Drinking lemon water can cause stones? Can't use hot water to soak lemons? Four major misconceptions about lemon water demystified!

Lemon is an amazing fruit known for its acidity, and its ability to produce fluids, quench thirst, and dispel heat.

Debunking Misconceptions About Lemon Water: Impact on Health

Modern medicine acknowledges that lemons can aid in preventing cardiovascular disease, act as antioxidants, and help slow the aging process. Today, lemon water has become a popular beverage choice for many. However, there are some misconceptions circulating about lemon water on the internet.

1. Drinking Lemon Water Will Cause Kidney Stones

Conclusion: Drinking lemon water does not promote the formation of kidney stones. In fact, it can help with the absorption of calcium and other nutrients.

The causes of kidney stones are multifactorial, including genetics, metabolism, anatomy, and diet. Among these, diet plays a significant role. While high levels of oxalic acid in the diet can contribute to stone formation, lemons do not contain high levels of oxalic acid, so they are not a risk for kidney stones.

2. Can’t Use Hot Water to Soak Lemons

Conclusion: Using hot water with lemon does not significantly damage its nutrients, but it can enhance the flavor profile.

Some people worry that the high water temperature will destroy vitamin C and other nutrients in lemons, reducing the nutritional value of lemon water. However, the solubility of calcium citrate, which forms when citric acid from lemons combines with calcium, is only slightly affected by hot water (with a solubility of 0.02 grams per 100 grams). Citric acid in the intestinal tract helps absorb calcium, iron, zinc, and other minerals, providing health benefits without major loss of nutritional value. It is believed that vitamin C can have good heat resistance in an acidic environment, even at temperatures of 60 ℃ or higher, there is no excessive loss.

Moreover, high temperatures can force lemons to release a large number of flavor substances, so that the lemonade is more fruity, and the drink will be a little more acidic.

Therefore, brewing lemonade can be used with appropriate hot water and, a better taste.

3. Stomach Problems: Can’t Drink Lemonade

Conclusion: Drinking lemon water in moderation does not increase the burden on the stomach and intestines.

Some people worry that drinking lemon water will irritate the stomach, particularly due to its acidity, fearing it will stimulate excessive stomach acid production. However, this is not the case. When consumed in moderation, lemon water actually has an alkalizing effect on the body and can help balance stomach pH, potentially aiding digestion and soothing the stomach rather than causing irritation.

The tartness of lemons comes mainly from citric acid, which is a low acidity compared to stomach acid. The pH value of pure lemon juice is only about 2.5, but when diluted with water (as is common in lemon water), the acidity is significantly reduced. Typically, only a slice of lemon is used, and the water further dilutes the citric acid. As long as lemon water is consumed in moderation, it will not cause a burden on the stomach.