Lemon water is essentially lemon juice mixed with water, which can be taken either in hot or cold form. A glass of lemon water every morning on an empty stomach has been known to improve digestion, increase energy, and also reduce weight. And, it can boost your vitamin C intake too.
Lemon water(1) is a low-calorie beverage, second only to water, and contains no more than six calories. A can of soda, on the other hand, contains 100-200 calories. So, swapping your can of soda for a glass of lemon water will help you cut down on them. According to a study by PubMed, people who had a low-calorie diet but consumed a can of soda failed to lose as much weight as those who took a glass of lemon water daily in place of processed beverages.
Drinking lemon water to lose weight can keep you hydrated, thus helping you avoid water retention and bloating.
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Here are some common ways in which lemon water can be used for weight loss(2) and some lemon water recipes for weight loss.
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All citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps fight the free radicals in your body. The antioxidant properties of lemon water help flush out the toxins from your body.
Take a glass of water and add the juice of half a lemon and drink it every morning on an empty stomach. You can use warm or cold water, based on your preference.
Drinking lemon water daily can slow digestion, thus helping your body absorb nutrients. This is achieved by the acids in lemon water. It also helps regulate your insulin levels and increases the utilization of the nutrients that you consume.
Take 10 ounces of water and squeeze a lemon’s juice into it. Add a few sprigs of mint and some honey. Take this drink when you are thirsty to derive the most benefits.
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The recommended intake of water for men is 125 ounces and 91 ounces for women, including water from food or drinks. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, add a few drops of lemon to it.
Vitamin C and other nutrients in lemon water can help enhance your immune system. In fact, a single lemon contains more than 180% of the daily intake of vitamin C.
Water is the primary component of any detox diet. Adding lemon to water will reduce your appetite, ensuring that you consume lesser calories. The antioxidants in lemon also help you cleanse your liver.
The polyphenol antioxidants in lemon water improve insulin resistance and also offset the negative effects of blood glucose. Lemon water also creates a feeling of fullness, so experts recommend drinking it right before any meal to avoid eating too much. This can help reduce the calorie intake.
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A study found that drinking 0.5 litres right before breakfast can reduce the number of calories consumed in any meal by over 13%. Lemon water works the same way since it has a very low calorie count and promotes the same feeling of fullness that water does. The primary benefit of lemon water for weight loss is that it satiates your hunger, and you don’t eat as much as you would otherwise, thus reducing your calorie intake.
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Essentially, yes. Lemon water doesn’t work like most weight loss methods though. It aids in weight loss by reducing hunger and encouraging fullness. Also, a glass of lemon water early in the morning can help flush out the toxins in your body, which helps reduce weight faster.
Striking a healthy balance is the secret to weight loss. The citrus in lemon will help you reduce bloating and increase your metabolism, which will help you lose weight faster.
Including half a lemon in your daily diet is recommended.