lemon in water-does it help burn fat?

arewethereyet

My health nut friend squeezes a full lemon into each 16 oz glass of water. She said it helps to burn fat and rev up your metabolism.

Anyone have pros or cons of this comment. Sounds good to me, but then lemons add calories also.

I heard grapefruit/juice does the same thing.

Really want opinions on this one. Thanks.

who wears short shorts WE wear short shorts

arewethereyet

My health nut friend squeezes a full lemon into each 16 oz glass of water. She said it helps to burn fat and rev up your metabolism.

Anyone have pros or cons of this comment. Sounds good to me, but then lemons add calories also.

I heard grapefruit/juice does the same thing.

Really want opinions on this one. Thanks.

who wears short shorts WE wear short shorts

TNTPete

:happy: I have read the same things in magazines but I don't really know if that is true.. I do know that it adds flavor with very little calories so.. it's beneficial for that!!

luvchi3

i haven't heard of it burning fat but i think it helps when your retaining water to get it out of your system, at least that's what i do when i feel like i'm retaining

banks1850

Helps burn fat? Not that I've ever heard of. I can't even think of a way this would be conceivable since the digestive tract doesn't contribute to or control fat loss.

AJCM

My naturopathic doctor recommends I take hot water and lemon every morning as a liver detox and to "cleanse" the system... bottom line is that regardless of the health benefits, it does make me feel great! The fresh lemon would also add vitamin C, amoung others, and does add taste to sometimes flat water. I also add it to green tea to enhance the nutritional benefits of the tea. :flowerforyou:

Depending on the size of the lemon the juice of half a lemon (which is plenty for me) is 4-6 calories. IMHO, that's nothing!!

As for burning fat... if so, I'd already be a skinny lady!!!

firegirlred

Okay-at 4-6 calories per glass of water.....
Maybe they mean it's a "negative calorie food" Meaning it takes more calories to process the item than you take in? I know "they" say you burn more calories drinking cold water than room temperature, but then wouldn't water itself burn calories.

I hate all the health mythology. It's depressing, frustrating and downright misleading.

jlwhelan1

I like the taste of it...but if burning fat were that easy everyone would be slim and the price of lemons would be through the roof.

2day4ever

I love lemon in water b/c it tastes great! I figure if it helps me drink my 8-10 glasses then it is worth it. But like someone said, if it were just lemon water that burned fat, I'd be a stick!:laugh:

zoepane

:drinker: What I have heard is lemon helps with water retaintion, I dont think it helps burn calories, but if it did, all the stores would be out of lemons:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: Zoe

songbyrdsweet

No, but it's a diuretic, so it'll help reduce bloat if you're carrying extra water. When you take it with warm water, it helps keep you regular, but so does any warm liquid. Plus it's yummy.

carvan

It has been recommended as a way to jump start the digestive system. Have a cup of warm water with lemon juice, before bf, wait about 20 minutes,then have breakfast.

firegirlred

Okay-How does warm water help you stay regular, as opposed to cold water?

arewethereyet

Ok so I clarified what my friend was saying. She listened to Tony Robbins speak about PH balance in the body ( she loves him...he is a great motivator but now is he a dietician? :noway: )

I am a bit confused, but share what she learned in hopes we can better define the theory.

Anyway-apparently the show was geared towards people trying to lose the last 10. The theory is the body is too acidic and needs to be 'balanced'

He stated the easiest thing we can do is put lemon in water, but this alone will not balance our body. We must think green when we eat, the greener the food the better for the alkaline balance.
here is what my friend relayed from the program: (not quoted )

Bad micro organisms can't grow In an alkaline environment, this is good.

In an acid environment, yeast and other micro organisms grow. They need food so they eat your nutrients and you keep the empty calories.

Also said something about our bodies holding onto fat in defense of the acid in our body.

Foods that provide alkaline:
" Go Green" which means any live food that is green
Lemon in water is #1 simple thing you can do to increase alkalinity.
Almonds
Carrots
Dates
Avocados
Limes
Coconut
Celery
Cucumbers
Walnuts
Wheat grass
Peppers
Tofu
Spinach
Onions
Asparagus
Green beans
Figs
Radishes

Foods to avoid:
Processed fats
Animal meats
White flour
refined sugar
Cows milk
Cheese
Lobster

If you do eat a food that is on the bad list, load it up with other foods that are good to balance it.

Any comments? I am curious what everyone thinks. I have never made it the the last 10 so what would I know!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

jlwhelan1

Bad micro organisms can't grow In an alkaline environment, this is good.

In an acid environment, yeast and other micro organisms grow. They need food so they eat your nutrients and you keep the empty calories.

Also said something about our bodies holding onto fat in defense of the acid in our body.

