Warm water with lemon and honey is a simple yet nutrient-rich beverage that has been traditionally valued across various cultures for its digestive and wellness benefits. From a clinical nutrition perspective, the combination provides essential hydration, natural antioxidants, and essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin C from lemon and bioactive compounds from honey [1]. While much of its benefit is anecdotal or based on laboratory studies, drinking it regularly may help support hydration, offer relief for mild coughs, and boost overall well-being [2].
Here are the most common health benefits of drinking warm lemon and honey water, along with important cautions.
1. Supports Digestive Health
The combination may offer symptomatic relief for mild digestive discomfort. Honey has well-documented antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that may help soothe the digestive tract [3], while lemon can stimulate digestion and bile secretion. Together in warm water, they are an ancient home remedy for digestive comfort. However, it is crucial that individuals with pre-existing conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), gastritis, or active peptic ulcers should exercise caution, as the high acidity of lemon can exacerbate symptoms [4].
2. Hydrates and Supports the Lymphatic System
Drinking warm lemon and honey water is a pleasant way to help encourage hydration. Adequate hydration supports overall immunity, improves sleep, can relieve mild, non-pathological constipation, and helps maintain overall energy levels [5]. The lymphatic system relies on proper body fluid balance for optimal function; thus, any hydrating beverage contributes to its health.
3. Provides a Natural Energy Source
Honey provides a quick, natural energy boost due to its high content of simple carbohydrates (fructose and glucose). This natural sugar source provides readily available fuel for the body [6]. While there is limited clinical data on the aroma, some studies suggest that the citrus aroma of lemon may have mild mood-lifting and stress-relieving properties [7]. The warm water also aids in circulation, which can contribute to a feeling of alertness.
4. May Support Urinary Tract Health
The increased fluid intake from this drink acts as a mild diuretic, helping to flush out the urinary tract. Honey’s antibacterial properties have been studied in in-vitro (test-tube) settings and may complement this effect [3]. However, it is essential to emphasize that this mixture is not a treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Individuals with symptoms of a UTI or recurring infections must consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment.
5. Contributes to Oral Cleanliness
Lemon stimulates saliva production, a critical natural mechanism for cleansing the mouth and neutralizing acids. Honey contains various bioactive compounds that can help combat harmful bacteria, though its high sugar content necessitates caution [8]. Drinking the mixture in the morning may help reduce bad breath and wash away minor debris from the tongue. Critical Caveat: The high citric acid content of lemon can erode tooth enamel over time. It is strongly recommended to drink this mixture quickly, use a straw, and rinse the mouth with plain water immediately afterward to minimize enamel damage [9].
6. Role in Weight Management
The belief in the weight management benefits of this drink is very common. Lemon contains soluble fibre called pectin (primarily in the pulp), which promotes a feeling of fullness and may help control cravings [10]. While the warm water and lemon can gently stimulate the metabolism, it should never be viewed as a standalone fat-burning solution. For effective and sustainable weight management, this drink must be combined with a comprehensive, calorie-controlled diet and consistent, regular physical exercise [11].
7. Hydration and Vitamin C for Skin Health
Lemon’s Vitamin C content is vital for the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein necessary for healthy cell production and skin elasticity [12]. Regular consumption of any hydrating beverage, including this drink, is believed to contribute to clearer, naturally glowing skin primarily through optimal hydration and the intake of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if you drink lemon and honey every day?
Drinking warm water with lemon and honey every day can support your hydration, provide a source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, and support normal digestion. The key to daily consumption is moderation and mindful use, especially considering the potential for dental erosion from lemon acidity and the sugar content of honey.
What are the benefits of drinking water with lemon and honey?
The benefits of warm water with lemon and honey include acting as a pleasant source of hydration, aiding digestion, providing mild symptomatic relief for coughs and colds, and offering antioxidant and Vitamin C intake.
Does lemon honey water reduce belly fat?
The belief in the weight loss benefits of warm water with lemon and honey is very common. Drinking warm water with lemon and honey may support weight control by improving digestion and acting as a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks; however, for optimal and specific reduction of belly fat, it should be a small component of a balanced, calorie-deficit diet and regular, consistent exercise regimen [11].
When is the best time to drink lemon and honey water?
For optimal benefits from warm water with lemon and honey, many people prefer to drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to kick-start your metabolism and aid digestion. Remember to rinse your mouth with plain water immediately after consumption to protect tooth enamel.
Who should not drink lemon honey water?
Individuals with active or severe acid reflux, peptic ulcers, or diagnosed diabetes (due to the carbohydrate load from honey) should limit or avoid drinking lemon and honey water to prevent exacerbating their conditions. Additionally, those with known citrus or bee product allergies must avoid it.
References
[1] Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
[2] Oduwole, O., Udoh, E. E., Oyo-Ita, A., & Meremikwu, M. M. (2018). Honey for acute cough in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD007094. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007094.pub4
[3] Mandal, M. D., & Mandal, S. (2011). Honey: Its medicinal property and antibacterial activity. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 1(2), 154–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60016-6
[4] Kandil, M. A., & Badr, T. A. (2018). The effect of honey on gastric mucosal lesions induced by Helicobacter pylori in rats. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 73(6), 7241–7249. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejhm.2018.17646
[5] Popkin, B. M., D’Anci, D. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition Reviews, 68(8), 439–458. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x
[6] Shamala, M., & Manjula, M. B. (2018). Honey: Composition, properties and its impact on human health—A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(6), 2828–2834.
[7] Komiya, M., Fujiwara, K., Tanida, M., Hirota, T., & Kanda, T. (2007). The effects of fragrance administration on the nervous system. The Open Complementary Medicine Journal, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.2174/1876395300701010008
[8] Al-Haddad, R. S., Al-Sheeb, S. M., & Hubaish, M. S. (2020). Honey as an antimicrobial agent in dentistry. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, 12(12), e1196–e1201. https://doi.org/10.4317/jced.57790
[9] Lussi, A., Schlueter, N., Rakhmatullina, E., Ganss, B., & Klimek, J. (2011). Dental erosion—an overview. European Journal of Oral Sciences, 119(Suppl. 1), 60–68. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0722.2011.00938.x
[10] Slavin, J. (2005). Dietary fiber and body weight. Nutrition, 21(3), 411–418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2004.08.006
[11] Hruby, A., & Hu, F. B. (2015). The epidemiology of obesity: A big picture. Pharmacoeconomics, 33(7), 673–689. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40273-014-0243-x
[12] Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. C. M. (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866