Lemon water: myths vs the real health benefits
A home remedy handed down from generation to generation, lemon water is a drink that many take regularly for the benefits it brings to the body. But between popular legends and “home medicine”, how much truth is there? What advantages does the intake of lemon water have on the body? In this article, we will explain what the benefits of lemon water are in the morning and whether it is good to drink lemon water.
Tenuta Donna Fina
28/11/2025

Why drinking lemon water in the morning is a habit loved by many
As anticipated, many people love to take lemon water as a healthy habit. In particular, very often it is preferred to drink a glass of lemon water in the morning to start the day in the best possible way. Here’s where this tradition comes from and what are the benefits of lemon water.
A thousand-year-old tradition that meets modern science
Known as a home remedy for better digestion, lemon water intake is a habit that has been repeated for generations in many households. In some cases, you intend to use juice, while in others you prefer to drink lemon water with peel. However, this is not just a popular tradition, as some of the known benefits of this drink are scientifically proven.
Before going into detail about what are the real advantages of taking water and lemon on an empty stomach or not, it is important to specify that in order to have a positive feedback from the use of this drink you need to keep in mind two fundamental characteristics:
- Balance the level between water and lemon and adjust the use of this drink;
- Use a quality raw material.
In this regard, it is important to use untreated lemons to obtain real benefits. Tenuta Donna Fina’s lemons are an emblem of vitality and freshness, and give an extra touch to every preparation.
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Perceived benefits and real benefits: what the studies say
While the perceived benefits of lemon water are different, not all of them are real. In fact, many believe that this drink has greater effects than those actually demonstrated by studies. Among the benefits of lemon water, the following real benefits can be mentioned:
- Effective hydration ;
- Morning digestive stimulus ;
- Vitamin C and antioxidants intake;
- Support for the immune system.
Many of these benefits are greater if lemon water is taken in the morning on an empty stomach , although remember that it is essential to use quality and untreated products, as well as balance the amount of water and lemon with each other.
The benefits of lemon water on an empty stomach: what science really says
According to scientific studies, drinking lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach can have greater effects than drinking this drink at another time of the day and under different conditions. In this regard, it is suggested to wait about half an hour before having breakfast after drinking a glass of water and lemon. In this way, the drink would help digestion, the immune system and metabolism.
Hydration and stimulation of digestion: the first real benefits
A first advantage of drinking lemon water is better hydration and an aid to the digestive phase. In particular, drinking warm lemon water at the beginning of the day helps to purify the body and hydrate it. However, it should be remembered not to overdo the quantities, since lemon water have strong diuretic abilities and this can increase the need for urination and, consequently, dehydration of the body.
Regarding digestion, lemon is an ally of the intestine since it supports the regular performance of intestinal functions and improves the functioning of the digestive system.
Vitamin C and antioxidants: a natural support for the immune system
One of the biggest benefits of lemon water is the high intake of vitamin C and antioxidants in this drink. In particular, vitamin C is a great support for the immune system, as it strengthens the immune system, helps reduce bad cholesterol, and also facilitates the absorption of iron.
In addition, the combination of water and vitamin C allows you to start the day with a boost of energy that is essential to keep you going during the day. Lemon zest is also rich in antioxidants and, for an even greater intake, ginger can also be added to lemon water.
An ally for the skin and metabolism? The truths to know
Finally, among the benefits of drinking lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach there are also advantages for the skin and metabolism. In particular, the antioxidant capacity of lemon helps improve skin tone: this is also because vitamin C helps the production of collagen and, consequently, the elasticity of the skin.
In addition, the intake of water helps keep the body and skin hydrated, therefore soft to the touch. However, it is not a miracle formula and should be understood as one of the elements that contribute to improving elements such as the skin.
Regarding metabolism, drinking water in the morning before breakfast helps to reactivate it after sleeping at night, replenishing lost fluids. To this must be added the detoxifying abilities of lemon, which help speed up the metabolism allowing you to burn more calories.

