If life gives us lemons, should we be adding them to our water?

Lemon water has been trending on social media for years and has been offered as a refreshment at spas as well as wellness centers for decades. Something as simple as adding a slice of lemon to your water may have a major impact on your health.

Here are 5 reasons to add lemon to your water throughout the day:

1. Improves Digestion

• Studies suggest that individuals who drink water with lemon have reduced bloating and heartburn

2. Maybe weight loss friendly

• Drinking more water over soda or other sugary sweetened beverages will aid in weight loss

3. Increase Intake of Vitamin C, Folate and Potassium

• Vitamin C improves immunity

• Folate helps with cell growth/function and helps to reduce birth defects of brain and spine

• Potassium is essential for nerve-muscle communication and helps regulate blood pressure

4. Helps to prevent Kidney Stones

• Lemon water prevents dehydration (a major cause of kidney stones) and helps to prevent painful large stones

5. Rich in Flavonoids

• Flavonoids, a phytonutrient, have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and may protect your cells from oxidative damage leading to diseases/conditions such as CVD, diabetes, cancer, and dementia

Final Thoughts:

There is limited scientific research supporting the addition of lemon to water but, Internal Medicine specialists such as Dr. Amy Lee, a bariatric physician, believes lemon water does wonders to the body.

Maybe the next time you pour yourself a glass of water, add a slice of lemon to it!

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8709360/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14671205/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11412050/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25514618/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22401879/