The Lemon Water Myth

The Claim:

Drinking lemon water can help you burn fat and lose weight.

The Reality:

The hype over lemon water likely stems from a 2008 Japanese

study that linked lemons' polyphenols - micronutrients with

antioxidant properties - to less weight gain and improved fat

metabolism in mice that were fed a high fat diet. The study team

claimed that the lemon polyphenols may stimulate liver enzymes

that help block the absorption of dietary fats.

Problem One:

The study was done on mice. No rigorous studies have been done

showing that lemon water can promote weight loss in humans.

Problem Two:

Mice in the study were eating a diet loaded with lemon rind, the site

of most of the polyphenols in lemons. Most people who drink lemon

water don't consume the rinds but just consume the juice.

The Up Side:

Lemon juice is full of Vitamin C and some studies have linked low

vitamin C status to obesity. More importantly, however, is if lemon

gets you to drink more water, that can go a long way towards

weight management as thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

Drink up!