Lemon water is the easiest way to lose weight and stay healthy. We talk about it a lot on forums dedicated to the fight against excess weight. Today we will talk about how lemon water helps you lose extra pounds, how effective it is in this matter and contraindications. Let's note right away that it is better to lose weight through a special program.
Lemon water: benefits and harms, recipes, how to drink
According to many doctors, lemon water may actually be beneficial. It is important to take certain precautions to avoid harming your health. Experts usually note that this drink has the following positive properties: improves blood circulation, accelerates metabolism and maintains vitality. Additionally, lemon water can benefit 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 all the same vitamins found in lemon. Among them: ascorbic acid, vitamins A and B2, flavonoids, thiamine, potassium, fiber, as well as organic acids.
The drink can be considered low-calorie, because per 100 ml there are only 1. 2 kcal. Even if you add honey, the calorie content will not increase much. In this case it will be approximately 10-11 kcal.
Lemon Water Myths
Lemon water has long been overgrown with myths and legends. Among the most common are:
- Helps get rid of excess weight. It should be noted that this water will not be a magic wand. It is not enough to drink water and then expect a miracle. Losing weight is above all a holistic approach.
- Stimulates liver function. There is actually no official data to support this.
- Lemon water helps prevent dehydration. That's right, just like any other liquid.
- Increases the content of vitamin C, calcium and iron in the blood. This is also true, but the level of substances increases slightly.
- Lemon water improves immunity. This is still true, however, you will need to drink lots and lots of this water in order to somehow boost your immunity.
Despite many myths and misconceptions, lemon water remains the favorite drink of every losing girl.
Advantages and disadvantages
Experts are still conducting debates and research on the benefits and harms of water. Lemon water may have the following beneficial effects:
- improved digestion, accelerated metabolism;
- normalization of liver function, thanks to lemon water, the outflow of bile is normalized;
- relieves swelling;
- People suffering from diabetes can drink lemon water to reduce their sugar levels;
- helps restore blood pressure;
- strengthens blood vessels, making them elastic. Lemon water will be a good preventive measure against diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- increases immunity;
- eliminates waste and toxins;
- thins the blood, preventing the development of varicose veins and thromboses;
- helps maintain visual acuity, preventing the development of cataracts.
However, if used incorrectly, it can cause significant harm to the body. First, the acid can severely irritate the stomach lining and also damage tooth enamel. Some people notice the appearance of dental hypersensitivity to hot or cold. The following symptoms are also often observed:
- Stomach pains.
- Allergic reactions.
- Headaches, irritability, fatigue. This may be due to a drop in glucose levels.
- Stomach ache.
To minimize the risk of such conditions, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of lemon juice.
Lemon water for weight loss
More and more often, on forums, people discuss "magic" water for weight loss. Many incredible facts are attributed to him, but we should not really hope for a miracle effect. It is very important to observe the proportions when preparing water in order to activate metabolic processes. You should not drink cold water if you want to lose weight. It is recommended to drink warm water, in this case it will normalize the acid-base balance and start metabolic processes. You should drink 200 to 250 ml on an empty stomach. However, people with stomach problems should be careful. For example, ulcers, gastritis, increased acidity. Nutritionists note that you need to drink up to 2 liters of fluid per day.
Lemon is able to eliminate 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 hormonal levels and facilitates well-being during menopause or painful periods.
Lemon also helps preserve the beauty and elasticity of women's skin, prevents the appearance of the first signs of aging and strengthens their hair.
Pregnant women can take this drink, as it helps maintain immunity, improves digestion, and also reduces attacks of toxicosis. Lemon has a beneficial effect on the fetus: the child will develop a healthy nervous and skeletal system.
It should be noted that during breastfeeding all positive aspects become sharply negative. Citrus fruits are a strong allergen, so it is better not to take risks: breast milk, even with a small lemon content, can harm the baby.
How to drink lemon water correctly
Like any product, lemon water must be consumed correctly. Only in this case can the maximum effect be achieved. Most often, experts identify the following universal rules:
- There should be no questions about the freshness of the drink. Ideally, you should prepare the drink immediately before drinking it.
- Additionally, the first dose should be administered 30 minutes before meals and 20 to 30 minutes afterward. In no case should you drink food with a citrus drink.
- You should not drink more than 200 ml at a time.
- To avoid damaging tooth enamel, it is best to drink water through a straw. And after the appointment, brush your teeth.
