Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAbout Lemon WaterNutritionHealth BenefitsHot vs. ColdPreparationRisks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
About Lemon Water
Nutrition
Health Benefits
Hot vs. Cold
Preparation
Risks
Lemon waterhas often been touted as a sort of cure-all for various health conditions, includingarthritis and gout. Some claims about its benefits may be overblown, but lemon water does have some health value.
Lemon water will help keep you hydrated, andlemonsare an excellent source ofascorbic acid (vitamin C)—a powerful antioxidant—and plant compounds called flavonoids. These components have properties that help fight disease and reduce inflammation.
This article discusses the potential health benefits of lemon water, what the research shows, as well as potential risks and side effects.
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What Is Lemon Water?
Lemon is a citrus fruit that’s rich in vitamin C and citric acid. Lemon water is simply water that contains at least a few drops of lemon juice. A standard-sized lemon yields about 3.5 tablespoons or 50 grams of lemon juice. A cup of lemon water containing the juice of a whole lemon provides around 20% of your recommended daily dose of vitamin C.
Lemon Nutrition Facts
According to the USDA, a cup of lemon water containing the juice of one lemon has:
Besides placing its juice in water, other parts of lemons are also beneficial.
Peel: The peel contains vitamin C,potassium, small amounts of fiber, and more antioxidants than the juice.You may want to zest the lemon to add to your lemon water. Before using the peel, make sure to wash the lemon thoroughly.
Extract: Lemon extract also presents several potential health benefits. While lemon juice comes from the inside part of the fruit, lemon extract is made from the peel. Animal models examining the effects of citrus peel extract on high cholesterol levels have been promising.
Aromatherapy: Many people who use lemon essential oils for aromatherapy claim that the scent helps them feel more focused. A small 2016 study found that it helped reduce anxiety after orthopedic surgery.A 2014 study found that smelling lemon essential oils may also help stave off pregnancy nausea and morning sickness.
Drinking Hot Water: A Simple Habit With Significant Health Benefits
Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water for Arthritis and Gout Patients
When you have arthritis or gout, it’s important to stay hydrated, and drinking enough water is the best way to do that. Lemon water can be a healthier alternative to sodas or sugary beverages and it also has specific benefits for arthritis.
Vitamin Cis key for both preventing inflammatory arthritis and maintaining healthy joints with osteoarthritis.
For people who already have arthritis, vitamin C may reduce pain. A 2017 review of numerous studies concluded daily high-dose vitamin C supplementation was associated with reduced chronic pain, including for people with arthritis.Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showed particularly positive results after taking vitamin C to reduce their pain.
Vitamin C can prevent future arthritis symptoms. Patients need vitamin C to maintain strong joints and recover from injuries. At least one study has found that arthritis patients who consume high doses of vitamin C show reduced long-term damage to their joints.
Vitamin C specifically helps arthritis in the following ways:
The Effects of Vitamin C on Arthritis
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Hot vs. Cold Lemon Water
There are no studies evaluating the pros and cons of drinking hot vs. cold lemon water. However, drinking warm liquids has been shown tostimulate the digestive tract, which can promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Choose to drink lemon water at whatever temperature you prefer. Some people also like adding mint or cucumber slices to their lemon water for a little added flavor.
How to Make Lemon Water
To prepare lemon water:
Side Effects and Risk Factors
In moderation, lemon water can be a part of a healthy diet. Nonetheless, lemons are high in acid, which can have some harmful effects. People with cavities or weak teeth should avoid drinking lemon water, as should people who are allergic to citrus.
Dentists warn patients to avoid eating or drinking too many acidic foods that may damage their tooth enamel.Over time, highly acidic foods—like lemons—can erode your enamel and lead to tooth pain or decay.To protect your teeth, dilute your lemon juice with plenty of water and rinse your mouth with water immediately after finishing your cup of lemon water. Avoid drinking lemon water with sugar. If you drink lemon water frequently, consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Taking greater than 3000 mg of vitamin C daily adverse effects are possible, including diarrhea, increased formation of kidney stones in those with existing kidney disease or history of stones, and increased levels of uric acid (a risk factor for gout).
Summary
Although some claims about the health benefits of lemon water are unfounded, it does have some health value. Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin C in supplement form does have some health risks.
Lemon water is not meant to substitute for any of your current medicines or arthritis treatments. However, vitamin C and water are vital for maintaining your health, whether consumed together or separately.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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