Lemon water is simply the juice from lemons mixed with water.
The amount of lemon you use depends on your personal preference, and this drink can be enjoyed either cold or hot.
Some people also choose to add lemon rind, mint leaf or other ingredients.
Lemon water has become a popular morning beverage, since it’s been claimed to help improve your mood, energy levels, immune system and metabolic health.
Benefits
Lemon water packs in a range of benefits.
Antioxidants
Lemon water contains other beneficial substances, and is a source of plant compounds called flavonoids.
Many have antioxidant properties that appear to help protect your cells from damage.
Flavonoids from citrus fruits are often linked with benefits for blood circulation, insulin sensitivity and other aspects of metabolic health
Bottom Line: Lemon water contains compounds that may protect your cells and improve metabolic health. However, human studies are needed.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are solid mineral formations that collect in the kidneys.
The most common type is made of a substance called calcium oxalate, and is typically treated with a compound called citrate.
Increasing the amount of citrate in your urine is thought to prevent calcium from binding with other compounds and forming stones.
In short, citrate restores the urine’s ability to prevent kidney stone formation.
Lemon water contains high amounts of citrate, and numerous human studies have found it can successfully help treat kidney stones.
It appears to be most effective when used alongside potassium citrate, the supplement form of citrate. However, lemon water may also be a good alternative for those who don’t tolerate potassium citrate as a first-line treatment.
Drinking plenty of water is known to have benefits for:
Weight loss: Increases feelings of fullness and boosts metabolism slightly, which can help with weight loss.
Mental health: Optimizes mood and memory.
Digestive health: Helps relieve constipation.
Exercise performance: Improves athletic performance.
