of belly fat within 3 months so thx u god bless
I drink ice tea with lemon but i heat it up so it’s warm. I started doing this after I went Hawaii. Is that OK?
I drink warmed up Ice tea with lemon every morning. Is that OK?
Is this good for pregnant woman?
I know you said to wait 30 minutes before you eat but can you have a cuppa in that half an hour before you eat
Can you drink this through out day or Just am to really work
Hi
good info all round
I drink hot fresh lemon with honey and cinnamon and ginger it works wonders for a month I have seen my waist line coming back you can also buy ginger and cinnamon lemon in tea bags just add honey to it honey is good it helps to lose weight to but cut out the fizzy drinks cakes biscuits chocolates crisp and pizza add dairy products to your every day intake exercise 15 minutes a day dancing skipping or boxing is very good but don’t forget to warm up first helps to and your posture when your sitting keep your back straight and belly pulled in because that is the only muscle that don’t move you have to do it
good luck to you all
Hi
face masks from your kitchen for wrinkle and clear fair skin I use honey on my face with used lemons rub in well for an hour or so or you can leave it over night also plain light yogurt rub in until it dries and also egg whites you can use until it dries wash it off
it takes years of I been using them for few years and every one cant guess my age use these every other day taking turns what you want to use first honey and lemon used tighter clears acne to
good look to you all
on a inhaler, will the lemon and water help me.
I use both a maintainece and a rescue inhaler and yes you can drink the lemon or lemon and honey water. Another great trick for alkalizing the body-although not as pleasant-is 1 teaspoon of aluminum free baking soda in 8 oz of pure water. Dr Sircus recommends this constantly for keeping cancer away, and it helps with GI troubles, UTI’s, kidney infections, etc.
With jus lemon and water work to lose and bloating
Jethro June 30, 2016
It looks too good to be true that we have such lemon that can perform multiple activities in the body. I surely give it a try right now.
Comment:This is great.
Lemon water and natural honey from the hive that is not processed are on two different sides of the fence. If the honey is processed the enzymes that the bees create are gone, the enzymes are a natural cancer fighting agent. Therefore the Lemon and natural honey are great together with multiple health benefits. Lime water and honey are on the same side of the fence, you get the health benefits from the lime and water by itself, the honey will flavor it for you if lime is too bitter for you.
Great information.Can you suggest me that lemon juice can be taken at the night?
Comment:Thanks for little knowledge hope will help me!
Great article.
I have these items in my bathroom.
ACV- green tea combo
Lemon for my face
tumeric for my teethe whiting
coconut oil for cellulite and teethe whiting
Coffee ground and honey for facial
Bicarb for facials and hair cleansing
Drink Fresh lemon /ACV/honey/ginger/aloe.. first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, i also drink about 2 litres in the course of the day.. I have really bad reflux /IBS and all the acidic problems, i have lost 7 Kilos in one month. My energy has returned. I don’t have a big appetite now. And NO more water retention due to pain in the abdominal areas.
In college, I ate a lemon every morning to wake up and get ready for my classes. Since those good old day, I have drank lemon water. I would cut a fresh lemon, squeeze, fill with 32 oz water and place in refrigerator to chill. It’s lemonade without the sugar. Recently, I have focus on returning to my old ways. I will begin to eat lemon each day and I will make lemon water. It definitely wakes you up and starts your day.
I drink the juice of four lemons with 2 litres of water every day and have lost 31 kilos,