10 Misunderstandings about Lemonade

Lemon water is not only an effective beauty remedy for women, but it is also a miracle drink that has significant health benefits. However, most people have misconceptions about lemon water, such as thinking that drinking lemon water is the same as taking vitamin C, that using more lemon is better for health, that hot water should not be used to mix it, and more.

Below are the misconceptions about this delicious drink.

1. Drinking lemon is similar to taking vitamin C

While fresh lemons contain a high level of vitamin C, drinking lemon water is not the same as consuming vitamin C, and vice versa. Many believe that lemon can replace multivitamins for health benefits. However, vitamin C is just one component of lemon water. This component has cooling properties, which are not suitable for those with a cold constitution, a history of digestive issues, or stomach ulcers.

2. Using more lemon is better

When preparing lemon water, it is essential to dilute it. A slice of lemon with the skin can be mixed with 3-4 cups of water. This way, the lemon water will not be overly sour, and there is no need to add sugar or honey, while keeping the calorie content low. The lemon must be kept with the skin, sliced thinly, as the skin contains higher levels of flavonoids compared to the flesh. Moreover, lemon essential oils are primarily concentrated in the peel, and when sliced thinly, the aromatic components easily release while retaining antioxidants.

Since lemons are also citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines, their peels contain bitter-tasting flavonoids. On a hot day, after drinking a glass of lemon water with a hint of bitterness and sourness, you will feel refreshed.

3. Hot water should not be used to mix

Many believe that lemon water should not be mixed with hot water for fear of losing vitamin C. In reality, lemon water cannot be too cold; otherwise, the flavor will not be released. Due to the strong acidity of lemons, vitamin C’s heat tolerance under acidic conditions is quite good, so it is not easily lost. Mixing lemon water at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius is perfectly fine.

Drinking warm lemon water daily is the easiest way to supplement the necessary daily vitamin C intake and keep the body functioning energetically.

4. Lemon water can cause stones in the body

Some believe that lemon water cannot be consumed with calcium-rich foods since calcium and citric acid can create precipitates, potentially causing stones in the body; this notion is incorrect. Calcium citrate is soluble in water, and experiments show that its solubility is 0.02g/100g of water. Although this seems low, calcium citrate is a good ingredient for making calcium supplements, as it does not require stomach acid for absorption.

In fact, citric acid does not form stones like oxalic acid does. On the contrary, organic acids like citric acid help in the absorption of many minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Studies also show that citric acid helps prevent kidney stones and is even used in the treatment of kidney stones.

5. Those with stomach pain should not drink lemon water

Some believe that individuals with stomach pain should avoid drinking lemon water because the strong acidity can irritate the stomach, and too much stomach acid is not good. However, in reality, soaking a slice of lemon in a large jug of water makes the lemon flavor very mild and not sour enough to cause stomach ulcers.

Additionally, since citric acid helps absorb various minerals, Westerners often drizzle lemon juice on fish, meat, and eggs to aid digestion. For those with digestive difficulties, adding a slice of ginger to lemon water and drinking it during meals can help stimulate digestive secretions.

6. Lemons are acidic

Currently, many people are still unsure whether lemons are acidic or alkaline foods. Clearly, drinking lemon water tastes sour, and the pH value is acidic; so why are they still called alkaline foods? This is because although lemons contain citric acid, citric acid can be metabolized in the body into carbon dioxide and water, and then carbon dioxide is expelled through respiration, thus eliminating acidity.

Moreover, potassium and calcium ions in lemons are retained in the body as metal cations, which is why they are referred to as “alkaline foods.”

7. Using pure lemon to treat acne and whiten skin

Many women believe that simply dabbing pure lemon juice onto the skin can effectively treat acne and whiten the skin. However, in reality, the “concentrated” acid in lemon juice can burn, irritate, and even severely damage the skin, making the acne treatment process more difficult.

8. Drinking lemon water aids rapid digestion

The cellulose fibers in lemons aid digestion and are found entirely in the lemon peel. To improve digestion, you should consume the lemon peel as well. In the short term, drinking lemon water can help reduce bloating. However, if you experience chronic bloating, you need to identify the underlying cause.

9. Drinking lemon water before meals helps with weight loss

Drinking any beverage before meals can help fill the stomach, which can control overeating. In reality, lemon water does not directly help you lose weight as it does not have the ability to burn calories for weight management. It can only replace high-calorie drinks such as soda, sweet drinks, coffee with milk, and milk…

Remember that weight loss requires a strict diet by limiting calorie intake. You will only lose weight if your caloric intake is less than the amount of calories burned. Lemons contain vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other nutrients that can benefit the body and supplement nutrition, but these do not contribute to weight loss.

10. Lemon water speeds up metabolism

Many claim that a glass of lemon water in the morning can stabilize metabolism throughout the day. Unfortunately, experts do not agree with this. Adding lemon to water may encourage you to drink more, which can be beneficial. Moreover, lemon water helps maintain weight but does not directly aid in weight loss.