5 Science-Backed Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water, According to a Naturopathic Physician

While not all of the hyped-up benefits of drinking lemon water have actual science behind them, lemons and their juice can balance and heal you in a number of ways, says Laura Neville, N.D., a naturopathic physician based in Portland, OR. Here are 5 potential benefits of drinking a bracing cup of lemon water, plus a few other ways to get the tart goodness from that bright-yellow burst of vitamin C.

1. It stabilizes your appetite.

Lemon water can prevent spikes in hunger thanks to its blood-sugar-balancing pectin (a type of soluble fiber) and hydrating mojo, says Neville. If you’re still snacky after a meal, mix 1 cup of warm water with the juice of 1/2 lemon and a pinch of lemon zest (feel free to add a drizzle of honey). 

2. It revs up your energy.

Two types of vitamins give lemons pick-me-up power. Their vitamin C increases absorption of iron—helpful, since having too little can cause fatigue. B vitamins in lemons also assist with energy production, says Neville. Blend one sliced lemon (including the peel; add a little water if needed), then freeze in an ice cube tray. Toss into water for a quick refresher or into a smoothie filled with iron-rich kale.

3. It protects your cells.

Lemon boasts more vitamin C than OJ, and all that C power is a potent antioxidant, counteracting cell damage that accumulates over time and may even be a factor in problems like cancer and heart disease. Vitamin C also plays a role in synthesizing collagen, which helps cuts and scrapes heal faster. If you’re tired of drinking lemon water, cook it into a tasty side dish by stirring lemon juice, olive oil, and sliced scallions into cooked quinoa.

4. It controls bloating.

Lemon water may aid digestion and cut down on bloat. The citric acid in lemons can supplement your natural stomach acids to help you break down food. Lemon water is also a decent source of potassium, a mineral that helps keep sodium levels in check, potentially reducing any salt-induced bloating.

5. It kicks kidney stones to the curb.

Drink the juice of 2 lemons diluted in water every day, and you can reduce your risk of kidney stones. Citrine, a salt in citric acid, binds to calcium, helping block the formation of the dreaded stones. In fact, chronic kidney stones are often treated with potassium citrate, but studies have shown that lemon can do the job just as well.