Lemon water is quite a trendy home remedy that is believed to boost digestion, detoxify the body, or boost weight loss. But does it really work?
Lemon Water
The trendy drink simply includes some lemon juice or slices mixed with the usual drinking water. The amount of lemon juice can vary depending on the preferences of people. Some may opt to drink lemon water hot or cold. Some may also add honey, turmeric, mint leaf, or other ingredients to the fix.
Lemons themselves are rich vitamin C sources. In fact, a single squeeze lemon can offer up to 21% of the daily value (DV) of a person. Moreover, similar to other citrus fruits, lemons are also flavonoid-rich. These compounds can help fight disease and boost overall health.
As for the nutrient content of the drink, lemon water has minimal fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also only contains traces of other minerals and vitamins, such as folate, potassium, and certain B vitamins.
The breakdown of nutrients of lemon water that has a 48-gram squeezed lemon is said to be 18.6 mg vitamin C, 10.6 calories, 9.6 micrograms folate, 49.4 mg potassium, 0.01 mg of vitamin B-2, 0.06 mg of vitamin B-5, and 0.01 mg of vitamin B-1. However, the exact nutritional value may vary depending on the amount of lemon juice the lemon water has.
While one glass may not seem to be nutrient-rich, lemon water is still a low-calorie, healthy, and low-sugar drink that can boost the vitamin C intake of a person.
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Is Lemon Water Really Good For the Body?
There are some benefits that come with drinking lemon water. For one, it is a good source of vitamin C antioxidants and citrus flavonoids. Antioxidants, specifically, are compounds that protect the cells against damage. By reducing damage, antioxidants lower the risk of developing several conditions, including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.
Aside from this, the citrus flavonoids in lemon water can also reduce body inflammation. Research has associated chronic inflammation with certain health risks and heightened oxidative stress.
A 2019 review reveals that flavonoids and antioxidants in citrus fruits can boost markers of metabolic and heart health, including sensitivity to insulin, glucose tolerance, and fat metabolism. Vitamin C is also crucial to the function of the immune system, as well as the healing of wounds and the body's absorption of iron.
Aside from this, there are also studies that suggest that lemon water can help with kidney stones. The remedy has been seen to be effective when paired along with conventional therapy. However, it can also be a good alternative treatment.
Also, since lemon water is simply water with lemon juice, it contains all the benefits that regular drinking water has to offer. Aside from helping with overall health, drinking water can aid with digestive health, mental health, exercise performance, and weight loss.
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