Asking any celebrity, and it seems like drinking lemon water in the morning is the secret to looking good. Gisele Bündchen starts every day with a lukewarm cup, while Jennifer Aniston and Naomi Campbell like theirs hot. Beyoncé loves her lemon water so much, she even invested in it.
Of course we all want a simple and uncomplicated magic remedy that can instantly improve our health. Even better if it can give us glowy skin. But is drinking lemon water really the answer?
What is lemon water?
Lemon water isn’t some kind of fancy lemonade. We’re literally talking about water with fresh (!) lemon juice. “Lemon water has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic healing and nutrition to keep the body healthy,” says Ayurvedic physician Vaidya Kalyan Indukuri. “It can be easily made with lemons and has numerous benefits.”
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The benefits of drinking lemon water
Water with lemon can stimulate digestion, according to Indukuri. “This is due to the high proportion of insoluble fiber,” the expert explains, “which is mainly due to the pectin it contains.” According to a small study, the acidity of the lemon also stimulates the secretion of gastric juices—a digestive fluid in the stomach that can help break down food.
“Lemon water helps to regulate the water balance,” says Indukuri. “This allows the body’s cells to regenerate faster—which is also great for improving the appearance of the skin.” The vitamin C in the lemon juice can support clear and firm skin, as it promotes collagen promotion. Vitamin C also fights free radicals that can harm the skin. Of course, a squeeze of lemon isn’t going to make a huge impact…but it’s certainly a start.
For us, this is one of the most compelling reasons to drink lemon water: “As an antioxidant, the vitamin C it contains also boosts the immune system,” says Indukuri. So you can prevent colds—or at least support the immune system during one—with lemon water.
But remember, according to the NHS, adults need 40 mg of vitamin C per day. The juice of a whole lemon contains just under 25 mg of vitamin C. So while this is a good start, it doesn’t cover the entire daily requirement to sufficiently support the immune system. You’ll still want to eat plenty of other foods that are rich in vitamin C, like bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli.
Lemon water in the morning or at night: which is best?
“It’s best to drink a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning,” says Indukuri. “At night, the body switches to renewal and detoxification. In the morning, the accumulated toxins can then be better excreted with the lemon water while at the same time, the vitamin C and the minerals it contains allow us to take in many healthy ingredients.”
Is lemon water in the evening harmful? “No, but the positive effects are simply stronger in the morning,” says Indukuri.
What’s the difference between cold or hot lemon water?
Stars often say they like to drink their lemon water hot or lukewarm, but Indukuri says it depends on your body and constitution. If you’re not sure, the expert says, “you certainly can’t go wrong with lukewarm water.”
How to make lemon water
What you need:
- 200 ml lukewarm water
- Lemon juice of half a lemon
- 1-2 tsp honey (optional)
Method:
Heat 200 ml of water to lukewarm temperature. Then add the juice of half a lemon. Stir both together. Optional: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey. Note: If you make the water too hot, important vitamins and minerals—such as vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid—might be lost. The magic limit for preparing lemon water is 40 degrees Celsius.
More recipes for lemon water:
To add variety, you can mix up your lemon water each day with a different spice or herb that are also good for digestion. These include:
- basil
- fennel
- cumin
- coriander
- dill
The side effects of drinking lemon water in the morning
As good as lemon water is for your health, the acid it contains can have a negative effect on the surface of your teeth. Therefore, it’s best to have a glass of plain water and rinse your mouth with it immediately after drinking lemon water. This neutralizes the acid and protects the tooth enamel. Or drink your lemon water with a straw to protect your teeth. Important: Brushing your teeth afterward won’t help. You should only do this after two hours, so you don’t push the acid further into the tooth enamel.
A version of this article was previously published in Glamour Germany.
