Previously, advice to drink lemon water could only be heard from followers of alternative medicine, but now science has officially recognized the beneficial effects of this drink.
Water with lemon helps to cheer up, increase immunity, remove accumulated harmful substances from the body and slow down the aging process. This drink is especially useful for those who want to lose extra pounds, as it activates the metabolism. Next, consider how to prepare and drink lemon water for weight loss.
How to make lemon water
The preparation of lemon water, unlike various lemonades, does not require boiling and takes only two to three minutes.
Photo source: pixabay.com
The basic recipe calls for nothing but water and lemon. You can simply squeeze citrus juice into water, based on the following calculation: a quarter of a lemon per glass of water. Or you can cut the lemon into small slices and add water. If desired, add mint leaves, a small amount of natural honey or grated ginger to the resulting drink. This will enhance its positive properties.
Important! The water should be warm, not hot or cold. The fact is that hot excessively activates the production of gastric juice, and cold contributes to the appearance of a strong feeling of hunger.
How to drink lemon water: rules
In order for lemon water to bring only benefits and not harm the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, you need to know how to use it correctly.
Photo source: pixabay.com
Basic Rules:
1. Lemon water should be drunk fresh. Prepare the drink immediately before drinking, as a significant amount of useful elements can disappear from it overnight.
2. Drink liquid on an empty stomach, immediately after waking up. Half an hour after taking the liquid, it is advisable to have breakfast.
3. Follow the norm - 200-250 ml per day. The abuse of lemon water can adversely affect the digestive tract.
4. Drink water through a straw or brush your teeth immediately after drinking. In this way, you will minimize the corrosive effect of citric acid on tooth enamel.
Regular consumption of lemon water will significantly improve the condition of the whole body, rejuvenate it, give a huge amount of energy and help get rid of the hated extra pounds!
Warm water with lemon in the morning today is perceived as a "magic elixir" that can restore beauty, youth and vitality. Unless, of course, you drink it regularly, and at the same time accompany it with other essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
Although the euphoria about lemon water has now subsided somewhat, Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell and other stars continue to say that it is water with a few slices of lemon that helps them keep their bodies in great shape. Is it true or not? Let's figure it out.
History of lemon water
“In the third century AD, the Romans considered the lemon an antidote for all poisons. This is the legend of two criminals who were bitten by poisonous snakes, but the one who ate the whole lemon before execution managed to survive. We can assume that the talk about the healing properties of lemon came from there,” says Prevention Jean Carper (Jean Carper), an expert at The Food Pharmacy.
Adherents of another theory suggest that the “magic of a lemon” was talked about in the Middle Ages. It was then that people began to often serve fish with slices of lemon, moreover, the goal was not to disclose the taste properties of the dish at all. The fact is that the citric acid contained in the bright yellow fruit could soften the fish bones, which means reducing the risk of them getting stuck in the throat.
Truths and myths about lemon water
Today there is so much information about water with lemon that it is easy to get confused in it. It is important to keep in mind that most of it is, albeit harmless, but still a fiction that has not been confirmed by a sufficient number of studies. So:
- Does lemon water speed up your metabolism?
No. Of course, it can have an indirect effect on metabolism, only the effect will be negligible.
- Does lemon water keep you hydrated?
Yes, because it is still water, albeit with additional flavor characteristics.
- Does lemon water cleanse the liver?
Most likely no. In any case, there is no scientific data on this subject.
- Does lemon water increase vitamin C levels in the body?
A little. It depends on how much lemon you add to the water. Plus, a rosehip broth or a salad with bell peppers in this sense will be more useful.
- Does lemon water maintain pH balance?
No, since foods or drinks that enter the stomach cannot significantly affect the pH.
- Should I replace water with lemon juice or coffee?
It's a good idea. The fact is that there is no sugar in lemon water, which means that you will have even more energy than before (due to a stable blood sugar level).
Water + lemon = psychology
The magic of water with lemon, in fact, may be a purely psychological story. So, lemon juice makes ordinary water more fragrant and brighter in terms of taste, and therefore it will be much more interesting for you to drink it. And, as a result, you will drink more than usual. This is especially important to keep in mind for those for whom 2 liters of water a day is an impossible task.