Any comments? I am curious what everyone thinks. I have never made it the the last 10 so what would I know!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

No, no, no.
I hereby promise myself I will not get sucked into a long debate with regarding this. I don't have the time to track down refutes for all the misinformation. (sorry)

But I will post one link. http://www.ncahf.org/articles/o-r/robbins.html

(Sorry, I have a dear elderly family member who falls for every pitch she hears and it is a sore subject for me.)

arewethereyet

hey, that is why i posted it. It sounds like crap to me, but my freind has washboard abs at 45 so i thought.....see what everyone else thinks.

thanks for the link, i will check it out!:glasses:

banks1850

The body self regulates. You will have symptoms if you have a ph out of balance. If you aren't getting severe heart burn, lots of yeast infections (for the ladies) or other acid/alkaline based symptoms, then you're probably just fine. It took millions of years for our bodies to develop into omnivores, and the body knows how to handle it's food. Follow the RDA and the food pyramid and you will be fine.

arewethereyet

thanks banks.

casey34472

I was told it helps with not feeling so hungry. I don't know how true that is.

Kali13

It's not really a fat-burner so much as a detox thing. I think it's supposed to get the digestive system going, too, using the same principle as drinking "bitters". But detox is the main thing.

neha_duvvuri

When I was under professional Weight loss institute, they told me to have lemon in water in morning, and 2 glasses of warm water before bed. I think they were addressing my constipation issue.
Anyways, whenever I crave chocolate, I drink warm lemon water. I loose the taste for choco thereafter.
Otherwise, seems to work for me. Has been a week, I have started it over again.

AJCM

Ok so I clarified what my friend was saying. She listened to Tony Robbins speak about PH balance in the body ( she loves him...he is a great motivator but now is he a dietician? :noway: )

I am a bit confused, but share what she learned in hopes we can better define the theory.

Anyway-apparently the show was geared towards people trying to lose the last 10. The theory is the body is too acidic and needs to be 'balanced'

He stated the easiest thing we can do is put lemon in water, but this alone will not balance our body. We must think green when we eat, the greener the food the better for the alkaline balance.
here is what my friend relayed from the program: (not quoted )

Bad micro organisms can't grow In an alkaline environment, this is good.

In an acid environment, yeast and other micro organisms grow. They need food so they eat your nutrients and you keep the empty calories.

Also said something about our bodies holding onto fat in defense of the acid in our body.

Foods that provide alkaline:
" Go Green" which means any live food that is green
Lemon in water is #1 simple thing you can do to increase alkalinity.
Almonds
Carrots
Dates
Avocados
Limes
Coconut
Celery
Cucumbers
Walnuts
Wheat grass
Peppers
Tofu
Spinach
Onions
Asparagus
Green beans
Figs
Radishes

Foods to avoid:
Processed fats
Animal meats
White flour
refined sugar
Cows milk
Cheese
Lobster

If you do eat a food that is on the bad list, load it up with other foods that are good to balance it.

Any comments? I am curious what everyone thinks. I have never made it the the last 10 so what would I know!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I think we can all agree that most of the foods on the "avoid" list should be avoided, and most of the foods on the "good" list are excellent, healthy foods. Many people (not just people trying to "sell" something - but health practioners) in the wholistic health community would agree with that list.

I'm not sure about the specifics of the alkaline/acid part though. I think a focus on live, colourful food, that you prepare from the most "natural" state possible is best!
:flowerforyou:

firegirlred

I think that cow's milk, cheese and animal meats should remain on the "good" list for many reasons. But moderation is the key.

jamerz3294

I've also heard the bit about Grapefruit is supposed to "burn" fat? Nobody could ever explain it in a way that made sense to me, so I thought it was just me. Thanx for real deal in setting it straight in here (another reason I abso MFP!). But I still like grapefruit and lemon anyways... :drinker:

AJCM

I think that cow's milk, cheese and animal meats should remain on the "good" list for many reasons. But moderation is the key.

Yes - some people think those to be "good" and obviously others avoid them. Personal preference on that one for sure.

Even some foods that are devoid of nutrition I still eat in moderation (e.g. gravy every Thanksgiving!).
:flowerforyou:

arewethereyet

yes I am a meat eater. Dont care...must...have...meat. I tried to eat soy products as substitute and got migraines 3 days in a row. I love milk, chicken, fish and cheese. I now eat them in moderation-measuring every peice.

thanks for all the input

AJCM

yes I am a meat eater. Dont care...must...have...meat. I tried to eat soy products as substitute and got migraines 3 days in a row. I love milk, chicken, fish and cheese. I now eat them in moderation-measuring every peice.

thanks for all the input

Us too!! For so many reasons I would love to become vegetarian (we don't eat too much as it is) but I just don't think I could give it up all together.

arewethereyet

Even some foods that are devoid of nutrition I still eat in moderation (e.g. gravy every Thanksgiving!).
:flowerforyou:
[/quote]

some things just make life worth living...such as homemade turkey gravy on thanksgiving. Yum.:smooched:

shorerider

Ok, just caught up with this thread after a few days. I hadn't followed it but got intrigued yesterday after stumbling upon a reference on a diabetes forum about acidic beverages and diabetes. Sooo, I did some research and found some very interesting info out there about this as it relates to diabetes.

