Lemon water is just that: a glass or a pitcher of water with a couple of lemon slices dunked in. But while it may seem like there isn’t anything special to lemon water, it’s actually quite a healthy drink.

Lemons are well-known for their brightly colored peel and tart, refreshing flavor. Lemons are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a role in various bodily processes, such as iron absorption and wound healing. So it’s hardly surprising that lemon water is associated with several health benefits.

Benefits of drinking lemon water

Take a look at some of the most touted health benefits of drinking lemon water:

1. Lemon water keeps you hydrated

If you find it difficult to drink the recommended six to eight glasses of water daily, then adding a few slices of lemon to your drinking water can make it more enjoyable. Drinking water helps you maintain fluid balance. The fluids in your body support important processes like digestion, blood circulation and the transportation of nutrients.

By keeping you hydrated, lemon water also prevents things like headaches, dizziness and fatigue, which are all symptoms of dehydration. Experts recommend drinking lemon water first thing in the morning.

2. Lemon water lowers inflammation

Drinking lemon water on a regular basis helps reduce inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect is thanks to antioxidants in lemons, such as vitamin C and flavonoids. These antioxidants are found mostly in lemon peel, so it helps to add a bit of zest to your lemon water.

3. Lemon water prevents kidney stones

Lemons are a go-to remedy for kidney stones. These painful stones form when your urine contains a high concentration of crystal-forming substances like calcium, uric acid and oxalate. Research shows that citrate, a derivative of citric acid in lemons, can prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place by binding to calcium in urine.

Citrate also helps prevent existing stones from growing and becoming more painful. To avoid kidney stones, drink lemon water made with the juice of at least two lemons every day.

4. Lemon water may control blood sugar

Lemon water may help regulate your blood sugar levels, according to a recent study. Researchers found that lemon juice slowed the digestion of starch, which led to a slower release of glucose in the blood. This, in turn, resulted in a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

Eating lemons is recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. Drinking lemon water is a tasty way of adding more lemons to an anti-diabetes diet.

5. Lemon water keeps your skin healthy

Want clear, glowing skin? Drink lemon water. The vitamin C in lemons boosts your production of collagen, a protein that provides structure to your skin, muscles and ligaments. Collagen is also what keeps your skin from sagging.

Vitamin C shields your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure to UV rays can lead to discoloration, sun spots, skin damage and even skin cancer.

6. Lemon water relieves constipation

If you struggle with digestive problems like gas, constipation or stomachache, drinking a glass of warm lemon water may help. Lemon water can help soften stools in your gastrointestinal tract, relieving discomfort. Additionally, lemon water ensures that your digestive system is running smoothly all day long.

7. Lemon water helps curb cravings 

It’s possible to mistake thirst for hunger, especially if you often experience cravings. So the next time you feel like snacking, drink a glass of lemon water first.

Lemon water is sour and a bit bitter because of the peel. Bitter foods help control cravings for sweets. So if you’re trying to wean yourself off sweets, always have a glass or pitcher of lemon water ready.

Lemon water is an incredibly healthy drink. To reap its benefits, drink lemon water first thing in the morning and have a pitcher ready to see you through the day.

Sources:

GoodHousekeeping.com

BBCGoodFood.com