Many people start their day with a glass of lukewarm water with lemon, believing it supports digestion, weight loss, detoxifies the body, and boosts immunity. But do these claims really hold up? What does science say about this popular habit? While lemon water is healthy and harmless, it’s not a miracle cure. It can definitely be part of a healthy routine, especially if it replaces sugary drinks. But is it really a weight-loss booster? The answer is a bit more nuanced.
Lemon Water: A Healthier Choice, Not a Miracle Cure
A glass of water with a splash of lemon juice is a far better choice than many packaged drinks. For example, a carton of orange juice can contain up to six sugar cubes’ worth of sugar. Lemon water is a healthier alternative, and dietitian and researcher Kirsten Berk (Erasmus MC) agrees it’s better than soda or juice. However, she points out there’s no evidence lemon water flattens your stomach. Its benefits are often exaggerated. The real impact is when you use lemon water as a substitute for calorie-rich beverages.
The basics of weight loss remain the same: you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. No single drink—lemon water included—will melt away belly fat on its own. Weight loss happens throughout the body, and it’s about the bigger picture: what you eat, how much you move, and your overall lifestyle.
The Real Benefits of Drinking Water
Lemon water does offer benefits—mainly by helping you stay hydrated, which is essential. Drinking water can help your body function well, and having water before a meal can make you feel fuller, so you may eat less. Multiple studies confirm this. But it’s the water, not the lemon, that has the positive effects. So, if you simply prefer plain water, drink that!
Dietitian Nicole Hendriks (Maastricht UMC+) notes lemons have recently been given a kind of “superfood” status, but this is an overstatement. “It’s just a lemon,” she says. Compared to other fruits, there’s nothing magical about lemons. They’re healthy, but not extraordinary.
Lemons contain pectin, a fiber that helps digestion, but most of this is in the pulp, not the juice. If you only use lemon juice, you’re missing out on the fiber. Eating a whole fruit, like an apple or mandarin, will give you more fiber and vitamins than lemon water ever could.
Your Body Detoxes Without the Lemon
Many people believe lemon water helps “detoxify” the body. According to nutrition scientist Trudy Voortman (Erasmus MC), this simply isn’t true. Food plays a minimal role in body detoxification—your liver and kidneys do the job all day, every day, on their own. Staying hydrated is important for these organs to function optimally, but plain water (or tea or other calorie-free drinks) works just as well as lemon water.
How about vitamin C? Lemons are often recommended for their vitamin C content, but the juice of half a lemon in your morning water doesn’t provide a substantial amount. It’s a little boost, but not enough to truly make a difference.
Healthy for Your Body—But Be Careful with Your Teeth
Lemon water is a healthier choice than soda or juice, and can fit well into a balanced diet if it replaces sugary drinks. However, lemon is acidic and can damage your tooth enamel over time, especially if you drink it often or all day long.
To minimize risk, use a straw when drinking lemon water, then rinse your mouth with plain water afterward. Don’t brush your teeth immediately; wait at least half an hour so you don’t damage the softened enamel.
Summary: Lemon Water Is Healthy, But Not Miraculous
A morning glass of lemon water is a good choice, particularly if it helps you drink more water and avoid sweetened drinks. It can be a refreshing way to start the day. But don’t expect major changes in your weight or health from this habit alone. Real weight loss is always about a combination of balanced diet, proper exercise, and healthy habits—not about one special drink. Lemon water can be part of the routine, but it’s not magical. Keep your expectations realistic and do what feels right for your body!
Source: infovandaag.nl