Recently, the popularity of lemon water has been tremendous. Stories about maintaining a youthful appearance thanks to drinking lemon and lemon juice every day for more than 10 years, or losing 11kg in just two months with lemon water, have become hot topics on TV shows and YouTube lately. Social media is also flooded with similar content. Advocates claim that lemon water helps with digestion, relieves constipation, boosts the immune system, and promotes hydration and skin moisture.

It’s true that lemon water is hydrating, but it’s not particularly special. Any water-based beverage will provide the same hydration. Whether you drink a glass of water, coffee, or tea in the morning, you’ll be just as hydrated as with lemon water. The feeling of improved digestion is likely due to the water itself. The citric acid in lemons is minimal, with just 1 gram in a 20-gram serving. A 2020 Turkish study showed that drinking more than eight cups of water a day lowers the risk of constipation by 29 percent, compared to drinking less than four cups.

Does lemon water help with weight loss? If you're used to drinking sugary beverages, switching to lemon water without sugar may help you lose weight by reducing your calorie intake. But that’s about it. While some studies show that flavonoids in citrus fruits like lemons can reduce oxidative stress and stabilize blood sugar, there's no evidence that lemons boost metabolism or help with weight loss. Interestingly, a small 2022 French study found that lemon juice may cause the stomach to empty faster, meaning some people may feel hungrier after drinking lemon water. If you've lost weight after drinking lemon water, it's likely because you're paying more attention to your diet.

The claim that lemon water helps the immune system is partially true. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant essential for immune function and wound healing. A deficiency in vitamin C can impair immune function. However, there's not enough evidence to suggest that consuming more vitamin C boosts the immune system. A 2013 review of 29 studies with 11,306 participants found that regular vitamin C intake had no impact on the incidence or severity of colds.

There's no harm in drinking lemon water. Squeeze a fresh lemon and add it to water to awaken your senses with its refreshing flavor. It's a better choice than sugary drinks that add unnecessary calories. However, don’t drink it expecting medicinal properties—just enjoy it.

Jeong Jae-hoon is a food writer and pharmacist. He covers a variety of subjects, including trends in food, wellness, and medications. This column was originally published in Korean in Joongang Ilbo on Feb. 27, 2025. – Ed.