Lemon Juice and Weight Loss

Lemon juice is one of the top fat flushers nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman identifies in her book "The Fat Flush Foods." Lemons work, in part, by boosting your body's natural detoxification process, Theresa Cheung explains in her book "The Lemon Juice Diet." However, while lemon juice may help you lose weight, it isn't a miracle cure. Rather, it's one component of a healthy weight-loss plan, the authors say. Consult your doctor before trying any new weight-loss aid.

Function

Lemons have thermogenic properties that help boost your metabolism, Gittleman says. Lemon polyphenols boost function of acyl-CoA oxidase, an enzyme that oxidates fat, in the liver and white fat tissue, writes Yoshiko Fukuchi, lead author of research published in 2008 in "The Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition." Lemons' polyphenols also suppress hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, and insulin resistance, Fukuchi notes.

Effects

Plant compounds known as flavonoids, found in lemons, may help suppress weight gain and inflammation. The flavonoids suppress oxidative stress in the liver and elsewhere, says Yoshiaki Miyake, lead author for a study published in 1998 the journal "Lipids." Oxidative stress in the liver may aggravate metabolic syndrome, which is partly characterized by weight gain, adds F.I. Milagro, lead author for a study published in the journal "Obesity" in 2006. These studies were done on rats, however, so more research is needed as of 2010 to see if the benefits translate to people.

Theories/Speculation

The vitamin C in lemon juice may help you lose weight, according to Carol S. Johnston, author of a study published in 2005 in "The Journal of the American College of Nutrition." People who consume enough vitamin C are able to oxidize 30 percent more fat during moderate exercise sessions than people who are low on the nutrient. That means having a deficiency in this nutrient makes you more resistant to fat loss, Johnston notes.

Benefits

Lemons will help you lose water weight, Gittleman says. Drink it in hot water to create a mild diuretic to rid your body of water retention as well as toxins, she instructs. Lemons' scent also boosts mood, according to the National Centers for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. Improved mood may decrease your emotional eating tendencies.

Considerations

Lemons are not for everyone, Cheung warns. If you suffer from heartburn, have a citrus allergy, have gall-bladder problems or have kidney problems, consult your doctor before adding lemon juice to your regimen.

Further, drink lemon juice through a straw to avoid damaging tooth enamel, and never brush your teeth directly after consuming lemon juice.

You might also want to read the 10 health benefits of lemon juice, I love comments feel free to say something please leave your message below.

References

• "The Fat Flush Foods"; Ann Louise Gittleman; 2004
• "The Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Strategies for Healthy Weight Loss: From Vitamin C to the Glycemic Response; Carol S. Johnston; 2005
• "The Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition"; Lemon Polyphenols Suppress Diet-Induced Obesity by Up-Regulation of mRNA Levels of the Enzymes Involved in β-Oxidation in Mouse White Adipose Tissue; Yoshiko Fukuchi et al.; 2008
• "Lipids"; Protective effects of lemon flavonoids on oxidative stress in diabetic rats; Yoshiaki Miyake et al.; 1998
• "Obesity"; Weight gain induced by high-fat feeding involves increased liver oxidative stress; F.I. Milagro et al.; 2006
• "The Lemon Juice Diet"; Theresa Cheung; 2010