![Fix.com Fix.com logo](https://fixcom-g4bhetdmcgd9b7er.z01.azurefd.net/images/logo.png)
Get your fix of expert articles delivered straight to your inbox!
No Thanks - I don't like cool stuff
Warm lemon water is the health trend of the moment. It’s been touted for its magical benefits, each one seemingly more incredible than the last. When high-profile celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Campbell start drinking it, you can be sure the popular wave of interest is not far behind.
In The Food Pharmacy, Jean Carper expounds on the mythical reputation of the lemon: “In the third century A.D. the Romans believed that the lemon was an antidote for all poisons, as illustrated by the tale of two criminals thrown to venomous snakes; the one who had eaten a lemon beforehand survived snakebite, the other died. So great is the reputation of the lemon that, so the story goes, it became an accompaniment for fish in the belief that if a fishbone got stuck in the throat, the lemon juice would dissolve it.”
Folklore aside, many claims about lemon juice have surfaced over time. But is drinking warm lemon water really all it’s cracked up to be? Let’s sort out the hype from the real health benefits.
The real magic of warm lemon water may be psychological. Adding lemon to water can be more interesting and flavorful than just drinking plain water. If the lemony flavour helps you to drink more water, that’s good. If you’re used to a hot coffee or tea in the morning, drinking your lemon water warm can offer that same bit of comfort, especially on a cold day.
Furthermore, simply feeling like you are making a healthier choice (if it’s replacing sugary coffee or juice you actually are) can have positive benefits for brain and body. Science has shown that the placebo effect can be a powerful phenomenon with real physical and emotional effects.
In spite of all the old folklore and current hype surrounding warm lemon water, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a good habit to incorporate into your daily routine. Personally, I’m always trying to stay hydrated, and the fact that adding lemon makes water much more enjoyable to consume is benefit enough. It’s a healthier option than juice or sugary coffee, and much more affordable too. So why not buy a bag of lemons, invest in a water filter, and give it a try?
Written by:
Get your fix of expert articles delivered straight to your inbox!
No Thanks - I don't like cool stuff