Lemon water is the easiest way to lose weight and stay healthy. There is a lot of talk about it in forums dedicated to the fight against excess weight. Today we will talk about how lemon water helps you get rid of extra pounds, how effective it is in this matter and whether there are any contraindications. Let's note right away that it is better to lose weight using a special program.
Lemon water: 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 harming your health. Experts usually note that this drink has the following positive properties: it improves blood circulation, accelerates metabolism, and preserves vitality. In addition, lemon water can be beneficial for pregnant and lactating women.
Composition and caloric content of lemon water
The composition of this drink is as simple as possible - water and lemon or lemon juice. Therefore, this cocktail contains the same vitamins found in lemons. Among them: ascorbic acid, vitamins A and B2, flavonoid, thiamin, potassium, fiber, as well as organic acids.
The drink can be safely considered low-calorie, because 100 ml contains only 1. 2 kcal. 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 shrouded in myths and legends. Among the most common are the following:
- It helps to get rid of excess weight. It is worth noting that this water will not be a magic wand. It is not enough to just drink water and wait for a miracle. Losing weight is first and foremost a comprehensive approach.
- Stimulates liver function. There is actually no official data to support this.
- Lemon water prevents dehydration. This is true just like any other liquid.
- It increases the amount of vitamin C, calcium and iron in the blood. This is also true, but the level of substances increases slightly.
- Lemon water strengthens immunity. That's still true, but you'll need to drink lots and lots of water to kind of boost your immunity.
Despite many myths and misconceptions, lemon water remains the favorite drink of all slimming girls.
Benefits and harms
Experts are still debating and researching the benefits and harms of water. Lemon water can have the following beneficial effects:
- improved digestion, accelerated metabolism;
- normalization of liver function, bile flow is normalized thanks to lemon juice;
- removes swelling;
- People suffering from diabetes can drink lemon water to reduce sugar levels;
- helps restore blood pressure;
- strengthens blood vessels and makes them elastic. Lemon water will be a good preventive measure for diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- increases immunity;
- removes toxins and toxins;
- thins the blood, preventing the development of varicose veins and thrombosis;
- helps maintain visual acuity, prevents the development of cataracts.
However, if not used correctly, it can cause significant harm to the body. First, acid can seriously irritate the stomach lining and also damage tooth enamel. Some people note the appearance of sensitivity of the teeth to heat or cold. The following symptoms are also often observed:
- Heartburn.
- Allergic reactions.
- Headache, nervousness, fatigue. This may be due to low glucose levels.
- Stomach pain.
To minimize the risk of such situations, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of lemon juice.
Lemon juice for weight loss
In more and more forums, people are discussing "magic" water for weight loss. Many incredible facts are attributed to him, but still you should not hope for a miracle effect. It is very important to observe the proportions when preparing water to activate metabolic processes. If you want to lose weight, you should not drink cold water. 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. But people with 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.
Can you drink lemon water during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Lemon water has various effects on the female body. Its regular use has a positive effect on the reproductive system, helps restore hormonal levels, and facilitates well-being during menopause or painful periods.
Lemon also helps maintain the beauty and elasticity of a woman's skin, prevents the first signs of aging and strengthens her hair.
Pregnant women can take this drink because it helps to protect immunity, improves digestion, and also reduces toxicosis attacks. Lemon has a beneficial effect on the fetus, the child will develop a healthy nervous and skeletal system.
It should be noted that during breastfeeding, all positive aspects become sharply negative. Citrus is a strong allergen, so it is better not to risk, breast milk, even with a small lemon, can harm the baby.
How to drink lemon water correctly
Like any product, lemon juice should be consumed properly. Only in this case the maximum effect can be achieved. Often, experts define the following universal rules:
- The freshness of the drink should not raise any questions. Ideally, you should prepare the drink immediately before drinking it.
- Also, the first dose should be 30 minutes before and 20-30 minutes after a meal. In no case should you drink food with a citrus drink.
- You should not drink more than 200 ml at a time.
- It is best to drink water through a straw to avoid damaging the tooth enamel. And brush your teeth after the meeting.