There are also recommendations related to when to take lemon. It is very important to pay attention to it for people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases.
Lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach
Lemon water on an empty stomach can be very beneficial, as it helps activate metabolic processes and cleanse the body. Citrus fruits also have an invigorating effect. By taking it regularly in the morning, you can give up tea and coffee.
In addition, lemon cocktail perfectly eliminates thirst and restores the body after illness. It is in the morning that the body can feel intense thirst. It needs water to eliminate toxins and also to rejuvenate cells. In the morning, lemon helps activate the kidneys for more efficient functioning.
Lemon juice helps with digestion. For example, it is able to regulate the secretion of gastric juice. Helps cleanse the liver and has a cleansing effect on the respiratory tract.
Lemon water in the evening
You can drink this cocktail in the evening. In this case, it will help calm the nerves and improve the quality of sleep. If you drink a glass (200 ml) in the evening, even at night, the body will continue to break down fats. And in the morning, intestinal peristalsis will be ready for active work.
Which lemon water is better to drink: hot or cold?
You can add lemon to cold and hot water. There won't be much difference. A cooler drink will perfectly quench your thirst. But hot liquid is the most effective for losing weight. It is thanks to the warm temperature that digestion is accelerated, while lukewarm water does not irritate the mucous membranes.
If we are talking specifically about boiling water, it should be noted that it is not recommended to boil water that already has lemon in it. This can destroy all the beneficial properties of vitamin C. But you can add lemon to boiling water so that all the beneficial effects are preserved inside the fruit.
How to make lemon water
There is nothing simpler than preparing such a mixture. It seems that mixing water and lemon is a simple recipe. However, there are many different variations to diversify the taste of your drink.
Classic recipe
A one hundred percent classic is the use of only 2 simple components. You need to extract the juice from half a lemon and 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. Put everything in a blender and grind.
Water with lemon and honey
The option with honey is a good remedy for sore throats, colds and supports the immune system. To prepare you need 3 citrus fruits, 3-5 tablespoons of honey and 1. 5-2 liters of filtered water.
The lemon should be cut into slices and then filled with water. Heat the water slightly (without boiling), add the honey. Let the container steep for 2 to 3 hours.
Lemon water with honey and ginger
Ginger is an excellent remedy for burning fat, so it is not surprising that the recipe with ginger is so loved by everyone who is losing weight. 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, a small piece of ginger. Fill all products with water and put them in the refrigerator overnight.
Lemon and aloe drink
Homemade aloe juice will help improve the general condition of the body, make it more resistant and strengthen the immune system. To prepare, you will need to put the homemade aloe leaves in the refrigerator for a day and then extract the juice. Please note that you should have around 5ml of aloe juice. Next, add juice to the classic lemon recipe. Should be taken as needed.
Water with lemon and cucumber
Lemon and cucumber are a great way to normalize digestion. Take 2 liters of water, cucumber, lemon, a few sprigs of mint.
Then finely chop the cucumber. You need to squeeze the juice from the citrus fruits. Then simply add all the ingredients to the water. You need to drink 2 liters of drink per day and prepare more in the evening, but the next day.
Instead of mint, you can add thyme and rosemary.
Lemon and turmeric water
Taking the cocktail is recommended to prevent viral diseases.
Prepare: ¼ teaspoon of turmeric, 200-250 ml of warm water, ½ citrus juice, ½ tablespoon of honey, a little cinnamon.
Juice is extracted from citrus fruits, water is heated to 50 degrees, then mixed with all the ingredients. Let the drink steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then drink while it is warm.
Lemon mint water
To prepare you will need: 1. 5 liters of water, citrus fruits, a few sprigs of mint.
Cut the lemon into slices, add the mint to the container, then fill with water. The drink should be infused for 4-5 hours in the refrigerator.
Lemon water reviews
On the forums you can find many different opinions about this cocktail. Many agree that one should not expect a great miracle. Lemon water does not melt away the pounds. But if you use it with proper nutrition, you can easily lose 5 kilograms in a month without harming your health.
Expert opinion
During the weight loss process, it is very important to drink enough fluids. Lemon improves the taste of clean water, so a person can drink it with great pleasure and in the right quantities. At the same time, lemon is a source of vitamins necessary for humans. However, drinking lemon water, regardless of its preparation form, does not reduce weight.