Lemon water: benefits and harm for the body, on an empty stomach, at night, how to make it, how to drink it correctly

It is difficult to imagine modern human life without the use of the popular citrus fruit – lemon. This fruit is actively used for preparing a variety of dishes and drinks; it is an integral part of cosmetic and perfume products. Traditional medicine has hundreds of recipes with lemon; it is used for household needs. Lemon water is a drink that is valued not only for its taste, but also for its beneficial properties that help improve the health of the body.

Composition and calorie content of lemon water

Lemon is the basis of lemon drink, the most famous fruit of the Citrus genus. It has beneficial properties that have made lemon water especially popular.

Lemon is the name given to the fruit of the tree of the same name, which grows in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and Central Asia, and Transcaucasia. Citrus is cultivated in countries with a subtropical climate. Every year more than 14 million tons of fruits are harvested around the world. The main exporters are India and Mexico.

Important! In many countries, industrial production of lemon water is widespread; for this purpose, special preservatives are added to the drink for long-term storage.

The composition of lemon water depends entirely on the composition of the fruit. In addition, especially useful parts are used to prepare a lemon drink.

Lemon water contains elements that can be divided into several main groups.

Microelements	Vitamins	Macronutrients
Iron	Beta carotene	Calcium
Zinc	Thiamine	Magnesium
Copper	Riboflavin	Sodium
Manganese	Pyridoxine	Phosphorus
Fluorine	Niacin	Chlorine
Molybdenum	Ascorbic acid	Sulfur
Bor	Folic acid

Ascorbic acid is the leader in volume among other components: each fruit of this citrus is rich in vitamin C by 50% of the daily intake.

In addition, lemon is valuable for its oils, organic acids, and pectin. Its pulp contains about 3.5% sugar. The seeds are filled with a bitter substance - limonin, so they are not recommended to be left in the drink for a long time, so as not to spoil the taste.

Lemon zest is rich in a valuable beneficial substance - a glycoside - citronin. Essential oils give a special aroma to citrus. The main component of oils is alpha-limonene, a volatile compound with unique properties.

To prepare lemon water in industrial production, purified water is used. You can prepare lemon water yourself from boiled or mineral water.This preserves its main beneficial properties. An average-sized lemon has a caloric value of 34 kcal.

Effects of lemon water on the body

Lemon drink has several beneficial properties that affect the human body.

Antipyretic property. The action becomes possible due to the increased content of ascorbic acid.
Hemostatic property. Useful components of the composition activate wound healing processes and help normalize blood flow.
Antioxidant property. Organic acids, flavonoids and glycosides act at the cellular level, helping to stabilize metabolic processes.
Choleretic property is explained by the mixing of water and acids, which affect the formation of pancreatic juice. The benefits of water with lemon for the liver also include activating the production of bile.
Anti-inflammatory property. The components of the drink stop inflammation processes. This is due to the diuretic, choleretic and antioxidant beneficial properties of citrus.

What are the benefits of water with lemon?

Lemon water, if taken every day, can significantly correct the functioning of the body's systems due to its beneficial properties.

For digestion. Water with lemon in the morning starts the digestion process, this is due to the activation of the production of gastric juice. Lemon water is a preventive measure in the fight against constipation, as it promotes natural cleansing of the intestines, as well as the removal of harmful substances from the body;
For immunity. Ascorbic acid is absorbed faster in the presence of auxiliary micro- and macroelements, which prepared lemon water has.Vitamin C is good for the immune system, it increases natural defenses and activates metabolic processes that are important for the overall health of the immune system;
For joints and maintaining water balance. Ascorbic acid, as well as its compounds with other elements, help flush uric acid from the body. This reduces the stress on the joints, making them more mobile. Water balance is responsible for overall health;
For face, body, hair and nails. Antioxidant properties have an impact on the condition of the upper layer of the epidermis. Replenishing lost fluid is important for appearance. Hydration from the inside is one way to take care of your own health;
For the cardiovascular system. Daily consumption of a glass of water acidified with lemon juice reduces the risk of developing cholesterol plaques, blood stagnation, and problems with venous blood flow. Due to the saturation of brain cells with oxygen, the basic processes of hematopoiesis are stabilized at different levels. In addition, daily use increases the ability to fight irritation, stress, relieves anxiety, and has a general calming effect.

Water with lemon for weight loss deserves special reviews. It is prepared independently and taken according to the established scheme. Water has the beneficial properties of helping you stay alert throughout the day and maintain your natural hydration levels.

Benefits of lemon water for a woman's body

The benefits and harms of water with lemon are discussed based on the woman’s general health and stomach acidity levels. Lemon water exhibits beneficial properties:

during pregnancy (ascorbic acid helps increase immune defense, potassium and magnesium are necessary for the proper functioning of the heart muscle during fetal formation);
while following a diet, getting rid of extra pounds, as a means for fitness activities (water performs several functions simultaneously: in case of inflammation of the water balance, it has a powerful cleansing and antioxidant effect);
to improve skin (cleansing the intestines and normalizing digestive processes affects the appearance of the skin).

Benefits of lemon water for men

Those men who constantly play sports have already appreciated the beneficial properties of lemon water. It replenishes balance after physical activity and energizes you when taken in the morning. When consumed regularly, water and lemon help normalize the activity of the cardiovascular system, which is important for men after 30 years of age.

