Lemon water is all the rage these days. My office mate drinks lemon water every day. Even the cafe I frequent serve water with lemons. Some people start their day with lemon water instead of coffee or tea.
The hype over lemon water can be attributed to claims that water with lemon is good for one’s health.
What kind of benefits can one really get from lemon water? Is it a good substitute for plain water? What does science say about this?
Much of the evidence supporting lemon water’s health benefits is anecdotal.
There is little scientific research done specifically on lemon water’s impact on health as a combo, but some research exists on the benefits of lemon and water separately.
1. It promotes hydration.
Some people don’t like to drink water because it is boring. They only drink when thirsty. Generally, it’s not a healthy habit to drink only when feeling thirsty. Thirst is a sign that you are ALREADY dehydrated.
The dietary reference intake for water is 91 to 125 ounces. This includes water from food and drinks. You need to drink more water. Adding lemon enhances water’s flavor, which may help you drink more.
2. It’s a good source of vitamin C.
Citrus fruits like lemons are high in vitamin C, which is a primary antioxidant that helps protect cells from damaging free radicals.Vitamin C may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and lower blood pressure.
Research published in Stroke showed that people with low vitamin C levels, especially obese men with high blood pressure, have a higher risk of stroke. Vitamin C may also help prevent or limit the duration of the common cold in some people, although studies are conflicting.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 1/4 cup raw lemon juice provides about 23.6 grams of vitamin C. That’s over 30 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
