Lemon water has blown up on the internet, endorsed by celebrities and influencers for its supposed health benefits. Having a glass of water with lemon in it is said to aid in digestion and detoxification. It can be a weight loss aid, and boost in vitamin C, energy, and mood. The one lemon slice can also refresh skin and heal the body.
But how true are these health claims?
When we dig into the actual benefits of lemon in water, we see they are much less impressive than it seems. While there are benefits from lemon water, most of them come from the water itself. The lemon can add some flavor, but the amount of lemon that gets in the water is negligible.
Lemon doesn’t contain much pectin, a fiber, so it doesn’t help you stay full longer, therefore losing more weight. Detox drinks also aren’t supported by science - a better way to regulate your body is eating fiber, drinking water, and exercising. Another myth is lemon water boosting the immune system. No foods are known to boost immune cells, so lemons can’t be expected to help. Lemon can also erode the teeth for its high acidity. Drinking lemon water through a straw can prevent this.
Lemons can, however, help get some potassium and vitamin C in your system. Make sure to squeeze the lemon, not just throwing it in the water. Nutrition-wise, you could get about 5% of your daily needs of vitamin C maximum from a slice of lemon in your water which isn’t much. Overall, feel free to put a lemon in your water for flavoring, but don’t expect it to work miracles.