Benefits and harms of drinking water with lemon on an empty stomach

The benefits of water with lemon juice on an empty stomach depend on the general condition of the body. In the absence of contraindications, water, taken in the morning on an empty stomach, acts in stages:

activates metabolic processes;
eliminates residues of harmful substances;
Replenishes water lost overnight.

Lemon water has a negative effect when, due to certain diseases or characteristics of the body, taking it on an empty stomach can cause nausea. Ascorbic acid can have this effect if you have an individual intolerance to citrus fruits or with increased stomach acidity.

Benefits of lemon water for weight loss

To achieve weight loss, nutritionists advise, first of all, to review your daily diet, fluid intake patterns and the amount of physical activity.

Lemon water exhibits several beneficial properties at the same time:

stabilizes metabolic processes;
activates the absorption of carbohydrates and fats;
reduces the feeling of hunger.

Water with lemon for weight loss is prepared according to the classic recipe, taken in the morning and throughout the day.

Weight loss, which comes as a result of normalization of processes within the body, as well as control over maintaining water balance, is considered the most effective. If kilograms go away as a result of strict refusal of food or increased physical activity, then they quickly return. Therefore, the beneficial properties that lemon water has are indisputable.

How to make lemon water

To make lemon water at home, you need to purchase ripe and intact fruits. Ripe citrus fruits are characterized by pronounced external signs:

rich yellow color of the peel;
the fruit is smooth, without chips, cracks, dry spots;
The fruit emits a faint citrus aroma.

Advice! Too hard a fruit with a green stalk indicates immaturity, while soft citrus, on the contrary, indicates overripeness.

Before starting to prepare, the lemon is scalded with boiling water and rolled on a hard surface from side to side. These tricks contribute to a more intense and abundant release of juice from the pulp.

Classic recipe

To prepare you will need:

3 - 4 tbsp. l. juice;
250 ml boiled water.

The juice is poured with water and mixed thoroughly. Leave for 10 minutes, then drink through a straw.

With chopped pulp and zest

The whole fruit is ground in a meat grinder, after removing the seeds. The gruel is seasoned with sugar. Add 1 tbsp to a glass of water. l. mixture and drink in the morning.

With slices

For 1 tbsp.water, take a few slices of lemon. They are pricked with a fork and then filled with warm water.

With honey

Lemon water helps strengthen the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory for colds or stomach ailments. To prepare it, 50 ml of juice is mixed with 1 tbsp. l. liquid honey, pour 150 ml of warm water. A healthy drink is taken in the mornings or evenings.

Compote with sugar

In preparing a lemon drink, as in a canteen, according to a traditional recipe, the technological process is completely changed. To do this, cut the fruit into slices, cover it with sugar, add water and boil over low heat for 25 minutes. After the liquid has cooled, it is filtered.

Lemon water recipes for weight loss

When following a diet, to activate metabolic processes, prepare a drink with the addition of auxiliary ingredients that have their own beneficial properties.

Cinnamon

water – 750 ml;
juice of half a citrus;
cinnamon – 2 sticks.

This composition has unique beneficial properties, which triggers metabolic processes and promotes more active fat burning, which is why it is often used for detox programs and included in the diet menu.

Cinnamon sticks are poured with hot water, cooled, juice is added, and stirred. They drink water according to the established pattern.

With ginger

juice of half a citrus;
chopped ginger root – 50 – 70 g;
water – 750 ml;
honey – 1 tsp.

Crushed ginger root is poured with boiling water, cooled, mixed with honey and juice. Ginger-lemon water helps to get rid of extra pounds much faster due to the action of lemon juice with ginger. This compound acts as an appetite suppressant and increases metabolic rate.

Based on green tea

To increase the beneficial properties, prepare a drink with green tea. It is known for its healing effect on digestion processes and improving blood flow in the body. For 500 ml of green tea brewed according to a traditional recipe, take 3 - 4 slices and 1 tsp. l. honey

How to drink lemon water correctly

The benefits and harms of lemon water depend on when and how it is taken: in the morning, in the evening or throughout the day. When using, it is recommended to adhere to the basic rules:

the daily portion should not exceed 2 liters;
drink water in small sips before meals;
the classic lemon water recipe involves drinking a freshly prepared drink;
infused water with lemon is prepared in a glass container.

How to drink lemon water on an empty stomach

In the morning, take water with lemon 40-45 minutes before. before breakfast. Nutritionists advise drinking morning water with lemon through a straw so as not to overload the body.

How to drink lemon water at night

Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink warm lemon drinks; they have a relaxing effect, calm the nerves, and improve the quality of sleep. The best option is to take a drink with honey. Often, to eliminate insomnia, juice or slices are added to chamomile honey tea.

Restrictions and contraindications

The beneficial properties of lemon water are undeniable, but in addition, there are contraindications that depend on the general state of health.

Admission is excluded if:

increased acidity of the stomach, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are at the acute stage;
there is a danger of an allergic reaction due to a general reaction to citrus fruits;
increased sensitivity of the gums, damage to tooth enamel;
Diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Reception is limited during pregnancy, as well as if a woman is breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Water with lemon is beneficial for the body in the absence of contraindications. It is taken in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening before bed. The recipes used involve various variations with the addition of useful ingredients. Drinking lemon water in compliance with the basic rules energizes you, helps maintain tone and prevents the occurrence of inflammatory processes.