Lemon Water (Nimbu Pani) Benefits and Side Effects

Lemon is an extremely rich source of vitamin C. Studies suggest that vitamin C deficiency is directly correlated to an increased body mass. In a clinical study, individuals with adequate vitamin C levels were reported to oxidize 30% more fat during a workout regime than individuals with vitamin C deficiency. However, another study reports that vitamin C may not be helpful in losing weight in the short term as it helps burn fat in the body and does not promote immediate weight loss. So, you need to be patient with this one. Lemon water is further low in calories and helps detoxify your body which, in turn, improve metabolism.

Nonetheless, if you want to get the maximum benefits from your morning lemon water, it is best that you supplement it with an exercise regime and a balanced diet.

(Read more: Diet chart for weight loss)

myUpchar Ayurveda Medarodh Fat Burner Capsule Boosts Metabolism and Digestion Burns extra fat, has no side effects, order now

Apart from promoting weight loss, lemon water is primarily known for its benefits in improving skin conditions. This is because lemon water is made up of antioxidants like vitamin C that not only reduce blemishes but also wipe away wrinkles!

Vitamin C plays an essential part in collagen biosynthesis which is an important protein responsible for skin integrity. It also protects skin cells from UV damage, which defines its mechanism of action.

Warm lemon water detoxifies your blood and hence is very useful for maintaining your skin’s radiance.

Additionally, lemon water supplies hydration to your skin and we all know that a dehydrated skin quickly loses its elasticity and shine, giving way to wrinkles and fine lines.

Traditionally, nimbu pani is believed to relieve constipation and improve digestion. Though there is no scientific claim to confirm this theory, lemon contains vitamin C has been demonstrated to increase intestinal contractions aiding the process of digestion. This helps to relieve you from constipation.

Lemon water is mostly recommended to be taken lukewarm as warm water further aids in softening stools, facilitating their easy passage through the intestines.

It also stimulates bowel movements and stimulates the digestion of food in the gut. Additionally, as a diuretic and detoxifier, lemon water makes sure that all the toxins get flushed out from your digestive system, improving digestive function and relieving constipation.

(Read more: How to improve digestion)

Besides the consumption of smelly foods, improper digestion and acidity can lead to bad breath. Drinking warm lemon water boosts metabolism and keeps the stomach healthy which, in turn, keeps the mouth odour-free. Bacterial growth is yet another cause of bad breath. Lab studies indicate that the inhibitory effect of lemon on bacterial growth may be helpful in reducing bad breath.

Lemon gives a citrusy flavour to breathe which itself is quite refreshing. Further, water washes away bad breath by increasing saliva production.

However, lemon is inherently acidic and may erode tooth enamel, so it is advisable that you take lemon water in moderation.

Nimbu pani is a miraculous and extremely effective remedy to improve immunity and treat disorders of the throat. Vitamin C contained in lemon is effective in suppressing the onset of cold. Therefore, drinking nimbu pani is very good for treating common cold and flu.

Nimbu pani, when used as a gargle or oral wash, can help prevent sore throats, tonsillitis, and can help mitigate gingivitis and canker sores as well. Citric acid makes up about 5 to 6% of the juice. It actively inhibits bacterial growth by breaking down bacterial cell membrane.

Not only this, vitamin C also stimulates both the cellular and humoral immune system. In other words, it activates the immune system at all levels, making you less prone to diseases.

(Read more: Immunity boosting foods)

Kidney stones are mineral salt clumps that get deposited inside your kidneys. They elicit symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain. Though surgery and potassium citrate tablets are the most common options available to treat this problem it can relapse due to lifestyle factors. Passing kidney stones is immensely painful, an experience so excruciating that you may not forget.

Fortunately, citric acid present in lemons has been found to reduce the formation of kidney stones. Though it is not as potent as potassium citrate, it is definitely a better remedy to medicines and surgery.

Being a diuretic, lemon water keeps flushing all the toxins from the kidneys and does not let extra mineral compounds reside in the kidney linings for long, which makes nimbu pani an excellent aid for kidney stone prevention.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the common causes of mortality.

Several studies indicate that the intake of food high in Vitamin C helps reduce cardiovascular diseases. The risk of stroke and heart attack increases if there are low levels of Vitamin C especially among those who are obese or have high blood pressure.

A study done on Japanese population confirmed this along with demonstrating significantly lower risk of stroke in people who take adequate amounts of vitamin C. In a clinical study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, regular vitamin C consumption was found to be inversely associated with coronary heart disease risk.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it prevents lipid peroxidation, which is responsible for arterial plaques and atherosclerosis. Thus reducing stroke and heart attack risk.

Additionally, lemons are rich in potassium, which makes it an excellent hypotensive (reduces blood pressure) agent. A balanced blood pressure reduces stress on the heart and arteries thereby keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.

(Read more: Heart disease prevention)