Lemon Water Benefits + 5 Ways to Make It Taste Delicious

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Discover the benefits of Lemon Water, how to get the most out of it and five ways to make it taste delicious.

A sliced lemon round floating face-up in a teal mug surrounded by whole and sliced lemon, cinnamon sticks, ginger root and a honey dipper resting in a small bowl.

Whether warm or cold, adding sliced or fresh-squeezed lemon to your water can be a refreshing and nutritious way to stay hydrated.

From skin health to digestion, lemon water offers a range of nutrients and properties that can enhance overall well-being. I have personally experienced clearer skin and improved digestion after rotating lemon water into my routine.

Health Benefits of Lemon Water

Promotes digestion. Lemon water can be an excellent way to stimulate and aid digestion! The beauty of lemons is that when ingested, they have an alkalizing effect, helping to balance pH levels in the stomach and body. This can improve digestion and nutrient absorption. It can also stimulate bile production, increasing appetite.

Stimulates detoxification. In the same way that lemon water can improve digestion, the release of bile can also help stimulate the liver and kidneys into action. Additionally, lemons are rich in vitamin C and potassium, which are essential nutrients for the liver's function.

Immune-supporting. Rich in vitamin C, along with antibacterial and antiviral properties, lemon water can be a great cold-buster!

Heart-healthy. Lemons are rich in potassium, which can contribute to heart health.

Skin-loving. Staying hydrated and supporting digestive health is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy skin. Adding lemon to water provides additional nutrients, including vitamins C, A, B6, folic acid and antioxidants that can contribute to skin health.

Seasonal Benefits

Spring is an ideal time to support our liver and detoxification systems with naturally sour-tasting foods, such as lemons.

Summer is a great time to enjoy lemon-infused water with seasonal produce and fresh herbs that can add additional benefits and a pop of flavour.

Autumn and winter are great seasons to enjoy a cozy cup of lemon water. Add cinnamon, ginger and honey for added warmth and a yummy sore throat soother.

How to Get the Most out of Your Lemon Water

While there are no hard and fast rules for drinking lemon water, there are a few things you can do to squeeze the most out of it.

Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning can promote bile flow, balance pH levels and help the body flush out toxins.

Drinking warm lemon water twenty minutes before meals can stimulate appetite, improve digestion and even reduce over-eating.

A glass of cold or room-temperature lemon water can provide a higher dose of vitamin C and make staying hydrated more enjoyable with its refreshing flavour.

Consume in moderation. Overdoing anything can cause more harm than good. Lemon water is best enjoyed in moderation to prevent tooth enamel erosion, canker sores, and other potential issues. It's advisable to avoid daily consumption for extended periods without breaks. I typically rotate it in and out of my routine. Sometimes, I enjoy it more occasionally, and other times I drink it daily for a week or two, then take a long break.

A lemon round floating in a teal mug surrounded by whole and sliced lemon, cinnamon sticks and ginger root.

5 Delicious Ways to Make Lemon Water

I love adding a twist of flavour to my lemon water by infusing it with other fruits and herbs. There are so many ways to enjoy it that add both a flavourful and nutritious touch. Listed below are five of my favourites, including strawberry, cucumber lime, ginger and blueberry.

Boiling water being poured from a kettle into a glass mug with sliced lemon.

Hot Lemon Water

Simple and straightforward, hot lemon water is quick, comforting and flavourful. I love sipping on a cup first thing in the morning or twenty minutes before meals to help stimulate detoxification and improve digestion. All you need is hot water and lemon. In this post, you can find all my tips and tricks for making nutritious hot lemon water taste great.

Make This Recipe

Water, chopped ginger root and a slice of lemon in a glass mug beside whole lemons resting on a wooden cutting board.

Warm Lemon Water with Fresh Ginger

Infusing warm lemon water with fresh ginger root is one of my go-to's for upset tummies and throughout cold season. The added ginger can help to alleviate nausea while providing a boost of antiviral and antibacterial properties. It also adds a warming, comforting and flavourful touch. You can also add honey for a soothing effect on a sore throat.

Make This Recipe

Sliced cucumber and lime floating with a sprig of mint in a pitcher of water.

Infused Lemon Water with Cucumber Lime & Mint

Bursting with citrus flavour, cool cucumber and crisp mint, infused lemon water with cucumber, lime and mint is a delicious spring and summer refreshment. Cucumber, lime and mint also provide additional nutrients that can support digestion, detoxification, hydration and skin health.

Make This Recipe

A glass of pink strawberry water topped with cucumber slices and garnished with a lemon round and a sprig of mint.

Infused Lemon Water with Strawberry, Cucumber & Mint

Infused lemon water with strawberry, cucumber and mint is a delicious refresher on hot summer days. With a medley of cooling flavours, it makes staying hydrated feel luxurious and enjoyable. Strawberries, cucumber and mint also offer additional antioxidants, digestive-supporting and skin-loving nutrients.

Make This Recipe

A pitcher of infused blueberry lemon water beside two glasses garnished with lemon slices and lemon balm.

Lemon Blueberry Infused Water

Blueberry and lemon are a tasty and nutritious duo! Blueberries provide additional antioxidants, vitamin C and other digestive-supporting and skin-loving nutrients. It is also one of my favourite infused water flavours. With the subtle sweetness of blueberries, it's refreshingly flavourful without being too tart or too sweet.

Make This Recipe

FAQs

What is the best lemon-to-water ratio?

To receive the benefits of lemon water, it's best to add at least 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per 1 cup of water. However, it really depends on how tart you like it. You can add more or less lemon, depending on your taste. Here is my favourite ratio and brewing time for warm lemon water.

What are the benefits of drinking lemon water in the morning?

It is said that drinking lemon water on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, can enhance its digestive benefits.

Why is it recommended to drink lemon water on an empty stomach?

Since the nutrients of lemon water are absorbed quicker on an empty stomach, it can increase the benefits of improving digestion, boosting metabolism, stimulating detoxification and balancing the body's pH level.

Can you drink lemon water while fasting?

Yes, lemon water is low enough in calories and carbohydrates that it will not break the fasting state. It is also believed to potentially enhance certain benefits of fasting. However, I must note that it can be an appetite stimulant, which could leave some in an uncomfortable state of hunger.