Psychologists add that the sense of pride that accompanies every healthy food choice you make, whether it's water with lemon or a salad instead of fried potatoes for dinner, has a positive effect on the brain and body. Research shows that the placebo effect - which is what we're talking about here - can lead to very real physical and emotional changes.
Lemon water for drinking quenches thirst well and quickly starts metabolic processes. Therefore, it is recommended to drink it in the heat, before meals and regularly after each awakening.
7 simple recipes: how to make lemon water, the rules for its use, as well as a description of its beneficial properties - all this can be found in the article.
On the one hand, nothing can replace a glass of plain, clean water. However, our main liquid can be improved in its composition by adding a few tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to it.
The benefits of such a supplement are obvious, and such a drink has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Therefore, a lot of people who drink water with lemon for just a month note an improvement in well-being.
There is also a scientific explanation for this. The benefits of such water are determined by its chemical composition and biological effects:
- The composition contains useful trace elements - calcium, potassium and magnesium. They have a good effect on the heart muscle, saturate the entire body with moisture, as they prevent dehydration.
- The potassium content also helps reduce anxiety, which allows you to control your emotions and suppress stress in time.
- The drink has anti-inflammatory properties. It is no coincidence that lemon is recommended to use during colds. It destroys microbes in the mucous membrane of the nose and throat, and also enriches the body with priceless vitamin C.
- It is known that it is better to drink liquid on an empty stomach, immediately upon awakening. The reason is very simple - citric acid activates the work of the stomach and intestines, speeds up the metabolism and, as it were, "starts" the body after a night's rest. Thus, it acts as an energy drink, and the energy drink is “soft”, without side effects (unlike the same coffee).
- Girls will be interested to know that due to the presence of natural antioxidants in lemon, this drink helps fight the aging process. However, men do not need to grow old too early.
- Lemon water helps regulate appetite, and therefore weight. After all, a solution of lemon and water contains pectin. This fibrous substance fills the stomach and intestines, resulting in a feeling of satiety.
- Due to its disinfectant properties, the liquid contributes to the natural irrigation of the oral cavity, which reduces the likelihood of gum disease.
- A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice in a glass of water is an excellent remedy for heartburn.
- Another useful property of such an aqueous solution is the ability to reduce pain and inflammation in muscles and joints.
- In general, we can say that lemon with water has a beneficial effect on almost all body systems. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells, promotes the dissolution of stones in the gallbladder and kidneys, tones the body and starts metabolic processes.
Is lemon water dangerous?
Of course, everything is good in moderation. And if you drink lemon water in excessive amounts (for example, consuming 2-3 lemons a day), it will do more harm than good.
For example, increased acidity negatively affects tooth enamel, which provokes caries and other diseases. However, this problem is easy to deal with - you just need to drink this liquid through a straw, like a cocktail.
Also, an excess of acid not only does not relieve heartburn, but, on the contrary, provokes it. If, after drinking a glass of juice diluted with water, there is a feeling of heartburn in the stomach and esophagus, then you need to drink a weak solution of soda or take medicine.
And one more important point. The use of large volumes of such a drink leads to dehydration.
This is due to the fact that the solution contains a fairly large amount of vitamin C. With normal consumption, it only has benefits, but with immoderate it gives a strong diuretic effect.
NOTE
Water with lemon or any other acid is clearly contraindicated in gastritis or ulcers. If there are other diseases of the digestive system, it is necessary to consult a doctor, otherwise, instead of benefit, you can get much more harm.
TOP 7 Best Lemon Water Recipes
Actually, any recipe is very simple - water, fresh lemon juice is taken, and both components are mixed with each other. However, it is important to know the ratio of components.
Water should be 10 times more than juice.
So, for a standard glass of water (200-250 ml), you need to take 2 tablespoons of fresh juice. This amount can be obtained from a quarter of a lemon - this ratio is the easiest to remember.
The easiest recipe: cold water with lemon
Here's how to make lemon water to drink in just 5-10 minutes.
Step 1. We take 1 or 2 glasses of filtered or boiled water (how much we can drink at a time).
