Benefits of drinking lemon water: Options for healthy, hydrating drinks

If you enjoy the refreshing tang of lemon water – we have good news! It’s tasty, hydrating and a good source of important nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.

Dolores Woods, RDN, a nutritionist with UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, says that if you want to opt for a drink that isn’t water, infused beverages like lemon water are the best for your health. “You can add lemon, lime, fresh herbs or frozen fruit and make some delicious and refreshing infused water,” she explains. She recommends the following combinations:

• Strawberry, basil, lemon

• Cucumber, mint, lemon

• Watermelon, mint, lime

• Blueberries, lemon, basil

• Pineapple, coconut, lime

What are the benefits of drinking lemon water?

Lemon water is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C does many things to help our health: It is a vital antioxidant, it aids in the absorption of iron, it is needed for the production of collagen, and it helps our immune system. Potassium is needed for nearly every bodily function, but it is especially important for the functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves.

In addition to its nutritional value, drinking lemon water is also good for hydration.

What happens if I drink lemon water every day?

The acid from lemon juice could damage your tooth enamel, but you don’t have to worry about that as long as it’s diluted in water. There isn’t a downside to drinking lemon water, and it may help you meet your nutritional needs for vitamin C and potassium.

It’s important to note that “lemon water“and “lemonade” are very different – lemon water will not contain any sugar, but lemonade will have lots and lots of sugar to try and counteract the sour taste of pure lemon juice.

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Does lemon water reduce belly fat?

While lemon water won’t directly target belly fat, it is diet and weight-loss friendly. The Cleveland Clinic writes, “We’re creatures of habit. Ponder the impact of replacing your morning OJ or latte with lemon water. Not just once, but perhaps 20 times a month — and multiply that by 10 years. Your waistline will thank you.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lemon water benefits: Hydration, collagen and antioxidants