What are the benefits of lemon water? They are easy to see and feel, in my experience. In fact, it is one of the simplest, best additions I’ve made to my health and beauty regimen this year.

I’ve always been sure to drink enough water for hydration, but I saw a tremendous difference once I started adding fresh lemon juice to the mix.

mason jar full of lemon water with mint leaves, sitting on wooden cutting board with fresh whole and sliced lemons alongside it

In this post I’ll cover some of the many benefits of lemon water and a few cautions. Then I’ll share my favorite recipes for healthy, tasty variations. Whether your personal preference is icy cold water, a steaming hot beverage, or a room temperature drink, I’ve got you covered.

Health Benefits of Lemon Water

What happens to your skin when you drink lemon water for 7 days? Well, I can tell you what happened when I took the lemon water challenge. I could see a tremendous difference in my skin, which was clearer and more glowing.

What happens if you drink lemon water everyday?

Here are a few of the benefits you can experience within a short time. It took me less than a week to see and feel results.

Hydrate with Flavor, Naturally

Sometimes it’s hard to down enough glasses of water in a day. A glass of lemon water adds flavor and interest to plain water yet has almost no calories.

Lemon Water for Immune Health and Glowing Skin

Like other citrus fruits, fresh lemons add nutrients to your water. They are a great source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight free radicals. Vitamin C supports your immune system, protects against cell damage from oxidative stress, and may boost collagen to keep your skin looking firm and young.

Believe it or not, I noticed a big difference in my skin after less than a week of drinking lemon water each morning (after my coffee, which I’m not giving up!)

clear, pure water poured from glass pitcher into glass with lemon sliced - lemons on counter in background

Lemon juice also is high in flavonoids, which are plant compounds with many health benefits. A diet rich in flavonoids may help protect against heart disease and diabetes (impacting glucose processing and blood sugar levels). The polyphenols in lemon zest may help improve insulin resistance.

Dehydration leaves your skin dry and dull. Water with added vitamin C = a potential glow-up. Adequate water intake helps flush out toxins, while vitamin C supports collagen and may reduce skin dullness over time.

Is lemon water good for your gut health?

Warm lemon water in the morning may help your digestion. I’ve found that it really reduces bloating throughout the day. However, see caveat below if you have acid reflux.

Get Weight Management Benefits

Some people ask, “How much weight will I lose if I drink lemon water for 7 days?”

Now, there is only limited evidence that lemon water can aid weight loss in itself — but staying hydrated and skipping sugary drinks definitely can. Replace soda or sweet juices with lemon water to lower your calorie and sugar intake without giving up taste. Then you can save those calories for a real indulgence, like a decadent Blueberry Lemon Roll.

Another interesting thing is that the polyphenols in lemon zest have been found to improve insulin resistance.

Ginger makes a great addition to lemon water — see my recipe below — and there is evidence that it helps with weight loss, possibly by reducing inflammation. See my lemon-ginger water recipe below.

fresh sliced ginger and small cup of powdered ginger on stone countertop

Freshen Your Breath

The citric acid in lemons can help kill bacteria, so drinking lemon water can freshen your breath–especially if you add peppermint leaves! See recipe below.

What is the downside of lemon water?

There are very few downsides to a daily glass of lemon water, but different bodies react differentely. You’ll want to keep these cautions in mind.

Protect Your Teeth

Over time, the citric acid in lemons can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more sensitive or cavity-prone. To protect your teeth, it’s best to drink lemon water through a straw. (If you’re not a fan of plastic, you can get a stainless steel straw.)

You can also rinse your mouth with plain water after you drink lemon water.

Watch Out for Acid Reflux

If you’re prone to acid reflux, the high acidity of lemons may trigger it. Start with a small glass every couple of days and see how you feel. Check with your healthcare provider if you’re not sure whether lemon water is right for you.

3. Be Mindful of the Diuretic Effect

Lemon water has a mild diuretic effect, which is great if you’re wanting to flush out some bloat. However, keep in mind that you may need a bathroom more often during the day.

My Favorite Lemon Water Recipes

To get the benefits of lemon water without getting bored, variety is key!

pitcher of lemon water with ice and sliced lemons in background on white counter

For cold lemon beverages, you can add different fruits to make them more special and add extra health benefits. Try strawberries, oranges, limes, pineapple, melon, grapes, or blackberries. Some people like to add cucumber slices. I add ginger for its health benefits.

A mug of warm lemon water with ginger and honey is one of the traditional remedies for a sore throat. Although there’s no proof lemon eases a sore throat, it does provide healing vitamin C and other health benefits mentioned above.

Honey coats the throat for soothing comfort when you’re sick. It also is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

cup of lemon tea in glass cup alongside container of honey with drizzler, lemons and mint in background

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help swelling joints, arthritis, and sore muscles. Ginger also can ease stomach problems such as bloating and nausea. It helps control insulin sensitivity and may even protect against heart disease and cancer.

Combined with the benefits of lemon water alone, ginger can give your system a real boost. I used to keep candied ginger around when I had morning sickness for 4 months out of the 9 when I was pregnant. It really did help.

lemon-ginger tea on a wooden table with fresh cut lemons and ginger

Lemon Water with Ginger

Citrus and ginger or mint infused water is delicious and has many health benefits.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 quarts water
Juice of 1 lemon
2 lemons, sliced
4 slices fresh, peeled ginger

Instructions

In a pitcher mix 2 quarts of water with the lemon juice. Add the sliced lemons and peeled, sliced ginger to the pitcher of water and place in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
When you are ready to drink the lemon water (I prefer first thing in the morning), pour over ice and enjoy.

Notes

If you like hot beverages, heat some of the lemon-ginger water in a kettle. Pour the warm water into a coffee mug and enjoy your hot, healthy, caffeine-free beverage.

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Hot Lemon Water with Honey and Peppermint