Step 2. Squeeze a quarter or half of a medium lemon, respectively.
Step 3. Let stand for a while, stir and drink.
At first glance, everything is very simple, but there are a few nuances:
- It is better not to take boiling water, because the aroma quickly dissipates due to too high a temperature, the essential oils of lemon evaporate.
- Too cold, literally icy water should also not be used - this negatively affects digestion, and it can damage the throat.
- There is no need to get juice in advance - otherwise some of the nutrients may simply oxidize.
After this recipe, half or whole ¾ of a lemon will remain in your hands. They can be put in a sugar bowl and put in the refrigerator. It is advisable to eat citrus on the same day - again make a glass of lemon water or put a slice in tea, or maybe even in a ready-made dish (baked meat), or onion.
Recipe with sugar
For some, lemon water may seem too sour, and besides, many are accustomed to adding sugar to such drinks. Therefore, if desired, you can put 1 teaspoon of sugar in a glass - you don’t need more, otherwise the taste will not be so pleasant. Sugar is placed in warm or even hot water, since it will not completely dissolve in cold water.
water with honey
On the other hand, sugar, as you know, is not as useful as we would like. Therefore, it can be replaced with honey. It dissolves well in both warm and cool water.
But you should not put honey in boiling water - in this case, it will lose some of its useful properties. The ratio depends on the taste - usually 1-2 teaspoons of honey are placed in a glass. This drink is especially useful in the treatment of colds.
mint instead of sugar
Indeed, a few fresh mint leaves are excellent natural-based sweeteners. They not only improve the taste of water with lemon, but also ennoble its aroma. And from an aesthetic point of view, any greenery only improves the view.
Recipe lemon water with ginger: for lovers of spicy
Ginger has a powerful disinfectant, anti-inflammatory effect. It stimulates the immune system, tones the body and generally has a positive effect on our well-being.
Preparing lemon water is very simple - you need to take a teaspoon of ginger powder and dissolve it in hot water, then add lemon after 10-15 minutes.
Another option is to grate or finely chop the ginger root (1 teaspoon) and again pour boiling water over it, insist for a while (you can keep it in a thermos all night), add lemon, honey and other ingredients to taste.
Water Sassi: with lemon, mint, ginger, cucumber
It was for them that Cynthia developed a special recipe for lemon water, which contains:
- small cucumber;
- a teaspoon of ginger root;
- a few mint leaves.
The quantities of all these components are given per 1 cup.
The Sassi water recipe is very simple:
Step 1. We rub the ginger root in advance and pour it with boiling water (or take a teaspoon of powder from the store).
Step 2. After an hour, the ginger will infuse. Filter it and pour it into a glass.
Step 3. Add fresh cucumber and lemon juice there.
Step 4. Let it brew for 15 minutes and drink.
Such a recipe can also be reproduced for 2 liters of water (average daily rate). It is better to pour water into a jug and close it, then put it in the refrigerator in order to preserve the beneficial substances to the maximum.
Green tea drink
Instead of water, you can, of course, take tea, i.e. pre-steam in boiling water (or hot liquid) leaves of black or green tea. Moreover, the option with green is more preferable, because it is a natural antioxidant that stabilizes blood pressure, reduces appetite and generally protects our body from aging processes.
Tea can be insisted in advance - for example, in a thermos for the night. And in the morning, just add the required amount of juice and even put a slice for beauty.
How to drink water with lemon
The main requirement for the correct use of lemon water is the correct observance of the ratio described above. In addition, it is important not to violate the volumes unnecessarily: it is enough to drink 2-3 glasses of such water per day.
If, after drinking, heartburn is constantly felt, this is a reason to refuse lemon water and at the same time consult a doctor to clarify to get rid of the cause of this not quite healthy phenomenon. Another rule - it is advisable to drink such water on an empty stomach:
- in the morning (immediately after waking up);
- half an hour before any meal.
In the morning, thanks to the action of citric acid, the body seems to start up, as metabolic processes are accelerated. And on the eve of lunch or dinner, drinking water is generally useful, because digestion is nothing more than the interaction of nutrients with water (hydrolysis). In addition, at the first stage, these processes take place in an acidic environment (the stomach contains hydrochloric acid), so the addition of citric acid also does not hurt.
