Tropical Weight Loss
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Is it better to drink lemon water or just water?

There is no evidence to suggest that lemon water has any more benefits for weight loss than plain water. That said, lemon juice is naturally low in calories. Replacing sugary soda with fresh lemon water is a healthful way to reduce calorie intake, which is a positive step toward healthful weight management.

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Many sources claim that lemon water has powerful health and weight loss benefits, but what does the research say? Lemon water is a popular home remedy, with online sources claiming that it can help improve digestion, detox the body, or promote weight loss. This article uses scientific evidence to explore the benefits of and myths surrounding lemon water. What is lemon water? Share on Pinterest The vitamin C in lemons is a powerful antioxidant. Lemon water is simply the juice of lemons mixed with water. The amount of lemon juice in lemon water depends on the person’s preference. People may drink it cold or hot. Some people also choose to add lemon rind, mint leaf, honey, turmeric, or other ingredients. Lemon water has become a popular morning beverage, with people using it as a refreshing pick-me-up due to claims that it can boost energy levels and metabolism. Nutrition Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. In fact, one squeezed lemon provides around 21% of a person’s daily value (DV). Like other citrus fruits — including oranges, grapefruit, and limes — lemons are rich in flavonoids. These are compounds that help boost health and fight disease. Aside from that, lemons contain few nutrients. Lemon water contains very little protein, fat, carbohydrate, or sugar, and it contains only trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including potassium, folate, and some B vitamins. According to the United States Department for Agriculture database, the nutrient breakdown for lemon water containing one 48 gram (g) squeezed lemon is as follows: 10.6 calories

18.6 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, or 21% DV

9.6 micrograms (mcg) of folate, or 2% DV

49.4 mg of potassium, or 1% DV

0.01 mg of vitamin B-1, or 1% DV

0.01 mg of vitamin B-2, or 1% DV

0.06 mg of vitamin B-5, or 1% DV Although a single glass does not seem to provide a lot of nutrients, lemon water is a healthful, low calorie, and low sugar beverage that can boost a person’s vitamin C intake. For comparison, replacing the lemon with the juice of half an orange (weighing 43 g) would provide almost twice as many calories, about three times as much sugar, and 24% DV of vitamin C. The nutritional value of each glass of lemon water depends on how much lemon juice it contains, as well as any other ingredients. Myths There are many other health claims surrounding lemon water, but most do not have any scientific evidence to support them. Research has even disproved some of them. Below are six common myths about the health benefits of lemon water. Lemon water aids weight loss Lemons contain a type of fiber called pectin, which may help reduce appetite and calorie intake. However, lemon water is basically diluted lemon juice, which leaves it with only trace amounts of pectin. In fact, the juice of a whole lemon contains less than 1 g of fiber. There is no evidence to suggest that lemon water has any more benefits for weight loss than plain water. That said, lemon juice is naturally low in calories. Replacing sugary soda with fresh lemon water is a healthful way to reduce calorie intake, which is a positive step toward healthful weight management. Lemon water alkalizes the body According to proponents of the alkaline diet, foods leave an “ash” in the system that influences the pH of a person’s body — that is, how acidic or alkaline it becomes. Some suggest that lemon water is alkalizing. However, what a person eats or drinks does not affect the acidity of their blood or body cells. Although consuming more alkaline foods can be healthful, because these include fruits and vegetables, the health benefits are unlikely to come from their effects on the body’s acidity levels. Lemon water fights cancer Some sources claim that lemon water could help prevent cancer. This is based on the alkaline diet theory and is built on the premise that certain cancer cells cannot thrive in an alkaline environment. The American Institute for Cancer Research state that this claim is false, since the foods a person eats does not affect the acidity of their blood or body cells. Lemon water cleanses and detoxes Water helps eliminate waste from the body through urine and healthy bowel movements. However, there is no evidence to suggest that lemon water is better than plain water for this. In fact, most claims that foods or beverages can cleanse or detoxify the organs are not grounded in scientific fact. That includes claims about the lemon water detox diet. Lemon water raises IQ Drinking water, either plain or with added lemon, can boost focus and concentration, but it does not increase intelligence. Lemon water is a diuretic Water is an effective diuretic, which is a substance that encourages urination. In addition, any food that contains potassium could increase urine output. That includes virtually all fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products, including lemons.

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Risks Lemon water is safe to drink. However, the acid in the lemons can damage tooth enamel over time, making the teeth more prone to cavities. Drinking acidic drinks through a straw can help protect the teeth. Rinsing the mouth out afterward will also help. It may be best to avoid brushing the teeth straight after drinking lemon water, as the enamel may be in an acid-softened state. So, for people who like to drink lemon water in the morning, they may wish to brush their teeth before breakfast.

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Hot vs. cold lemon water The best temperature at which to drink lemon water is a highly debated topic. Some sources claim that drinking cold water helps burn extra calories. Others believe that warm water helps improve digestive health. There is very little research to support either side, and it is unlikely that the temperature makes any meaningful difference. A person can simply choose the temperature that they prefer. How to make lemon water Most recipes suggest using the juice of a whole lemon or half a lemon mixed with a glass of water. People can tweak the amounts from there or add other ingredients based on their preferences.

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