Many Nigerians have adopted lemon water as their morning ritual, but what exactly does this popular drink do inside the body? Two experienced nutritionists have stepped forward to separate fact from fiction, explaining the genuine health advantages and common misconceptions surrounding this citrus-infused beverage.
The Real Benefits of Lemon Water Explained
Clinical nutritionist and digital health creator Fiyinfoluwa Odukoya and lifestyle coach Rhoda Olorunseyi provided detailed insights to Guardian Life, cutting through the hype that often surrounds lemon water. Their professional assessment reveals both the strengths and limitations of this widely-consumed drink.
Enhanced Hydration emerged as the primary benefit according to both experts. Odukoya emphasized that regular consumption helps maintain hydration levels while providing vitamin C and supporting immune function. Rhoda offered a straightforward perspective: "Lemon water is mostly water; that's where the main benefit comes from. The lemon simply adds vitamin C, small amounts of antioxidants, and a bit of flavour that encourages people to drink more water overall."
Digestive and Immune System Support
For those who drink lemon water to settle their stomach in the morning, there's scientific backing for this practice. Odukoya confirmed that lemon water can stimulate digestive juices, support smooth digestion, reduce bloating, and may gently boost metabolic activity.
A 2022 study published in Springer Nature provided evidence supporting this claim, showing that the citric acid in lemon juice increases gastric acid production, which is essential for breaking down food during digestion.
Regarding immune function, Rhoda provided crucial clarification: "The vitamin C in lemon supports immune function, but it's not a cure or a shield. It helps the body carry out normal immune processes and reduces oxidative stress." She emphasized that proper hydration allows immune cells to work more efficiently, making this the real driver behind the immune benefits.
Weight Management and Nutritional Value
One of the most common misconceptions about lemon water involves its role in weight loss. Rhoda addressed this directly: "Lemon water does not directly burn fat. What it can do is support weight management behaviours." She explained that it increases water intake, may replace high-calorie beverages, and some people feel fuller when drinking water before meals.
Odukoya highlighted the importance of vitamin C for skin health and collagen production. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to various health issues including increased infection susceptibility, dry skin and eyes, persistent fatigue, and in severe cases, loosening of teeth.
Important Safety Precautions
Both nutritionists stressed the importance of consuming lemon water safely. Odukoya warned that people with acid reflux, sensitive teeth, or stomach ulcers should limit their consumption. He recommended always diluting lemon water to reduce acidity and protect both teeth and stomach lining.
Rhoda provided practical preparation tips:
- Use fresh lemon rather than concentrates
- Add juice to room temperature or warm water
- Include lemon zest for additional antioxidants
- Increase dilution for those with sensitivity or acid reflux
- Focus on consistency rather than precise recipes
The experts concluded that the ultimate goal is simply to ensure adequate daily water intake, with lemon serving as a flavorful enhancer that makes hydration more appealing for many Nigerians.
