Lemon water is the easiest way to lose weight and stay healthy. There is a lot of talk about it in forums dedicated to the fight against excess weight. Today we will talk about how lemon water helps to get rid of extra pounds, how effective it is in this matter, and whether there are any contraindications. We note right away that it is better to lose weight with the help of a special program.
Lemon water: benefits and harms, recipes, how to drink it
According to many doctors, lemon water can actually be beneficial. It is important to take certain precautions to avoid harm to your health. Experts generally note that this drink has the following positive properties: it improves blood circulation, accelerates metabolism and maintains vitality. In addition, lemon water can be beneficial for pregnant and lactating women.
Composition and calorie content of lemon water
The composition of this drink is as simple as possible - water and lemon or lemon juice. Therefore, this cocktail contains the same vitamins as lemons. Among them: ascorbic acid, vitamins A and B2, flavonoids, thiamin, potassium, fiber and organic acids.
The drink can be safely considered low-calorie, since there are only 1. 2 kcal in 100 ml. Even if you add honey, the calorie content does not increase much. In this case, it will be about 10-11 kcal.
Myths about lemon water
Lemon water has long been overgrown with myths and legends. Some of the most common include:
- It helps to get rid of excess weight. It is worth paying attention that this water will not be a magic wand. It's not enough to just drink water and expect a miracle. Weight loss is primarily a comprehensive approach.
- It stimulates liver function. In fact, there is no official data to support this.
- Lemon water helps prevent dehydration. This is true like any other liquid.
- It increases the vitamin C, calcium and iron content of the blood. This is also true, but the level of materials increases slightly.
- Lemon water improves immunity. This is still true, but you need to drink a lot, a lot of this water to somehow boost your immunity.
Despite the many myths and misconceptions, lemon water is still the favorite drink of every slimming girl.
Advantages and disadvantages
Experts are still debating and researching the benefits and harms of water. Lemon water can have the following beneficial effects:
- improves digestion, accelerates metabolism;
- normalization of liver function, the outflow of bile is normalized thanks to lemon water;
- relieves swelling;
- People with diabetes can drink lemon water to lower sugar levels;
- helps restore blood pressure;
- strengthens the blood vessels and makes them flexible. Lemon water will be a good preventive measure for cardiovascular diseases;
- increases immunity;
- removes waste products and toxins;
- thins the blood, prevents the development of varicose veins and thrombosis;
- helps maintain visual acuity, prevents the formation of cataracts.
However, if it is used incorrectly, it can cause significant damage to the body, first of all, the acid strongly irritates the mucous membrane of the stomach and can also damage tooth enamel. Some people notice tooth sensitivity to heat or cold. The following symptoms are also often observed:
- Heartburn.
- Allergic reactions.
- Headache, irritability, fatigue. This may be due to a decrease in glucose levels.
- Abdominal pain.
To minimize the risk of such conditions, the concentration of lemon juice should be reduced.
Lemon water for weight loss
On the forums, people talk more and more often about "magic" water for weight loss. Many incredible facts are attributed to it, but you should not really hope for a miracle effect. It is very important to maintain the proportions when preparing the water in order to activate the metabolic processes. Do not drink cold water if you want to lose weightwant to. It is recommended to drink warm water, in this case it normalizes the acid-base balance and starts the metabolic processes. You should drink 200-250 ml on an empty stomach. However, people suffering from stomach problems should be careful. For example, ulcers, gastritis, increased acidity. The nutritionalexperts note that you should drink no more than 2 liters of liquid per day.
Lemon can remove waste and toxins. The fruit also has a fat-burning effect, thanks to which, as supporters of lemon water say, you can get rid of 5 kg in 3-4 weeks of use.
Is it possible to drink lemon water during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Lemon water has many effects on the female body. Its regular consumption has a positive effect on the reproductive system, helps restore hormone levels, and eases well-being during menopause or painful periods.
Lemon also helps women maintain the beauty and elasticity of their skin, prevents the first signs of aging and strengthens their hair.
Pregnant women can also consume this drink, as it helps maintain immunity, improves digestion, and also reduces toxicosis attacks. Lemon has a beneficial effect on the fetus, the child develops a healthy nervous and skeletal system.
It is worth noting that during breastfeeding, all positive sides become sharply negative. Citrus fruits are a strong allergen, so it is better not to risk it, breast milk even with a small lemon content can harm the baby.
How to drink lemon water correctly
Like all products, lemon water must be consumed correctly. Only in this case can the maximum effect be achieved. Most often, experts identify the following universal rules:
- The freshness of the drink should not raise any questions. Ideally, you should prepare the drink right before drinking.
- In addition, the first dose should be taken 30 minutes before a meal and 20-30 minutes after a meal. Under no circumstances should you drink food with a citrus drink.
- You may drink no more than 200 ml at a time.