Drink warm or cold?
Finally, another important question - what should be the temperature of the drink - warm or cold? You can answer it in different ways:
- If a person has just woken up, in the morning he can also take cool water. Also, this option is great on hot summer days when the body needs additional cooling.
- However, it is not recommended to consume cold water before meals - it slows down the digestion process, satiety occurs more slowly, which causes a real threat of overeating.
- But when preparing a drink, you can take both cold and hot water with lemon, including boiling water. But you should not heat the juice to a boil - because of this process, vitamin C is destroyed. If you squeeze the juice immediately into boiling water, a large proportion of the vitamin will be preserved.
Is it possible to make lemon water from citric acid
Citric acid is one of the main components of juice, which provides a pleasant citrus taste with sourness. However, acid is far from the only ingredient.
Therefore, sometimes it can be replaced with a natural fruit if you need to prepare lemon water, and suddenly there is no lemon at hand. The ratio is as follows: for a glass of water - half a teaspoon of powder without a slide.
On the other hand, citric acid alone does not provide even half of all the beneficial properties that natural lemon juice has. Therefore, it is best to stock up on fresh citrus fruits and safely get your own juice.
And it is advisable to use citric acid for domestic purposes - for example,.
lime water
And so we got to the last, but at the same time very interesting question - is it possible to use lime instead of lemon. The answer is unambiguous - it is certainly possible.
But since we use a different citrus, there will be some differences:
- Lime is significantly more acidic than lemon, so the amount of its juice should be reduced by 1.5-2 times.
- This fruit also gives a pronounced bitter taste. To balance it, you need to add a little sweet component - honey or sugar.
But the aroma of lime is very interesting and often even more intense than that of a lemon. And its exotic appearance also attracts attention.
Be healthy!
Weight loss is a problem for many women of all ages. Exhausting diets give results only for a short time and can cause irreparable harm to health. One of the effective remedies for home weight loss is water with lemon. This fruit is useful not only in the fight against colds, but also helps to reduce appetite, speed up metabolism.
Maintaining water balance is very important for the normalization of metabolic processes in the body. You need to drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid per day, and drinking water on an empty stomach suppresses the feeling of hunger.
properties of lemon water
Acid accelerates metabolism, prevents the deposition of fat. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that removes toxins and reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. Vegetable fiber improves digestion. Pectin helps in weight loss, this substance has an enveloping effect, due to which the absorption of fats, carbohydrates worsens and appetite decreases. Lipid metabolism is accelerated, intestinal peristalsis is restored.
- gastritis with high acidity;
- colitis, peptic ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- acute tonsillitis;
- hypertension;
- poor blood clotting;
- food allergy.
In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, lemon water can cause heartburn and exacerbate the pathological process. With purulent sore throat, citrus irritates the mucous membranes of the larynx, causing pain and discomfort. The components of the fruit help to slow down blood clotting, which is dangerous for bleeding. In hypertensive patients, blood pressure may rise.
The use of acid negatively affects the condition of the teeth, in order to avoid damage to the enamel, you need to drink through a straw and then rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Otherwise, the risk of developing hyperesthesia, caries increases. It is contraindicated to combine the intake of sleeping pills and a drink with citrus juice, as this slows down the absorption of drugs.
How to lose weight with lemons?
You will need one medium-sized fruit and a liter of water at room temperature, in a ratio of 1 tsp. per 100 ml. The liquid must not be cold. The juice is carefully squeezed out of the pulp, stirred and drunk on an empty stomach. Up to 3-6 glasses are consumed per day with the same interval.
To make water with lemon, you can use the pulp, cut it into slices (2 pieces per 1 glass) or knead thoroughly. It is also ground in a blender along with the skin, this mass is used in proportions of 1 tsp. on a glass. Much more benefit from the solution will be if you add honey, ginger or mint to it. The duration of taking a dietary remedy is individual, it depends on how many kilograms you want to lose. On average, therapy takes 1-2 weeks.
