It is rumored that drinking hot water with lemon in the morning has numerous health benefits. But how true is this information?
Videos are circulating on social media claiming that drinking warm water with lemon is a healthy and refreshing way to start the day. But “Emily Ho,” professor of nutrition and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, believes that the scientific evidence supporting most of these benefits does not stand up to scrutiny.
Here are the most prominent claims related to hot water with lemon, and the extent to which research supports them:
Hydration:
“Ho” confirms that the most important nutritional benefit of hot water with lemon is that it contributes to hydrating the body. This is especially important in the morning, after a full night of not drinking anything.
The body needs water to maintain its temperature, lubricate and protect joints, and get rid of waste through sweat and urination. Good hydration is also associated with healthier skin, better mood, and greater ability to concentrate.
However, the truth is that there is nothing special about lemon water specifically, because “any liquid will contribute to hydrating the body.”
Digestion:
Liquids are necessary to ensure the digestive system moves properly, whether they contain lemon or not.
In a 2020 study of more than 4,500 adults in Turkey, researchers found that people who consumed large amounts of water, more than 8 cups a day, were 29% less likely to suffer from constipation compared to those who consumed less, less than four cups a day.
But in a study published in 2022, researchers discovered that lemon juice speeds up the process of stomach emptying. However, Dr. “Ho” indicates that this study was limited in scope, and therefore its results should be treated with caution.
Immunity:
Lemons are known to be rich in vitamin “C”, which is necessary for “the function of the immune system, and also acts as a powerful antioxidant that reduces damage to DNA.”
But there is not enough evidence to suggest that increasing vitamin C intake significantly boosts immunity.
Weight loss:
Drinking hot water with lemon instead of high-calorie drinks, such as coffee sweetened with sugar, may help with weight loss. But there is no conclusive evidence that hot water with lemon has a noticeable effect on weight or metabolism.
Long-term studies have also found a link between citrus consumption and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, “Ho” confirms that this evidence is still insufficient.
