Lemons contain several beneficial compounds called flavonoids, which have been found effective in lowering cholesterol and controlling blood sugar. Published in the February 23, 2011 issue of "Lipids in Health and Disease," one study reports that citrus flavonoids also help control obesity by lowering certain enzymes in the body that promote weight gain. If your goal is to lose weight, or simply to not gain, add hot water with lemon to your diet and test its effectiveness for yourself.
Step 1
Use an entire lemon if you are over 150 lbs., as per Ann Heustad, R.N., in a report from EMR Labs. If under 150 lbs., 1/2 of a lemon will do.
Step 2
Wash the outside of a fresh lemon and cut it in half if you are not using a whole lemon. If using a whole lemon, move on to step 4.
Step 3
Put 1/2 of the lemon in a baggie and refrigerate. You will use this half of the lemon for your evening drink.
Step 4
Squeeze the lemon juice into a cup that holds hot liquids.
Step 5
Heat 1 cup of water in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. When it begins to boil, pour it into the cup with the lemon juice.
Step 6
Stir the water and lemon with a spoon before drinking.
Step 7
Drink hot water with lemon in the morning and the evening before bed.
Tips and Warnings
- If straight lemon is difficult for you to drink, add a natural sweetener such as stevia or xylitol.
- Do not add sugar or honey to your lemon water, as you will be consuming extra calories that will sabotage your weight-loss effort.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh lemons
- Mug
- Spoon
References
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Citrus Flavonoids Repress the mRNA For Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase, a Key Enzyme in Lipid Synthesis and Obesity Control; L.A. Nichols, et al., Feb. 23, 2011
- "Journal of Food Composition and Analysis"; Flavonones in Grapefruit, Lemons and Limes: A Compilation and Review of the Data From the Analytical Literature; Julia J. Peterson, et al.; 2006
- EMR Labs: Amazing Health Benefits of Lemon Water; Ann Heustad, R.N.
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