Drinking water with lemon on an empty stomach, is it really beneficial?

Drinking lemon water on an empty stomach is said to help you lose weight, prevent colds, eliminate toxins, or even help prevent cancer, but are all these myths true?

Real benefits of lemon (not lemon water)

The lemon has many beneficial propertiess, but not above other citrus or vegetables. Take a lemon water juice is not a problem, as long as no extraordinary properties are attributed to it. Being a citrus it is very rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium and magnesium. One of its most interesting components are flavonoids, specifically hesperidin, which has vasoprotective properties. Who is lemon good for?

• People with a tendency to thrombosis, edema, varicose veins, etc.: the flavonoids of this citrus reinforce the wall of the capillaries, give greater elasticity to the arteries and improve venous circulation. In addition, they prevent platelet aggregation, providing an antithrombotic effect.
• People with iron deficiency anemia: the vitamin C that lemon contains favors the conversion of ferric iron into ferrous iron, making it more assimilable. The result is an acceleration of recovery.

TIP: In the case of drinking lemon water, remember that flavonoids are mainly found in the skin and white membrane before the pulp. Therefore, when preparing juice it is convenient to squeeze this part as well.

False benefits of lemon water

Helps to lose weight

Actually lemon water does not help to lose weight. This statement is based on a study conducted with mice, which were administered a high amount of flavonoids (much higher than those found in a glass of lemon water). However, to date, it has not been proven that lemon helps you lose weight or.

Prevent colds

A squeezed lemon provides approximately 35 mg of vitamin C, a third of that. So, a simple juice of water with lemon does not provide the minimum recommended Vitamin Cto.

Eliminate toxins

There is no scientific evidence to show that lemon water helps eliminate toxic substances in the body. In addition, the body already has the ability to purify those unwanted substances on its own.

Prevent cancer

Drink water with lemon will not help prevent cancer. The cancer Research Institute of the United States has already issued a statement denying the theories that attribute an alkaline diet to a.

Risks of lemon water

Due to the acidity of the lemon it can cause problems with tooth enamel, erosion or wear, even in advanced cases can damage the stability of the teeth. In addition, those people who suffer gastric ulcer They should avoid consuming lemon water continuously, as it increases the secretion of acids in the stomach.

• A squeezed lemon provides about 35 mg of vitamin C, a third of the recommended daily dose.
• In iron-deficiency anemia, it is advisable to consume a citrus fruit, due to its contribution of vitamin C.
• The US cancer Research Institute has denied that the alkaline diet helps prevent (includes water with lemon).

Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Specialist in pharmacology, nutrition and sports supplementation Master in Pediatric Nutrition in Sports Nutrition