Is Lemon Water Bad For You?
Short answer
Lemon water is good for you. It aids in digestion and helps promote a stronger immune skin and healthier skin. Some studies have even shown that drinking lemon water may help you lose weight.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
If you’re looking for a way to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, there is no magic pill. While health and sports supplements tout impressive-sounding claims—they often carry a premium price tag.
But what if you could improve your digestion health, the strength of your immune system, the condition of your skin and maybe even lose some weight for just a couple cents per serving? It’s possible... just by adding some lemon water to your diet!
Lemons are much more than just a refreshing restaurant garnish. They’re loaded with health perks. For instance, adding a single cup of fresh lemon juice to water provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving of vitamin C. Lemons also provide considerable amounts of potassium, magnesium, and copper—all for just 60 calories per serving.
So what does all that do for your body?
Let’s start with your digestive tract. Believe it or not, lemons are actually atomically similar to your stomach’s own digestive juices. So when you consume lemons or their juices, your liver produces more bile—the stuff that helps keep food moving through your body smoothly. This physiological response helps relieve indigestion and can even soothe an upset stomach.
Next up, lemons' antioxidant properties help promote a stronger immune system and healthier skin. It contains a great deal of vitamin C, which helps in white blood cell production, which are essential to immune system health. A key antioxidant, vitamin C also protects cells from cell-damaging free radicals: air pollutants, smoke, pesticides and more. And since free radicals can lead to premature aging, vitamin C helps protect against this—leading to more radiant, younger-looking skin.
Finally, drinking lemon juice might also help aid in weight loss. Lemons contain pectin, a common type of fruit fiber. Pectin helps you feel satiated, which means you’re less likely to keep snacking throughout the day.
Even though lemon juice offers significant health benefits, it’s not for everyone—and there can be such a thing as too much lemon water. Since lemons are highly acidic, over-consuming them can lead to tooth erosion. It can also trigger acid reflux or heartburn.
For these reasons, you shouldn’t start drinking lemon water without first consulting your primary physician—particularity if you have pre-existing tooth sensitivity or frequent heartburn. And even if you get their go-ahead, it’s important to pay attention to your body and stop drinking lemon water immediately if you experience any side effects.
Possible short-term side effects
- acid reflux/heartburn
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frequent urination
Possible long-term side effects
Benefits
- low in calories
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promotes digestive health
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supports immune system
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fights premature aging
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aids in weight loss
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may reduce risk of cancer
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