According to registered dietitian nutritionist Stephanie Ferrari, there's no reason not to drink lemon water. This suggests that drinking lemon water, even when bitter, is generally considered safe.
Why Lemon Water is Considered Safe
Drinking lemon water offers several potential health benefits, contributing to its safety and positive reputation as a simple health beverage.
Benefits Supported by Expert Opinion
Based on information from Stephanie Ferrari, MS, RDN:
- Hydration: It helps keep you hydrated, which is crucial for overall health.
- Improved Function: Adequate hydration supports improved muscle function and digestion.
- Potential Weight Aid: It may also aid in weight loss, though this is often linked to replacing sugary drinks with lemon water.
- Digestive Aid: The naturally bitter flavor of lemon is believed to stimulate bile production and flow, which plays a role in digestion.
The inherent bitterness of lemon water is part of its natural composition and is even thought to contribute positively to digestive processes according to some perspectives, like the one mentioned by Ferrari.
What Makes Lemon Water Bitter?
The bitterness in lemon water primarily comes from compounds found in the lemon peel and pulp, not just the juice. These compounds, such as limonoids, can be more prominent when the lemon is aged, the water is left sitting for a while, or if too much peel is included. This bitterness is a natural characteristic and does not inherently indicate that the water is unsafe to drink, provided the lemon itself is fresh and prepared hygienically.
Generally, incorporating lemon water into your routine is seen as a safe and beneficial practice for staying hydrated and supporting digestive health, as long as it's consumed as part of a balanced diet.
