Zest for Health: The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

It’s been more than seven months since I *almost* stopped having soft drinks (almost, because my 4-month streak got interrupted when my close friends and I celebrated a holiday). I forced myself to drink water and whenever I get a chance, I drink more than two liters a day. Since starting this health regimen, I must say I felt nothing, save for keeping my figure a little bit slimmer compared to other guys my age.

Early last year, a former colleague told me he’s been drinking lemon water for over a year. I got intrigued and asked him why he did so. He explained the health benefits of lemon water, like helping digestion and keeping skin clear. And in his 30’s (well I know he doesn’t want me to put the exact number here, ha ha) he still looks young.

Another close friend told me that he has this habit of drinking hot lemon water every morning. He too said that he got the same benefits since he began this health regimen.

Google “health benefits of lemon water” and a ton of websites will pop up and reveal every minute detail of its effects on the body. At first, I was skeptical because I’m really not that much of a health buff (aside from the regular things I need to know when I exercise) but I too tried this citrus-y drink.

So what’s with lemon water?
For health-conscious people, lemon water is an elixir, providing that affordable youth-inducing mix. As part of the citrus fruit family, lemons are packed with vitamin C to help boost your immune system. Aside from that, it has a ton of other vitamins and essential nutrients.

When I started drinking lemon water, the first thing that I noticed was that my bowel movements became more regular — something that health websites say is one of the top benefits. The infographic below from Dr. Axe lists some other benefits, like providing vitamin C and rejuvenating skin.

A lot of health blogs out there give similar accounts but what I find interesting is that hot lemon water can be a substitute for coffee or tea. I know it’ll be hard for caffeine lovers to shy away from their favorite drinks but lemon water is said to improve energy levels. Unlike caffeinated products, lemon water doesn’t dry the skin.

All good, no bad?
Ok, the benefits outweigh the side effects of drinking lemon water. Lemon juice is acidic and it can erode tooth enamel. One way to reduce it is to drink plain water afterwards so that the juice doesn’t stay in the teeth.

Other accounts claim that lemon water can flush out toxins in the body but a nutritionist said there’s no evidence yet that it has detoxifying effects.

But anyway, lemon water is a nice and healthy departure from the usual mix we drink. Aside from being affordable, the high vitamin C content in lemons alone is simply irresistible and brings a yummy flavor to plain and unpalatable water.