There are also recommendations on the timing of lemon intake. It is very important to pay attention to it for people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases.
Water with lemon on an empty stomach in the morning
Lemon water on an empty stomach can be very useful, as it helps activate metabolic processes and cleanses the body. Citrus fruits also have a refreshing effect. You can give up tea and coffee by regularly taking it in the morning.
In addition, lemon cocktail perfectly quenches thirst and restores the body after illness. In the morning, the body may be severely dehydrated. It needs water to flush out toxins and also to rejuvenate cells. Lemon in the morning helps the kidneys work more efficiently.
Lemon juice helps digestion. For example, it can regulate the secretion of gastric juice. It helps to clean 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 the nerves and improve the quality of sleep. If you drink a glass (200 ml) at night, then even at night the body will continue to break down fat. In the morning, intestinal peristalsis will be ready for active work.
Which lemon juice is better to drink: hot or cold?
You can add lemon to both cold and hot water. It won't make much difference. A cooler drink will quench your thirst perfectly. But the most effective for weight loss is warm liquid. Thanks to the warm temperature, digestion is accelerated, and warm water does not irritate the mucous membrane.
If we are talking about hot water in particular, it should be noted that hot water with excess lemon is not recommended. 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 juice
There is nothing easier than preparing such a mixture. It seems that mixing water and lemon is a simple recipe. However, there are many different variations to diversify the taste of your drink.
Classic recipe
One hundred percent classic is the use of only 2 simple components. Juice ½ a lemon and then just fill it with hot water. It is best to use filtered water without gas.
You can also use a slightly more advanced recipe for weight loss. For this, you need kiwi, 100 ml of water, a few sprigs of mint, parsley and a few slices of lemon. Before cooking, all ingredients should be washed and then cut into slices. Add everything to a blender and grind.
Water with lemon and honey
Selection with honey is a good remedy for sore throats, colds and supports the immune system. To prepare, you need 3 citrus fruits, 3-5 tablespoons of honey, 1. 5-2 liters of filtered water.
Lemon should be cut into slices and then filled with water. Heat the water a little (without boiling), add honey. Leave the container to brew for 2-3 hours.
Lemon juice with honey and ginger
Ginger is a great fat burner, so it's no wonder that ginger recipes are so popular with anyone trying to lose weight. The drink should 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 and a small piece of ginger. Fill all the products with water and put them in the refrigerator overnight.
Lemon drink with aloe
Homemade aloe juice will help improve the general condition of the body, make it stronger and strengthen the immune system. To prepare it, you need to put the homemade aloe leaves in the refrigerator for a day and then squeeze the juice from them. Note that there should be about 5 ml of aloe juice. Then add the juice to the classic lemon recipe. It should be taken as needed.
Water with lemon and cucumber
Lemon and cucumber are excellent means to normalize digestion. Take 2 liters of water, cucumber, lemon, a few sprigs of mint.
Then chop the cucumber into small pieces. You need to squeeze the juice from the citrus fruit. Then just add all the ingredients to the water. It is necessary to drink 2 liters of drink per day and prepare more in the evening, but only the next day.
You can add thyme and rosemary instead of mint.
Water with lemon and turmeric
It is recommended to take a cocktail to prevent viral diseases.
Prepare: 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, then mixed with all ingredients. Leave the drink to brew for 3-5 minutes and then drink it hot.
Mint juice with lemon
To prepare, you will need: 1. 5 liters of water, citrus fruits, a few sprigs of mint.
Cut the lemon into slices, add mint to the container and then fill it with water. The drink should be brewed in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours.
Thoughts on lemon water
You can find many different opinions about this cocktail on the forums. Many agree that you shouldn't expect a big miracle. Lemon water does not melt away kilograms. But if you use it together with proper nutrition, you can lose 5 kilograms in a month without harming your health.
Expert opinion
It is very important to drink enough fluids during the weight loss process. Lemon improves the taste of clean water, so one can drink it with great pleasure and in the right amount. At the same time, lemon is a source of vitamins necessary for humans. However, drinking lemon water, no matter how it is prepared, does not reduce weight.