To make the benefits more noticeable, you need to review your diet and increase physical activity. From the menu you need to exclude fatty, fried, spicy, salty, smoked, sweet, flour. It is recommended to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, cook whole grains, cook foods with steam or with the addition of a small amount of olive oil. Sports activities burn fat reserves.
Lemon Water Recipes
There are several options for a fat-burning drink for weight loss with the addition of beneficial ingredients:
1. Water with ginger: take ginger and lemon in equal proportions, cut into circles and put in layers in a glass jar. Close the lid and leave in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Then the product is thoroughly crushed so that the juice stands out, which should be added to tea or water in the ratio of 2 tablespoons of syrup per glass. It is necessary to drink on an empty stomach before eating. The first 3 days use 250 ml 3 times a day, the next 4 days - 0.5 liters in the morning and evening.
2. With mint: put a sprig of mint or lemon balm, juice of 1/2 lemon into a glass of boiled water and let it brew for 10 minutes. It is important not to violate proportions. Drink this tea on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals. To slightly improve the taste of the drink, you can add a spoonful of honey.
3. With linseed oil and ginger root: grind ginger in advance, pour in a teaspoon of linseed oil and leave for 2 days. After that, squeeze the juice of one lemon, dilute it in a glass of water and put 1 tsp. ginger mass. It is necessary to drink such a drink on an empty stomach 3-4 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 1 week.
4. Water with honey and cinnamon for weight loss: crush one lemon in a blender, add 300 ml of natural honey and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The ingredients are mixed, and the resulting product is placed in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, take 1 dessert spoon of the mass and dissolve in a glass of warm boiled water. You need to drink this medicine 3-4 times a day before meals on an empty stomach, you should avoid snacking. The duration of the course is 7 days.
5. Recipe with honey and ginger: the ingredients are taken in a ratio of 1:2:2. Two circles of the root are crushed on a fine grater, pour in honey and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Cover with a lid and let it brew for an hour. Then put 1 tbsp. l. funds for 250 ml of water. This syrup gives energy, improves mood and improves mental performance.
Regular tea with lemon for weight loss also helps, if you add honey and lemon balm to it. The brew should not be strong, you can use green varieties of the drink.
Fasting days
Once a week, nutritionists recommend unloading your body. On this day, you can eat only vegetables, fruits, freshly squeezed fresh juices and water with lemon. You need to drink 2-2.5 liters of the prepared product during the day, at one time it is allowed to use no more than 3 glasses.
Recipe for fasting day: grate ginger root (2 tablespoons), pour 0.5 liters of cold water, put on a steam bath and boil for 5-10 minutes. Then the composition is filtered, juice of 1 lemon and 2 tbsp. l. flower honey. Drink the medicine in a warm form.
Recipe number 2: prepare honey water (1 tbsp. bee product per glass), squeeze ½ fruit, put a sprig of mint and 1 tbsp. l. grated zest. You need to let the drink brew for an hour, then you can drink.
Recipe for quick weight loss No. 3: brew 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon with 250 ml of boiling water, cover the dish with a lid and let it brew for 15-20 minutes. Then add a slice of lemon and 1 tsp. honey.
Fasting days help cleanse the intestines, normalize digestion. The breakdown of subcutaneous fat is accelerated. Such diet therapy helps prevent the return of lost kilograms.
Benefits of lemon water for weight loss
“I tried many different diets, but after a slight result, the kilograms quickly returned. A friend advised me to make a drink for weight loss from citrus fruits and ginger. I drank lemon water for a week every morning and evening on an empty stomach, exercised and tried not to eat fatty, fried and sweet things. I managed to lose 5 kg, I am very pleased with the result.
Oksana, Moscow region.
“I managed to get rid of fat on the waist and hips in a week. To do this, I used one effective recipe that I found on an Internet forum. There I read the reviews and decided to take up my figure. Water with lemon on an empty stomach for weight loss is a useful and effective remedy. My digestion has improved, volumes have gone, weight has decreased. Even the complexion and skin condition improved.
Elena, St. Petersburg.
