The Health Benefits of Boiling Lemons

There is some evidence to suggest that consuming lemons boiled or soaked in hot water can boost immunity, improve skin, and even aid in weight loss. Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C and several other vitamins and minerals. Here are the nutritional benefits of lemons boiled or mixed with boiling water.

Health Benefits

There are several possible health benefits associated with boiling lemons.

Improves the appearance of the skin

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that protects cells from skin against damaging free radicals, thereby reducing the signs of aging. Some studies suggest that ingesting vitamin C helps skin heal faster and minimizes scarring. It can also stimulate collagen production, giving skin a firmer, plumper appearance and minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduce blood pressure

Lemons are good sources of minerals that can help lower blood pressure, such as calcium and potassium. Experts recommend getting these key nutrients from food instead of taking them in supplement form, when possible. A study in 200 Japan suggests that daily consumption of lemon juice may lower blood pressure in women middle-aged. However, the study was complicated by the fact that the participants also took daily walks, which may have had a greater impact on blood pressure than lemon juice.

Boost immunity

Vitamin C in lemons can help boost the body’s immune system, thus protecting it against respiratory infections. For example, a review by 2017 indicates that high doses of vitamin C (200 milligrams per day) may be effective in treating pneumonia and the common cold. She also suggests that maintaining an intake of approximately 100-200 mg of vitamin C per day may help prevent future infections. The same study suggests that people most at risk of vitamin C deficiency, such as the elderly, should ensure that their daily diet provides them with enough vitamin C. A drink of hot water and lemon can be a way to increase a person’s vitamin C levels.

Aid in weight loss

Lemon water remains a very low calorie drink. People who tend to prefer fruit juices and soft drinks over plain water may find that drinking lemon water instead of these drinks will help them lose weight faster. Lemon water can also promote hydration, which can boost weight lossTrusted Source and reduce fluid retention.

Improves digestion

People with indigestion often report that symptoms such as bloating and heartburn improve after drinking a glass of hot water and lemon. However, there isn’t much evidence to support the idea that lemon is the ingredient that does all the work. That said, there is evidence to suggest that drinking hot water can have a soothing effect on the gut. A study by 2019 found that a daily dose of hot water helped reduce diarrhea. Similarly, a study of 200 in humans found that hot water helped improve bowel movement after a surgical intervention. So it may be the temperature of the water, rather than the added lemon juice, that aids digestion. Interestingly, the soluble fiber in the fruit can help slow the digestion of sugars and starches. However, this would involve eating the pulp of the lemon, not just drinking the juice.

3 ways to properly prepare lemons

Most people prefer to add lemon slices to hot water, or boil lemon in water, to create a lemon drink. However, more and more people are finding that boiled whole lemons add flavor and texture to dishes.

Here are three ways to prepare a drink with boiling water and lemon.

Method 1

Cut a fresh lemon in half.

Squeeze the lemon or use a lemon squeezer to extract the juice, and discard the skin or pips.

Add the strained lemon juice to a glass of freshly boiled water and allow it to cool before drinking.

Method 2

Cut a lemon into slices or quarters.