Is it OK to drink lemon juice straight?
Drinking lemon juice straight, without diluting it or adding it to water, has become a popular health trend. Some claim that starting your day with a shot of undiluted lemon juice can stimulate digestion, boost immunity, and promote weight loss. But is it safe and healthy to drink lemon juice straight?
Pros of Drinking Lemon Juice Straight
There are some potential benefits to drinking diluted lemon juice:
- High in vitamin C – One ounce of lemon juice contains over 18% of the RDI for vitamin C, an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties.
- Alkalizing effect – Although acidic, lemon juice has an alkalizing effect when metabolized by the body, helping neutralize acidity.
- Weight loss – Some studies suggest that the pectin fiber in lemon juice may promote feelings of fullness and temporarily boost metabolism.
- Aids digestion – The acidity of lemon juice can help stimulate digestive juices and bile production to keep things moving.
- Antimicrobial properties – Lemon juice contains compounds like citric acid that have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Cons of Drinking Lemon Juice Straight
However, there are also some potential downsides to drinking undiluted lemon juice:
- Very acidic – With a pH around 2-3, undiluted lemon juice is very acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time.
- Hard on stomach – The high acidity can irritate the stomach lining or trigger reflux in sensitive individuals.
- Blood sugar spikes – Although lemon juice has a low glycemic index, its simple sugars may cause blood sugar spikes if consumed in excess.
- Medication interactions – Lemon juice can sometimes interfere with the absorption of certain medications if taken too closely together.
- May trigger migraines – Some report that the acidic nature of lemon juice can trigger migraines in those prone to them.
Tips for Drinking Lemon Juice
If you want to incorporate lemon juice into your diet, here are some tips to do so safely:
- Dilute it – Mix lemon juice with water, herbal tea, or mineral water to reduce acidity.
- Use a straw – Using a straw can help minimize contact with and erosion of tooth enamel.
- Rinse your mouth – Rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon juice straight.
- Watch the timing – Drink lemon juice separately from medications or supplements, waiting at least 2 hours.
- Listen to your body – Avoid drinking lemon juice straight if you have reflux, stomach ulcers, or other sensitivities.
The Bottom Line
Having the occasional glass of diluted lemon water is likely fine for most people. However, drinking undiluted lemon juice straight on a regular basis may pose more risks than benefits for many due to its acidity.
If you choose to drink lemon juice straight, do so in moderation, dilute it when possible, and pay attention to how your body responds. For those with sensitivities, mixing lemon juice with water or using it as part of recipes may be a safer way to enjoy its zesty flavor and potential health benefits.
References
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- DiSilvestro, R. A., DiSilvestro, D. J., & DiSilvestro, D. J. (2019). Pomegranate Extract Mouth Rinsing, Ph Changes, and Bacterial Growth on Human Saliva. Journal of medicinal food, 22(7), 691-694.
- Gorinstein, S., Leontowicz, H., Leontowicz, M., Namiesnik, J., Najman, K., Drzewiecki, J., … & Trakhtenberg, S. (2008). Comparison of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant potentials of fresh and cooked Polish, Ukrainian, and Israeli garlic. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 56(7), 2770-2776.
- Goya, L., Martín, M. Á., Sarriá, B., Ramos, S., Mateos, R., & Bravo, L. (2016). Effect of cocoa and its flavonoids on biomarkers of inflammation: studies of cell culture, animals and humans. Nutrients, 8(4), 212.
- Kawaii, S., Tomono, Y., Katase, E., Ogawa, K., & Yano, M. (1999). Quantitation of flavonoid constituents in citrus fruits. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 47(9), 3565-3571.
