A preparation of warm lemon water can be consumed on an empty stomach, before starting our daily activities. It is an infusion with important health benefits that we share in this article.
The consumption of lemon water on an empty stomach became popular due to the many benefits attributed to both maintaining a healthy weight and promoting health. However, in this regard, it is important to make some clarifications to break myths that can be harmful.
In this sense, it is first convenient to know that it is not a miracle drink or one with powerful effects; Although it provides small amounts of nutrients, it is not the only treatment or preventive against diseases. On the other hand, the fact of taking it on an empty stomach has little relevance.
Despite this, including it as part of the regular diet can be useful to keep us hydrated and benefit from the properties of the lemon. Whether you take it at the start of the day or throughout the day, it can provide some benefits. Below we detail them.
Lemon water on an empty stomach to hydrate our body
The consumption of lemon water on an empty stomach, or at any other time of the day, can contribute to the hydration of the body. As a study published in Nutrition Reviews indicates , water intervenes in processes that are determining for health. In fact, it is considered the most important nutrient, as its absence would be fatal in a few days.
Now, in this case, when combined with lemon, it provides a small contribution of nutrients such as:
- Vitamin C
- Sugars
- Dietary fiber
- Potassium
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Thiamine
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Match
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Riboflavin
- Pantothenic acid
It should be noted, among other things, that this “plus” of nutrients helps protect the body against the effects of dehydration. Therefore, to quench your thirst, lemon water is a good option.
Lemon water to combat constipation
Lemon water is not a cure for constipation but it can help. Both the water and the fiber that the lemon contains help to improve the functioning of the intestinal transit.
We recommend drinking warm, almost hot water, combined with the juice of half a lemon. Citrus fruits and hot water allow us to reduce retentions and soften feces.
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Less risk of kidney stones
There is no solid scientific evidence to support the consumption of warm lemon water on an empty stomach as a preventive for kidney stones. In fact, the best is still leading a healthy lifestyle, especially regarding diet.
Despite this, some findings have suggested that citric acid may be useful for the prevention of this problem, since it increases the volume of urine and its pH, altering the environment that favors the formation of stones.
Bad breath reduction
The best way to avoid bad breath is by maintaining proper oral hygiene habits . However, when this symptom appears, drinking lemon water can help. Apparently, lemon stimulates saliva and water hydrates the body to avoid problems such as the dry mouth.
On the other hand, as observed in research published in Biomedicines , citrus fruits such as lemon contain antimicrobial substances that could be useful to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Lemon water for weight loss
There is no miracle formula for weight loss. Therefore, you must break this false belief that consuming lemon water on an empty stomach helps burn fat. In this regard, it should be said that this drink is only a supplement to the diet.
While lemon flavonoids and nutrients have shown positive effects on weight control in animal studies , human evidence is limited. Despite this, it should be noted that both the water and the fiber that lemons provide are healthy within a plan to lose weight.
Helps care for the skin
The vitamin C and antioxidant content of lemon water can help prevent premature aging . For one thing, water helps keep skin hydrated and firm. On the other hand, the nutrients of the lemon favor the formation of collagen and protect against damage caused by the sun.
Although the evidence is still limited, a study published in Food Chemistry determined that citrus-based drinks could help prevent the premature appearance of wrinkles.
Lemon water to strengthen your immune system
Ingesting this natural drink as part of the diet can make a small contribution to keeping the immune system strong. The reason? Its significant contribution of vitamin C. As highlighted by research published in Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, vitamin C supplementation improves the components of the human immune system and reduces the risk of infections.
Definitely
Drinking lemon water can help promote well-being and whether or not you consume it on an empty stomach is of little relevance. However, it should not be attributed miraculous properties.
It must always be clear that it must be incorporated into a healthy eating plan, adapted to our needs. In addition, in the case of illness, it is essential to follow medical treatment.