- To avoid damaging the tooth enamel, it is best to drink water through a straw. And after the appointment, brush your teeth.
There are also recommendations for when to take lemon. It is very important to pay attention to this for those who suffer from gastrointestinal diseases.
Water with lemon in the morning on an empty stomach
Lemon water can be very beneficial on an empty stomach, as it helps to activate metabolic processes and cleanses the body. Citrus also has an invigorating effect. By taking breakfast regularly, you can give up tea and coffee.
In addition, lemon cocktail perfectly quenches thirst and restores the body after illness. In the morning, the body may feel very thirsty. You need water to remove toxins and rejuvenate your cells. In the morning, lemon helps to activate the kidneys for more efficient functioning.
Lemon juice helps digestion. For example, it can regulate the secretion of gastric juice. It helps to cleanse the liver and has a cleansing effect on the respiratory tract.
Lemon water in the evening
You can also enjoy this cocktail in the evening. In this case, it helps calm the nerves and improves the quality of sleep. If you drink a glass (200 ml) at night, the body will continue to break down fats even at night. And in the morning, intestinal peristalsis is ready for active work.
Which lemon water is better to drink: hot or cold?
Lemon can be added to both cold and hot water. It won't make much of a difference. A cooler drink perfectly quenches thirst. But warm liquid is the most effective for weight loss. The warm temperature speeds up digestion, while the warm water does not irritate the mucous membrane.
If we are talking specifically about boiling water, it is worth noting that boiling water that already contains lemons is not recommended. This can destroy all the beneficial properties of vitamin C. However, you can add lemon to the boiling water, so that all its beneficial effects remain in the fruit.
How to make lemon water
Nothing is easier than making such a mixture. Mixing water and lemon seems like a simple recipe. However, there are many different variations on how to make the drink taste more varied.
A classic recipe
One hundred percent classic is that only 2 simple components are used. You need to extract the juice of half a lemon, then simply fill it with warm water. It is best to use filtered water without gas.
You can also use a slightly more advanced recipe for weight loss. For this, you will need kiwi, 100 ml of water, a few sprigs of mint, parsley and a few slices of lemon. Before cooking, all ingredients must be washed and then cut into slices. Add everything to a blender and grind.
Water with lemon and honey
The honey option is a good remedy for sore throats, colds and supports the immune system. To make it, you need 3 citrus fruits, 3-5 tablespoons of honey, 1. 5-2 liters of filtered water.
The lemon must be cut into slices and then filled with water. Heat the water slightly (without boiling), add the honey. Let the container soak for 2-3 hours.
Lemon water with honey and ginger
Ginger is an excellent fat burner, so it is not surprising that recipes containing ginger are loved by all dieters. The drink should be prepared in the evening, but it is better to drink it in the morning. For 2 liters of water, you need the juice of a lemon and a small piece of ginger. Fill all the products with water and put them in the refrigerator overnight.
Lemon drink with aloe
Homemade aloe juice improves the general condition of the body, makes it more resistant and strengthens the immune system. To prepare it, you need to put the leaves of homemade aloe in the refrigerator for a day, and then squeeze the juice out of them. Please note that there should be about 5 ml of aloe juice. Then add juice to the classic lemon recipe. It should be taken as needed.
Water with lemon and cucumber
Lemons and cucumbers are an excellent way to normalize digestion. Take 2 liters of water, cucumber, lemon and a few sprigs of mint.
Then cut the cucumber into small pieces. The juice must be squeezed out of the citrus fruits. Then simply add all the ingredients to the water. You need to drink 2 liters of the drink per day, and make more in the evening, but the next day.
Instead of mint, we can add thyme and rosemary.
Water with lemon and turmeric
Taking the cocktail is recommended to prevent viral diseases.
Preparation: ¼ teaspoon turmeric, 200-250 ml warm water, ½ citrus juice, ½ tablespoon honey, a little cinnamon.
Squeeze the juice from the citrus fruits, heat the water to 50 degrees, then mix with all the ingredients. Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes, then drink while warm.
Lemon mint water
To prepare it, you will need: 1. 5 liters of water, citrus fruits, a few sprigs of mint.
Cut the lemon into slices, add mint to the container, then fill with water. The drink should be infused for 4-5 hours in the refrigerator.
Reviews of lemon water
On the forums, you can find many opinions about this cocktail. Many people agree that you shouldn't expect a big miracle. Lemon water does not melt away kilograms. But when used together with proper nutrition, you can easily lose 5 kilograms in a month without harming your health.
Expert opinion
When losing weight, it is very important to drink enough fluids. Lemon improves the taste of clean water, so you can drink it with great pleasure and in the right amount. At the same time, lemons are a source of vitamins necessary for humans. However, drinking lemon water, no matter how it is prepared, does not reduce weight.