Does warm lemon water have any health benefits?

Q: I heard that drinking warm lemon water the first thing in the morning can bring different health benefits. Is it true?

IN Movie on TiktokThe woman has a lemon in one hand, and a cup in the other, because she is in favor of the benefits of a drink: during the week of drinking warm lemon water a day, she said that you can expect more calories; become more hydrated; Harbor less toxins; And they have a reinforced immune system, better digestion, less flatulence, smoother skin and more energy and focus.

They are in social media countless movies like this. But when drinking warm lemon water, it can be a refreshing and robust way to start the day, evidence for many benefits does not persist, said Emily Ho, a nutrition professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at the Oregon State University.

Here are some main claims related to warm lemon water and whether it is – or not – research to support them.

Hydration

Dr. Ho said that the main nutritional resource of Warm Water Warm Water is so that he moisturizes. This is a particularly favorable first thing in the morning, she added when “you had nothing to drink all night.”

The body should be hydrated to maintain its temperature, lubricate and depreciate the joints and remove waste through processes such as sweating and urination. Good hydration is also associated with healthier skinIN Better mood and sharper thinking.

Having said this, there is nothing special in lemon water, said Joan Salge Blake, a dietitian and clinical professor of nutrition at Boston University. You will receive the same benefits from a glass of ordinary water, a cup of herbal tea and even a cup of coffee.

“Every liquid will moisturize you,” she said.

Digestion

Judy Simon, clinical dietitian and instructor of the Medical University of University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, is necessary to maintain the digestive system, regardless of whether she is enriched with lemon or not, is enriched with lemon.

IN one study 2020 Of the over 4,500 adults in Turkey, scientists have found that those who drank the most water – over eight cups a day – had a 29 -percent risk of developing constipation compared to those who drank the smallest water – less than four cups a day.

We could not find any tests that concerned the effect of lemon water, but there is restricted evidence that lemon juice can support break the food in the stomach by stimulating the secretion of gastric acid. IN One study published in 2022Scientists have found that lemon juice has accelerated the pace of the empty stomach. But this test was diminutive, said Dr. Ho, so the results should be taken with salt grain.

Some Influential fortresses that citric acid in lemon helps in digestion. Dr. Ho said that this is likely for some older adults. As the aging aging, people often begin to produce less gastric acid, which can cause heartburn and acid reflux, and can hinder the absorption of nutrients from food. But there is not much evidence that a diminutive amount of lemon citric acid can really support, said Dr. Ho.

Resistance

The idea is a nucleus of truth that warm lemon water can benefit an immune system. Dr. Ho said that lemons are loaded with vitamin C. If you press half a huge lemon into a cup, which suggests many recipes, this provides about a quarter of the recommended daily amount.

Vitamin C is necessary for the immune function and healing and acts as a powerful antioxidant that can thwart DNA damage.

But there is not much evidence that you will boost your immune system by consuming more vitamins C – whether through supplements or warm lemon water. In one Over 60 clinical trialsScientists have come to the conclusion that people who took huge doses of vitamin C-C-what at least 200 milligrams a day-they did not have less, shorter or less hefty colds.

While real vitamin C deficiencies may be associated with health problems, Dr. Ho said they are sporadic. According to One study published in 2023Scientists have found that only about 7 percent of adults aged 20 and the elderly in the United States were with deficiency.

“You are not going to pay your immune system,” drinking warm lemon water, said Mrs. Salge Blake.

Weight loss

If you drink warm lemon water instead of a higher caloric drink, such as a sweet coffee drink, it can support lose weight, said Simon. She added, however, that there was no solid evidence that warm lemon water has any measurable impact on weight or metabolism.

Some tests suggests that eating lemons and Other citrus fruits Dr. Ho said he could support stabilize blood sugar levels. AND Long -term tests They found connections between citrus consumption and a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes. But this evidence is still tender, said Dr. Ho.

Lower line

Mrs. Salge Blake said that warm lemon water is a moisturizing drink and a good substitute for sweet options-but it is not a medicine that promise influence.

“There is nothing wrong with that,” she said, “but there is nothing wonderful about it.”