How to Properly Prepare Lemon Water for Real Benefits
As anticipated, to have real benefits and avoid unwanted effects, it is essential to prepare the lemon and water drink correctly. Here are all the tips to get the perfect preparation!
Water temperature, amount of juice and best times of day
The first step in preparing lemon water is to heat the water: in fact, the drink has more effect with slightly heated water. However, you have to pay attention to the temperature of the water: if it is too hot, the substances and vitamins of the drink will tend to disperse, while if the water is too cold, digestion will suffer, which will be slowed down.
Once the water has cooled, lemon juice can be added. In this step, it is essential to know how to balance the amount of juice with that of water. In fact, too much lemon juice could have negative effects and it is therefore essential to dilute it with the right amount of water.
At this point the drink is ready to be taken! While for those who prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a natural sweetener or honey. In addition, other ingredients can also be added to the drink such as turmeric, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, or ginger, which helps in digestion.
As for the best times to take the drink, many suggest drinking lemon water in the morning. In particular, it is suggested to take it on an empty stomach about 15-30 minutes before breakfast to allow a better intake of all the properties of the drink and to get the metabolism going again after the night. However, it is also possible to drink lemon water after a large meal at any time of the day to ensure better digestion.
Juice vs Zest: When to Use Peel Too for a Full Effect
Not many people know that, in addition to lemon juice, it is also possible to use the peel. In fact, lemon zest is even richer in nutrients than juice. In this regard, preparing water with infused lemon zest allows you to increase the intake of flavonoids.
To obtain a drink of this type, it is necessary to heat the water and leave the lemon zest to infuse , removing the white part. Usually, it is advisable to use this type of drink in case of poor digestion, to counteract nausea and vomiting.
Myths about lemon water: weight loss, detox and alkaline pH
As reiterated, drinking lemon water has several benefits on the human body. However, some are more false myths than real benefits. In particular, when it comes to weight loss, detox and alkaline pH: here are the false myths about the benefits of lemon water.
Does lemon water make you lose weight? What to clarify once and for all
A first false myth to dispel concerns the use of lemon water for weight loss. This is a half-truth, since it is true that lemon is a recommended food for weight loss because it is rich in water and low in calories. In addition, the combination of water and lemon has strong diuretic abilities and helps maintain a sense of satiety thanks to the pectin contained in lemon that allows you to control hunger.
However, the false myth is that it is enough to take water and lemon to lose weight. Although this drink can contribute to weight loss, it cannot work on its own. It is therefore necessary to remember to combine it with an adequate diet and physical exercise.
Closely related to the false myth of weight loss is that of the detoxifying function of water and lemon. In fact, this drink allows you to eliminate toxins, improve metabolism and burn more calories. But even in this case we are faced with a partial truth: drinking lemon water should not be thought of as a detox miracle but more as a good habit to follow to have a healthy lifestyle.
Does lemon water alkalize the body? The myth of alkalinity debunked
In the vein of false myths of lemon water is that of alkalinity. In fact, it is true that this drink has an alkalizing function, which helps to combat the sense of acidity and balance the pH. However, even in this case the effect is not as miraculous as one might think, since a food can hardly affect human blood.


Lemon water with peel? Only if it is natural and untreated
Previously we mentioned the use of lemon zest or peel. However, it is important to specify that the use of the peel is not suitable for any type of lemon: here’s why.
Why choosing untreated lemons is crucial
A fundamental element to take into account when buying food is how much it undergoes external treatments. In fact, these are forcing that can often be harmful to health, especially when they are used intensively.
This is also true for lemons, and for this reason it is essential to always prefer the use of lemons that are not treated on the surface. In fact, when opting for treated lemons, it is not recommended to use the peel for your preparations, since the latter is the part that suffers the most and assimilates external products.
Donna Fina lemons: Sicilian quality from peel to juice
At Tenuta Donna Fina we care about the quality of our products and we care a lot about providing our customers with a high level of freshness and naturalness. This applies to all our products, including Sicilian lemons.
These are lemons grown in Sicily that are not treated on the surface after harvesting, with 100% edible peel, coming from integrated agriculture. A concentrate of vitality and freshness, Donna Fina’s untreated lemons are harvested on the same day as the customer’s order and prepared for shipment. Quality and safety are fundamental to us, and our lemons are not treated on the surface post-harvest and are also ideal for “zero waste” recipes that involve both the use of juice and peel, useful for enriching and giving a note of color and freshness to your dishes and drinks.
Thanks to the natural cultivation method applied at Tenuta Donna Fina, our lemons are also suitable for the preparation of water and lemon, both with the juice alone and with the addition of the zest. An excellent incentive to integrate the healthy habit of a glass of water and lemon a day into one’s lifestyle, using the highest quality lemons and consciously balancing the use of the drink.
Choose the natural quality of Tenuta Donna Fina lemons: grown without post-harvest treatments, ideal for infusions, peels, and all your daily wellness rituals.
Buy your fresh lemons from Sicily now and start your days with more taste, health and authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acqua e Limone
What happens to your body when you drink lemon water?
When drinking lemon water, there are benefits due to the presence of vitamin C, potassium and the anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties of lemon, as well as help for better digestion and the liver.
How many times a day can you drink lemon water?
It is recommended to drink lemon water once a day and not to exceed the amounts of lemon in the drink. In addition, it is suggested to drink lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach 15-30 minutes before breakfast or after a heavy meal.
Why should you drink lemon water before going to bed?
Drinking lemon water before bed can improve digestion, supplement body hydration, and relax the body thanks to the citrusy scent of lemon.
Why does lemon water help you lose weight?
Water and lemon alone does not make you lose weight, but if included in a balanced diet and combined with physical activity, it can help you lose weight. This is because lemon contains pectin, which has a satiating effect and helps reduce appetite.
All flavor, no risks
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