"Some micronutrients such as vitamin A (beta-carotene), folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, zinc, copper and selenium, exert immunomodulatory effects and influence the susceptibility of the host to infections," Alimmenta experts continue. "We have already mentioned that lemon has an interesting amount of vitamin C (which by the way is not lost in the juices, as they told you as a child) but, by consuming it in such a small amount in the water, its effects on the immune system would not be significant," they continue. To acquire enough vitamin C by including vegetables (red pepper, tomato, ...) and fruits (citrus, kiwi, strawberries, ...) in the diet would be enough. All of them whole, not liquified or juices, they warn. "Likewise, even if lemon is acidic, it will not have an effect on the body's pH," they say.
It's good for the brain
Lemons, as we also anticipated at the beginning, have a high content of potassium, which according to research stimulates brain and nerve function. Let's delve deeper. Only one lemon contains about 100 milligrams of this essential mineral, which is also important for the basic functions of cells and muscles and to maintain the body's fluid balance. Nothing is miraculous but something contributes.
It helps digestion
Lemon juice helps eliminate unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile, which is an acid that is required for digestion, and this is important considering studies, such as that of the National Biotechnology Information Centre of the United States, which shows that more than 30% of men and women over 60 years of age have atrophic gastritis, a condition characterised by little or no such acid.
Lemon water also helps the digestive system get moving in the morning without overloading it.
"It provides fibre" and "reduces insulin resistance or glycaemic response"
Returning to the professionals of Alimmenta Clínica: "consuming water with lemon (either with a splash or with a slice) we would not be getting an "extra fibre" in the diet. Think that when we squeeze the lemon (or any other fruit) what we do is remove this fibre from the food and part of its nutrients. And if there is no fibre, we will not be reducing the response of insulin (hormone released by the pancreas in response to the presence of glucose in the blood) or the glycaemic response."