A popular home remedy, lemon water has been linked to several health benefits.

Some people drink lemon water first thing in the morning instead of tea or coffee; many restaurants also serve it regularly.

Lemons are incredibly delicious and add flavor to your water, but does lemon water really make you healthier?

Little scientific research has been conducted on lemon water’s health benefits; however, research on the benefits on water and lemon separately exists.

Here are nine reasons your body loves lemon water.

1. It provides good amount of vitamin C

Lemons and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C—an antioxidant that helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.

Vitamin C is known to help prevent the common colds in some people; however, studies are inconsistent.

It may help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Although lemons are not included in the top list of citrus fruits rich in vitamin C, they still provide a good amount of it. In fact, the juice of a single lemon holds about 18.6 mg of vitamin C, as per the United States Department of Agriculture. Adults are recommended to take 65–90 mg.

2. It promotes weight loss

Lemons have been found to contain polyphenol antioxidants, which reduce weight gain in overfed mice. It also improved insulin resistance and offset the negative effects on blood glucose levels, which are the two main factors in type 2 diabetes growth.

Anecdotal evidence showing lemon water’s ability to promote weight loss is strong; however, further human studies are still necessary to fully elucidate its effects on humans—whether weight loss is due to the lemon juice itself or the people simply drinking lots of water and feeling full is yet unclear.

3. It promotes hydration

In the general guidelines, men should get at least 125 ounces per day and women should get at least 91 ounces, according to the Food and Nutrition Board. Water from food and other drinks is included.

Although water is the best option for hydration, some people wanted to add taste on it. For example, adding lemon enhances its flavor, making you want to drink more.

4. It aids digestion

Some people drink lemon water to help prevent constipation. Yes, some people make it a daily morning laxative.

You help get your digestive system moving when you drink hot or warm water when you wake up.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, the sour taste of lemon helps stimulate your “agni,” which jump-starts the digestive system. This allows you to digest food more easily, thereby preventing the buildup of toxins.

5. It improves skin quality

Benefits of lemon water for skin also do exist.

Lemons provide good amounts of vitamin C, which may help reduce dry skin from aging, skin wrinkling, and damage from the sun.

Water’s effect on skin is controversial. One thing is for sure: your skin becomes dry and prone to wrinkles if it loses moisture.

Citrus-based drink has been shown to help prevent the development of wrinkles in hairless mice.

6. It prevents kidney stones

Citric acid found in lemons may help prevent kidney stones.

A component of citric acid, citrate ironically makes your urine less acidic. What’s more, it may even break up small stones.

Drinking lemon water therefore helps you prevent or flush out stones.

7. It freshens breath

Have you tried rubbing a lemon on your hands to get rid of a strong garlic smell? The same also is applicable to bad breath stemming from eating foods with strong smells, including fish, garlic, or onions.

Water helps prevent a dry mouth, which can result in bad breath caused by bacteria, and lemon is also thought to stimulate saliva.

When you drink a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning or after meals, you might also avoid bad breath.

8. It helps fight respiratory tract infections

Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, lemon may help cure a host of health issues. Thus, drinking lemon water every day will help cure sore throats, inflammation of tonsils, and other respiratory tract infections.

9. It helps make your body free of infections

Possessing strong antibacterial properties, lemon can help your body stay free of infections. Pectin found in lemon can do wonders to your colon health.

How to make lemon water

Drinking lemon water using fresh lemons—and not those artificial ones—consistently can be beneficial.

To make a healthy lemon water drink, use organic lemons and filtered water. Then squeeze half a lemon into your 8-ounce cold or warm water.

You can add a health boost or infuse more flavor to your lemon water by adding a sprinkle of turmeric, a slice of fresh ginger, a dash of cinnamon, a few sprigs of mint, or a teaspoon of raw honey or maple syrup.

You can also add slices of cucumber, oranges, limes, or any other fruit to your lemon water. Always remember to wash the produce before slicing and adding it to your drink.

Starting your day with a mug of warm lemon water is a great idea. You can also keep a pitcher of lemon water in your fridge to drink throughout the day.

Lemon water side effects

Although it is generally safe to drink lemon water, there are a few potential adverse effects to take note of.

Citric acid found in lemons may erode tooth enamel. But drinking lemon water using a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water afterwards can help limit the risk.

Moreover, citric acid can also cause heartburn in some people. But as lemon juice becomes alkaline, it may also reduce acidity in digestion, which makes other people experience relief from heartburn. The only way to determine lemon water’s effect on you is through experimenting.

Drinking lemon water may also cause frequent bathroom trips to some people. Although vitamin C is said to be diuretic, vitamin C from natural sources like lemons has not been found to have diuretic effects.

So if you feel like you’re experiencing the need for extra trips to the bathroom while drinking lemon water, it is more likely a result from increased water intake.

Conclusion

Lemon water has been shown to have several potential health benefits—the above are just nine of the several lemon water benefits.

Adding lemon to your water may help you drink more and keep you hydrated throughout the day. Staying hydrated is essential to your health. That said, lemon water can be a huge help.