Lemon water is the easiest way to lose weight and stay healthy. There is a lot of talk about this in forums dedicated to combating excess weight. Today we will talk about how lemon water helps to lose extra pounds, how effective it is in this matter and whether there are any contraindications. Let's note right away that it is best to lose weight with the help of a special program.
Water with lemon: benefits and harms, recipes, how to drink
According to many doctors, lemon water can actually be beneficial. It is important to take some precautions to avoid harm to your health. Experts often note that this drink has the following positive properties: it improves blood circulation, speeds up metabolism and maintains vitality. Additionally, lemon water can be beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Composition and calorie content of water with lemon
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 safely be considered low-calorie, as there are only 1. 2 kcal in 100 ml. Even if you add honey, the calorie content will not increase much. In this case, it will be about 10-11 kcal.
Myths about lemon water
Lemon water has long been steeped in myths and legends. Among the most common are the following:
- Helps to get rid of excess weight. It is worth noting that this water will not be a magic wand. It's not enough to just drink water and expect a miracle. Losing weight is primarily a comprehensive approach.
- 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.
- Increases the content of vitamin C, calcium and iron in the blood. This is also true, but the level of substances increases slightly.
- Water with lemon improves immunity. This is still true, however, you will have to drink lots and lots of this water to somehow strengthen your immunity.
Despite many myths and misconceptions, water with lemon remains the favorite drink of all girls who are losing weight.
Benefits and harms
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, bile outflow is normalized;
- relieves swelling;
- People suffering from diabetes can drink lemon water to reduce sugar levels;
- helps restore blood pressure;
- strengthens blood vessels, making them elastic. Water with lemon will be a good preventive measure for diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- increases immunity;
- removes waste and toxins;
- thins the blood, preventing the development of varicose veins and thrombosis;
- helps maintain visual acuity, preventing the development of cataracts.
However, if used incorrectly, it can cause significant damage to the body. Firstly, the acid can seriously irritate the gastric mucosa and also damage tooth enamel. Some people notice the appearance of hypersensitivity of their teeth to heat or cold. The following symptoms are also frequently observed:
- Heartburn.
- Allergic reactions.
- Headaches, irritability, fatigue. This may be due to a drop in glucose levels.
- Stomachache.
To minimize the risk of such conditions, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of lemon juice.
Lemon water for weight loss
Increasingly, on forums people discuss "magic" water for weight loss. Many incredible facts are attributed to her, but still you should not expect a miraculous effect. It is very important to maintain proportions when preparing water to activate metabolic processes. You shouldn't 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 need to drink 200-250 ml on an empty stomach. However, people who have stomach problems should be careful. For example, ulcers, gastritis, increased acidity. Nutritionists note that it is necessary to drink up to 2 liters of liquid per day.
Lemon is able to 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 several 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 hair.
Pregnant women can drink this drink as it helps maintain immunity, improves digestion and also reduces bouts of intoxication. Lemon has a beneficial effect on the fetus: the child will develop a healthy nervous and skeletal system.
It is worth noting that during breastfeeding all positive aspects become clearly negative. Citrus fruits are a strong allergen, so it's 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:
- The freshness of the drink should not raise any doubts. The ideal is to prepare the drink immediately before drinking.
- Furthermore, the first dose should be taken 30 minutes before meals and 20-30 minutes after. Under no circumstances should you drink foods with citrus drinks.
- 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 your appointment, brush your teeth.
There are also recommendations regarding when to take lemon. It is very important to pay attention to this 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 an illness. It is in the morning that the body can become very thirsty. It needs water to remove 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. It helps cleanse the liver and has a cleansing effect on the respiratory tract.
Lemon water at night
You can drink this cocktail at night. In this case, it will help calm your nerves and improve your sleep quality. If you drink a glass (200 ml) at night, 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 it is the hot liquid that is most effective for losing weight. It is thanks to the hot temperature that digestion is accelerated, while warm water does not irritate the mucous membrane.
If we talk specifically about boiling water, it is important to note that it is not recommended to boil water that already contains lemon. This can destroy all the beneficial properties of vitamin C. But you can add lemon to boiling water, so all the beneficial effects will be preserved inside the fruit.
How to make lemon water
There is nothing easier than preparing this mixture. It seems that mixing water and lemon is a simple recipe. However, there are many different variations on how to diversify the flavor of your drink.
Classic recipe
One hundred percent classic is the use of just 2 simple components. You need to extract the juice from ½ lemon and then simply fill it with warm water. It is best to use still filtered water.
You can also use a slightly more advanced weight loss recipe. 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 the blender and grind.
Water with lemon and honey
The honey option is a good remedy for sore throats, colds and helps the immune system. To prepare you need 3 citrus fruits, 3-5 spoons of honey, 1. 5-2 liters of filtered water.
The lemon needs to be cut into slices and then filled with water. Heat the water a little (without boiling), add the honey. Leave the container to infuse 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 those who are losing weight. The drink must 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 one lemon, a small piece of ginger. Fill all products with water and refrigerate overnight.
Lemon drink with aloe
Homemade aloe vera juice will help improve the general condition of the body, make it more resilient and strengthen the immune system. To prepare, you will need to place homemade aloe leaves in the refrigerator for a day and then squeeze the juice from them. Note that you should drink about 5 ml of aloe vera juice. Then add juice to the classic lemon recipe. It should be taken as needed.
Water with lemon and cucumber
Lemon and cucumber are an excellent way to normalize digestion. Take 2 liters of water, cucumber, lemon and a few sprigs of mint.
Then finely chop the cucumber. You need to squeeze the juice from the citrus fruits. Then just add all the ingredients to the water. You need to drink 2 liters of the drink per day, and prepare more in the evening, but the next day.
Instead of mint, you can add thyme and rosemary.
Water with lemon and turmeric
Taking the cocktail is recommended to prevent viral diseases.
Preparation: ¼ teaspoon of turmeric, 200-250 ml of warm water, ½ citrus juice, ½ tablespoon of honey, a little cinnamon.
Juice is squeezed from citrus fruits, water is heated to 50 degrees and then mixed with all the ingredients. Let the drink steep for 3-5 minutes and then drink it while it is hot.
Water with lemon and mint
To prepare you will need: 1. 5 liters of water, citrus fruits, a few sprigs of mint.
Cut the lemon into slices, place the mint in the container and fill with water. The drink must be infused for 4 to 5 hours in the refrigerator.
Opinions about lemon water
On the forums you can find many different opinions about this cocktail. Many agree that one should not expect a great miracle. Water with lemon does not melt kilograms. But if you use it along with proper nutrition, you can easily lose 5 kilos in a month without harm to your health.
Opinion of an 'expert
During the weight loss process, it is very important to drink plenty of fluids. Lemon improves the taste of clean water, so that the 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 water with lemon, in any form of preparation, does not reduce weight.