A nutritionist describes five advantages of lemon water.

The benefits of drinking lemon water first thing in the morning are one of the most frequently recommended health tips. No, we are not merely referring to the purifying properties that have always been associated with it. It has a few additional benefits in addition to its detoxifying effect.

Given that it is one of the most polarizing wellness and nutrition tricks and one that generates the most conflicting opinions–from those who fervently believe that it aids in weight loss (spoiler alert: it does not) to those who claim it is worthless–we spoke with nutritionist Laura Parada, technical director of Slow Life House, to discuss the actual benefits of lemon water.

Before delving deeper into the topic, we will mention one advantage of consuming liquids first thing in the morning: it prevents the body from retaining fluids when it is unable to execute its bodily functions.

"It kick-starts the digestive process in the morning," the expert explains. Consequently, it also relieves indigestion, reflux, and bloating. Additionally, lemon is known to stimulate the production of bile and gastric secretions, preventing the formation of gas.

However, this does not imply that it can be used for weight loss; on the contrary, this remedy is not miraculous and has no fat-burning properties.

"It strengthens the immune system," says Parada, alluding to lemon juice's high vitamin C content. Moreover, it is a good source of vitamin B, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and enzymes.

It is beneficial for the epidermis due to its high antioxidant content, which "prevents damage from free radicals," according to the expert.

It moisturizes the epidermis. Let us not forget that, as previously discussed, consuming a significant portion of our daily water intake on an empty stomach is an effective way to stimulate the metabolism and hydrate the body. Given that drinking water can sometimes be a bit of a chore, adding lemon juice "can give a pleasant taste that makes the task easier," says Parada.

In addition, doing it on an empty stomach facilitates the rehydration of the body after it has gone many hours without water.

"It improves intestinal transit and hydrates the colon," explains Parada, so taking it on an empty stomach can aid in relieving constipation. In addition, lemon's high fiber content promotes intestinal health.

The required water temperature is lukewarm, not scalding.

It is crucial that the temperature of the water be lukewarm and not hot, as Parada emphasizes, because "being at the same temperature as our body, it is absorbed much more quickly because it does not have to lower its temperature to be assimilated," as the expert explains.

And no, citrus is not alkalizing

In addition to all the benefits of this technique, Parada rules out the possibility that it is an alkalizing trick. Although much has been said about the potential ability of foods to alkalize the blood's pH and the presumed benefits, such as preventing osteoporosis and regulating blood pressure, Parada confirms that it is not possible to alter our body's pH through diet.

"It is commonly believed that lemon water can alter the blood's pH with an alkalizing influence. "This is false because the kidneys, liver, and lungs are responsible for regulating blood acidity, keeping it within a range of 7.3 to 7.5," he explains.