TikTok loves its trends. From “oatzempic” to okra water to seed cycling, it seems TikTokers will try almost anything to achieve their health goals.
And now hot lemon water is TikTok’s latest pseudo-health phenomenon. Influencers claim a glass of lemon water before bed every night will increase metabolism, reduce bloating, and help burn calories.
Seems too good to be true? According to Denise Hernandez, a registered dietitian with MyFitnessPal, it is.
The verdict on hot lemon water
“Lemon water is typically used as a home remedy to improve cold and flu symptoms,” Hernandez says. “There is no evidence that lemon water affects weight loss.”
Ok, so lemon water doesn’t help with weight loss. But can it help with anything? It’s likely!
Other health benefits of lemon water
“Lemons are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage. For example, vitamin C helps with the production of collagen—a protein that supports skin, muscle, bones, and connective tissue. It also helps your body absorb iron from food and may boost the immune system. Polyphenols—another antioxidant found in lemons—may help alleviate fatigue, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.”
On top of those benefits, lemon water may help with allergies and even alleviate cold and flu symptoms like a sore throat.
Of course, lemon water, hot or cold, will help you meet your hydration goals. According to the NIH, 75% of people don’t drink enough water. But it’s important for temperature control, cognitive performance, and gastrointestinal function.
Fun fact: You can track your water intake using the FREE MyFitnessPal app, plus discover other nutritional information about lemons.
The caveat
Be wary of consuming too much lemon in your daily water intake.
“Too much lemon water can aggravate acid reflux, increase tooth decay, trigger canker sores, and can interact with certain medicines,” says Mercer.
The bottom line
Don’t go looking for an alternative miracle weight loss drink. “It doesn’t exist. It may not be the fun answer, but weight loss and management takes consistency and a holistic approach.”
But food-logging is scientifically proven to support weight loss over time. Studies show that people who track their food are more likely to achieve their weight loss goals.
When you’re ready, MyFitnessPal can help: over 2,000 people a day reach their goals using the app!
