Lemon for weight loss: how does it work?
It all started with Stanley Burroughs, when he took a close interest in lemon juice in the 1970s. Indeed, this Swiss naturopath recommended a lemon-based drink to accompany fasting, so as to detoxify the body. Since then, this method has grown to such an extent that it has been associated with diets. But then, how to lose weight with lemon?
How does lemon make you lose weight?
To lose weight, you must first adopt a healthy lifestyle. This requires a balanced diet and sport , of course, but that’s not all! Certain foods have properties that facilitate weight loss by providing the body with what it needs. This is how lemon works for weight loss: thanks to its nutritional benefits, it helps the body to get rid of excess pounds.
So what are its benefits?
Being a citrus fruit, the lemon is one of the fruits with the lowest natural sugars and calories. It is therefore the ideal ally for flavoring water and detoxifying, but not only. Rich in flavonoids, lemon is a powerful antioxidant and a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains several B vitamins and potassium. In addition, its acidity contributes to the digestive process, which means that consuming lemon to lose weight is very useful.
From the immune system to disease prevention
The flavonoids that lemon contains, in addition to being antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties. This combination would reduce the risk of diabetes , cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, but also…obesity! Proof that lemon for weight loss is beneficial: a 2019 study (1) linked the concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids with glucose tolerance, fat metabolism and insulin processing. Put simply, these two benefits cleanse the body of harmful compounds created by oxidative stress.
Does the warm water with lemon technique work?
According to some nutritionists, drinking a glass of warm water with lemon every morning on an empty stomach would promote weight loss. The truth is more nuanced. According to Dr. Chevallier, head of the nutrition unit at the Clinique du Parc, the body becomes dehydrated during the night. If some people prefer to drink diuretics when they wake up, starting their day with lemon juice in warm water can rehydrate them while providing vitamins and antioxidants. Which, as you have read, help fight obesity .
How to consume lemon to lose weight?
Lemon juice alone or in lukewarm water is a good idea, but if you have fragile intestines, choose balanced recipes that contain it! Lemon chicken, salmon or even lemon mousse… Try to introduce this citrus fruit as soon as you can in order to take advantage of all its benefits. Also remember to use the zest so as not to lose any of the fruit and its vitamins. And above all, consume it fresh, not in industrial concentrate, to preserve its properties.
The lemon diet to lose weight
So is the lemon diet a good idea for weight loss? Yes ! If it is not a miracle ingredient, lemon for weight loss is not a fantasy. However, there is no need to consume only this during a fast: include lemons in a balanced diet to provide your body with what it needs. Fresh and organic, sliced or juiced!
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.