The lemon diet is on the rise. It consists of consuming a lemon squeezed in water and promises to make you lose weight faster, as well as being a detox and helping to lose belly.
The water with lemon can be consumed in several ways: fasting, soon after waking up or before each meal. Already some methods guide that the water is warm.
This diet became popular and the darling of famous adherents of a healthy lifestyle. Still, the truth is that no research proves any effectiveness associated with this consumption.
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The Truth About The Lemon Diet
According to nutritionist Mariah Rangel, as lemon detoxifies, it is common to say it helps with weight loss. However, the truth is that we need to have balance in every diet for lemon to help with weight loss.
“There are no miracle foods. Weight reduction occurs when we manage to carry out a negative energy balance, that is, when we spend more than we consume”, he says.
Therefore, the lemon diet must always be associated with a balanced diet, introducing healthy foods and avoiding saturated fats and added sugar. The practice of physical activities is also essential.
On the fame of the lemon diet to help you lose belly fat faster, Mariah explains:
“Because it has a digestive function and facilitates the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, lemon can help reduce localized fat, but it is necessary to have a balanced diet. For example, it’s no use drinking water with lemon on an empty stomach and eating feijoada at lunchtime”.
Furthermore, there is no scientific proof that the water temperature of this drink helps you lose weight.
Lemon Benefits
Boosts the immune system
Mariah says that lemon helps to stimulate the immune system, so its consumption is essential to avoid colds and flu, even during chemotherapy.
“Lemon is rich in vitamin C and therefore also stimulates the absorption of iron by the body if consumed at the same meal,” complements the nutritionist.
In addition, the vitamin C present in lemon is also a potent antioxidant and works by blocking the action of free radicals in all of the body’s cells.
Balances the body’s pH
Another benefit of lemon, cited by Mariah, is that it balances the body’s pH. “Although it is acidic when the lemon reaches the stomach, it combines with alkalizing minerals and helps to keep the body’s pH in balance,” he says.
Therefore, the belief that lemons cause acidity in the stomach is a myth. What happens is exactly the opposite. Once ingested, lemon does not remain in an acid form; it turns into alkaline salts.
This compound plays a vital role in stabilizing the pH of body fluids, including blood, and in the bone formation and maintenance system. That is, lemon is an acidic food that causes alkalinity when ingested.
Clean the blood
According to Mariah, lemon’s alkalizing and detoxifying action also helps clean the blood and cells.
The more alkaline the blood is, the better because most diseases are related to blood acidification, which is the opposite of alkalinization. For example, sugar, white flour, excess protein, processed foods, and soft drinks acidify the blood.
Thus, the nutritionist emphasizes that consuming lemon frequently and maintaining healthy eating habits is essential to have an effective cleaning result.
Is water with lemon good?
Although not miraculous regarding weight loss, lemon water provides other health benefits.
“The vitamins and minerals present in the lemon will help the body eliminate toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, and water is a natural detoxifier,” explains Mariah.
The nutritionist teaches you to dilute half a lemon in 500 ml of water to make water with lemon. As for the frequency of consumption and the best time to use it, she says a nutritionist should individually guide it.
The professional also says sparkling water with lemon slices is an excellent option for replacing soda.
Adding other ingredients, such as ginger and chia, is possible to maximize the benefits of lemon water.
“The mixture of lemon, ginger and chia becomes an option rich in vitamins, fibre, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, thus helping to clean and alkalize the body,” points out Mariah.
Contraindication
The contraindications for the consumption of water with lemon are few. “Those who are allergic to lemons and suffer from a disease in the esophagus should not use this drink,” Mariah advises.
Even so, it is essential to remember that following a diet based only on lemon consumption or any other very restrictive diet can lead to a deficiency of nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for health.
This can lead to side effects such as tiredness, headaches, food poisoning and metabolic changes in the digestive system, leading to diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, anemia and even temporary loss of limb movement.
Therefore, all forms of lemon consumption must always be guided by a nutritionist so that he can establish safe amounts according to the health and needs of each individual.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.