Love Lemon Water? Here are 5 Great Recipes to Try
by Catherine Santino
Lemon water is often touted as the cure-all to whatever ails you. Feeling bloated? Lemon water. Sluggish in the morning? Lemon water! You've probably had it recommended to you for a number of reasons.
While there isn't a whole lot of research behind claims that it's a miraculous cure-all, lemon water can be a great nutritional supplement. Aside from the obvious hydration benefits, it can even help fuel your sweat sessions at the gym!
Here's what you need to know about the benefits of lemon water — as well as some delicious lemon water recipes to try out.
So, What Are the Benefits of Lemon Water?
Lemon water doesn't just taste good — it's good for you! Adding some lemon juice to your water introduces vitamin C, which can help ward off sickness and boost immunity.
In fact, a glass of water with the juice of half a lemon contains about 25% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. Lemon water also contains trace amounts of folate (which promotes cell growth) and potassium (which can support muscle function).
Aside from nutritional benefits, lemon water is a low-sugar option for people looking to cut down on sweetened beverages. Water mixed with the juice of half a lemon contains very few calories and only a small amount of sugar!
Considerations to Keep in Mind
Lemon water is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you find plain water boring. That being said, due to the acids that lemons contain, drinking too much of it can damage the enamel in your teeth. To prevent this, you could drink lemon water with a straw or rinse your mouth afterwards.
Essentially, lemon water recipes can serve as a dietary supplement and provide a great way to make sure you're getting enough fluids. Proper hydration is key to getting the most out of your workouts, so it's definitely worth having a glass of water before and after hitting the gym.
5 Tasty Lemon Water Recipes to Try
Ready to start getting creative by mixing your water with this tangy citrus? Here are five lemon water recipes that can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference.
1. Lemon Water with Ginger & Mint
What could be more refreshing than this combination of flavors? In an 8-ounce glass of water, add the juice of half a lemon along with a teaspoon of ground ginger and few mint leaves to taste. Mint and ginger are often used to aid in digestion, so this is a great beverage to enjoy after a meal!
2. Strawberry Lemonade (kind of)
Adding fresh strawberries to your lemon water creates a flavor reminiscent of strawberry lemonade — without all the added sugar and calories. If you're enjoying this cold, try adding frozen strawberries to serve as the ice cubes! Strawberries contain fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making this drink a great nutritional boost.
3. Grapefruit, Orange, and Lemon Water
Adding slices of grapefruit and orange to your lemon water can provide your body with the immunity-boosting vitamin C it needs during the winter months. This citrus mixture also infuses the water with vitamin A.
4. Cucumber and Lemon Water
This simple and classic lemon water recipe delivers ultimate hydration! Cucumbers contain potassium, fiber, and small amounts of vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and vitamin A, making this a versatile (and delicious) combination.
5. Lemon-Berry Water
Try adding raspberries and blueberries to your lemon water! Aside from their sweetness, raspberries offer fiber and vitamin C, while blueberries provide phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K.
Happy hydrating!