Is Lemon Water Good for You? The Pros and Cons

By Alina Fridman

When life gives you lemons, should you make drinking lemon water part of your daily routine? Well, it depends. There are some pros and cons to consider before downing a glass of lemon water every day. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of drinking lemon water so that you can decide for yourself if it's right for you.

Pro: Improves Digestion

Lemon water can help ease indigestion and nausea. The citric acid in lemons can help break down food, making it easier to digest. Additionally, lemon water can help to relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements.

Pro: Aids in Weight Loss

Drinking lemon water may help you lose weight. One study showed that people who drank two cups of water before each meal lost more weight than those who didn't drink any water at all. Lemon water can help fill you up and prevent you from overeating. Additionally, the pectin in lemons can help regulate blood sugar levels, which can also aid in weight loss.

Pro: Healthy Skin

The antioxidants in lemon juice can help reduce wrinkles and blemishes, giving you healthier skin. Lemons can also help reduce the appearance of scars. To get the most benefit for your skin, try squeezing a lemon into your water first thing in the morning.

Pro: Good Source of Vitamin C

Lemons are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Vitamin C can help fight off infection and disease. Additionally, it helps the body to repair tissue damage.

Pro: Boosts Energy Levels

Lemon water can help increase your energy levels. The electrolytes in lemon juice can help hydrate your body and improve your muscle function. Additionally, the Vitamin C in lemons can help reduce fatigue and increase your overall endurance.

Pro: Freshens Breath

Lemon water can help freshen your breath. The citric acid in lemons can kill bacteria in your mouth, preventing bad breath. To get the most benefit, drink a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning or after meals.

So, there are some potential benefits to drinking lemon water that make it worth considering as part of your daily routine. However, there are also some downsides to consider before making it a habit.

Con: Lemons are Acidic

Lemon water is quite acidic, with a pH of 2.2. This acidity can erode tooth enamel, so it's important to brush your teeth after drinking lemon water. You may also want to consider using a straw to avoid contact between the lemon juice and your teeth.

Con: May Cause Heartburn

Because lemon juice is so acidic, it can sometimes cause heartburn. If you find that drinking lemon water gives you heartburn, try reducing the amount of lemon juice you use or drinking your lemon water after meals instead of before them. You might also want to avoid drinking hot lemon water, which can worsen heartburn.

Con: Affects Blood Sugar Levels

Lemon juice can affect your blood sugar levels because of its high acid content. If you have diabetes, you should be especially careful when drinking lemon water. You might want to avoid it altogether or at least drink it in moderation.

Con: Can Interact with Certain Medications

Lemon water can interact with some medications, making them less effective. If you're taking any medication, be sure to check with your doctor before drinking lemon water to make sure it won't interfere with your medication.

Con: Not Enough Evidence to Support Health Claims

There is not a lot of scientific evidence to support the health claims made about lemon water. While there are some potential benefits, more research is needed to confirm these claims.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to drink lemon water every day is up to you. If you're looking for a way to add a little boost of Vitamin C to your diet or you're hoping to promote weight loss, then drinking lemon water could be a good option. However, if you're concerned about the potential adverse effects, then it's best to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

What do you think? Is lemon water good for you? Let us know in the comments below.