“A drink of lemons helped me lose 5 kg. After the winter, I noticed that the old jeans were small and was terribly upset. A friend told me about a useful remedy that can be easily prepared at home and is inexpensive. I drank water in the morning on an empty stomach for about 10 days, additionally went to fitness and visited the pool. This recipe actually effectively fights excess weight and promotes weight loss.
Maria, Moscow.
“I have heard a lot of good reviews about the benefits of lemon water for weight loss from my friends. Before going to the sea, I urgently needed to remove extra pounds, and I used a folk recipe. It is necessary to prepare an infusion of mint and add citrus juice to it, I don’t remember the ratio of ingredients, but it tastes very sour. Drink this medicine should be 4 times a day on an empty stomach for a week.
Tatiana, Rostov-on-Don.
“Personally, I love water with lemon, cinnamon and ginger. These ingredients are good fat burners that get rid of excess body weight. The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach before meals. After its use, appetite decreases, food is digested faster, you feel light. But be sure to give up sweet, starchy, fatty, fast food and alcohol. Otherwise, the result will be minimal.
Svetlana, Nizhny Novgorod.
“After giving birth, I gained excess weight and for a long time could not return to my previous shape. I read on the Internet that water with lemon helps in losing weight, looked at the reviews and decided to try it. I made a drink with citrus juice and mint, but it turned out to be too sour, so I added a spoonful of honey. I managed to lose 3 kg without special diets, but if you limit the use of certain foods, the result will be better.
Victoria, Novosibirsk.
Oranges, tangerines, grapefruits - almost all of these fruits are in our daily diet. Lemon undeservedly remained in the background. We remember about it on the eve of the holidays, buying to decorate dishes. What are the benefits of lemon? There is nothing better than this yellow fruit for those who are looking for a suitable diet and want to boost their immunity. Water with lemon for weight loss can complement the nutrition system. Let's look at the features and recipes of the lemon diet.
The benefits and harms of water with lemon on an empty stomach
Lemon is universal for maintaining immunity. But the concentrated juice of this citrus is not pleasant for everyone. Therefore, it is diluted with water. Lemon water before meals is harmful for people with gastrointestinal problems. People who suffer from too high acidity should first have something to eat and only then drink lemon water. But this tool also has a tremendous positive effect on our body. By drinking a lemon drink every morning, we can achieve:
- Increase the body's resistance to viral infections.
- Improvement in skin condition.
- Cleansing of all internal organs, kidneys, liver, intestines.
- Raising energy in the body, the appearance of good spirits.
How to drink water with lemon for weight loss?
If you want to lose weight on water with lemon, you must follow a number of rules:
- Drink warm water. This is a prerequisite. So it is better absorbed by the stomach.
- After a month of drinking water with lemon, you will definitely see the result. The main thing is constancy. Everything will work out.
- Lemon juice contains an acid that softens enamel, so it is recommended to drink it through a cocktail tube.
- After drinking lemon water, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with soda solution. To neutralize the effect of acid on the teeth.
- During the day, it is also recommended to eat a couple of lemon slices before lunch or dinner. Preferably, this citrus is without sugar, with a bit of honey.
Lemon Water Recipes
There are several recipes for making water with lemon for weight loss. To prepare this vitamin drink, you need to prepare mineral water, lemon and a 250 ml container in the evening. The most simple recipe: lemon juice, squeezed through a citrus press, diluted with warm water and voila, an elixir of youth and a fat-burning cocktail in one bottle is ready. Drink a drink right after waking up.
Lemon water with ginger
An excellent result for weight loss is given by lemon water with the addition of ginger root. She prepares like this:
- Peel the ginger root.
- Grind the resulting mass with a meat grinder (one tablespoon), place in a thermos along with a lemon cut into slices.
- Pour in a couple cups of boiling water.
- Leave for at least six hours.
- Pass through cheesecloth or sieve.
- Drink the resulting infusion before meals in small sips.
In a pharmacy or store you can buy ginger powder, take one tablespoon of it, dilute it in one glass of hot water, add a few slices of lemon, optionally put a spoonful of sweetener, honey or maple syrup (for sweetness), let it brew for one hour , drink before breakfast. This will give you cheerfulness, excellent health for the whole day.
