Popular diets frequently promote a "secret ingredient" to weight loss. Along with bananas, grapefruit, acai, green tea, and pomegranates, lemon juice has received much attention in this regard. Lemon detox diets have been championed by Beyonce' Knowles and Theresa Cheung in her book "The Lemon Juice Diet."
Claims
Proponents of lemon juice as a weight-loss supplement claim that the acetic acids and citric acids in lemon actively burn calories. The diuretic properties of lemons have contributed to these assertions. Lemons also contain high doses of vitamin C which, according to a 2007 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition by researchers at Arizona State University, could decrease fat deposits and waist circumference.
Expert Insight
The American Council on Exercise states that "there is no magic bullet to weight loss. There is no food that will help you burn more calories," in an article titled "Diet Myths Debunked." Dr. Karl S. Kruszelnicki of ABC Science says that for an acid to dissolve fats, "you need either a strong hydroxide, or yes, a strong hot acid. You can make your lemon juice hot with an oven. But no matter how hot lemon juice is, it is definitely not a strong acid. So lemon juice simply cannot break down fats."
Benefits
The lemon has long been used to treat digestive issues, including heartburn, nausea and constipation. Rather than the supposed "fat burning" effects of lemons, it is the digestive benefits that Theresa Cheung emphasizes in "The Lemon Juice Diet." She states that "if your digestive system isn't functioning optimally, it doesn't matter how many so-called superfoods you eat, you won't be getting the nutrients you need to be healthy, to detox naturally, and to rev up your metabolism."
Preparation
A simple lemon water can be made with either fresh squeezed lemon or bottled juice. The balance of juice to water should be prepared by taste. Add honey for desired sweetness.
Warning
People with a citrus allergy, heartburn, kidney and gall-bladder problems, and children under the age of 4 should not drink lemon juice. Never drink the juice undiluted. The high acid content of lemon juice can damage the enamel of your teeth.
References
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Strategies for Healthy Weight Loss: From Vitamin C to the Glycemic Response
- American Council on Exercise: Diet Myths Debunked
- ABC Science: "Fat-fighting" Lemons Have Sour Twist
- A 2 Z of Health, Beauty and Fitness: The Health Benefits of Lemons
- "Lemon Juice Diet"; Theresa Cheung; 2008
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