I'm passing along just one article by a man who is HIGHLY respected in the diabetes community,does tons of research and writes extensively about living with diabetes. You will note that he references this article as well to article in medical journels--this guy isn't a quack, he does his research and does it VERY WELL!

The links between acidic beverages and BG levels has intrigued me enough that I intend to try it and see if it makes a difference for my diabetes.

Anyway, you're probably thinking--"I'm not diabetic, so what does it mean for me?" Well, note the one line in this article as to HOW acidic beverages help control BG levels:

"All these foods will help you hold your blood glucose in check. They do that by slowing the speed with which your stomach empties."

If it slows the speed with which your stomach empties, then you will feel "fuller" longer and not as hungry later.....

so, will lemon juice "burn fat"? Not from what I've learned but it might help you in other ways that could help your journey to health!

---

Acidic Foods: Another Way to Control Blood Glucose
By David Mendosa

Most of us know that when we eat protein, fat, or fiber our blood glucose levels won’t go up. Yet few of us are aware of other foods that will actually reduce these levels.

All you need is a little acid. But it matters a lot what type of acid.

Slowing your stomach.

Acetic acid seems to be the most effective. You don’t eat or drink acid? Actually, acetic acid is the chief acid of vinegar.

The best types to use are red or white wine vinegars. The most common vinegar, white, is cheap but somewhat harsh-tasting, so it’s not a good choice for most recipes. The other common vinegar, cider vinegar, is milder and less acidic. The less common but well-known balsamic vinegar is much sweeter and would probably be a poor choice. So too is rice vinegar, which has a sweet flavor and light acidity.

Vinegar is a key ingredient in several different dishes. Typically, it is used together with oil to dress salads and vegetables. Its presence in pickles is also noticeable.

Lemon juice is just as powerful as vinegar, Jennie Brand-Miller says. Lime juice is likely to work just as well.

A surprisingly small amount is effective. A typical vinaigrette dressing of oil and vinegar works well and can taste wonderful. Add mustard powder, garlic, and your favorite spices.

In one study the glucose response with vinegar was 31 percent lower than without it. In another study vinegar significantly reduced the glycemic index of a starchy meal from 100 to 64 (where white bread = 100).

Fermented foods also reduce blood glucose levels. The natural fermentation of starch and sugars by a yeast starter culture that produces lactic and propionic acid is what makes sourdough bread. In a third study the glycemic index of sourdough bread was 68 compared 100 for non-sourdough bread.

All these foods will help you hold your blood glucose in check. They do that by slowing the speed with which your stomach empties.

Your best bet is to include a side salad with an olive oil and vinegar or lemon dressing in as many meals as possible. Your body will thank you.

Primary References:
Liljeberg H, Bjorck I. “Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 1998 May;52(5):368-71.

Liljeberg HG, Lonner CH, Bjorck IM. “Sourdough fermentation or addition of organic acids or corresponding salts to bread improves nutritional properties of starch in healthy humans.” J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1503-11.

Brighenti F, Castellani G, Benini L, Casiraghi MC, Leopardi E, Crovetti R, Testolin G. “Effect of neutralized and native vinegar on blood glucose and acetate responses to a mixed meal in healthy subjects.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995 Apr;49(4):242-7.

Secondary Reference:
Brand-Miller, Jennie, Kaye Foster-Powell, and David Mendosa. “What is the advantage of vinegar, lemon juice, and sourdough bread?” in What Makes My Blood Glucose Go Up…and Down? New York: Marlowe & Company, 2003, p. 141-2.
This is by far the most extensive discussion of the advantage of acidic foods in the popular literature.

AJCM

Ok, just caught up with this thread after a few days. I hadn't followed it but got intrigued yesterday after stumbling upon a reference on a diabetes forum about acidic beverages and diabetes. Sooo, I did some research and found some very interesting info out there about this as it relates to diabetes.

I'm passing along just one article by a man who is HIGHLY respected in the diabetes community,does tons of research and writes extensively about living with diabetes. You will note that he references this article as well to article in medical journels--this guy isn't a quack, he does his research and does it VERY WELL!

The links between acidic beverages and BG levels has intrigued me enough that I intend to try it and see if it makes a difference for my diabetes.

Anyway, you're probably thinking--"I'm not diabetic, so what does it mean for me?" Well, note the one line in this article as to HOW acidic beverages help control BG levels:

"All these foods will help you hold your blood glucose in check. They do that by slowing the speed with which your stomach empties."

If it slows the speed with which your stomach empties, then you will feel "fuller" longer and not as hungry later.....

so, will lemon juice "burn fat"? Not from what I've learned but it might help you in other ways that could help your journey to health!

---

Acidic Foods: Another Way to Control Blood Glucose
By David Mendosa

Most of us know that when we eat protein, fat, or fiber our blood glucose levels won’t go up. Yet few of us are aware of other foods that will actually reduce these levels.

All you need is a little acid. But it matters a lot what type of acid.

Slowing your stomach.

Acetic acid seems to be the most effective. You don’t eat or drink acid? Actually, acetic acid is the chief acid of vinegar.

The best types to use are red or white wine vinegars. The most common vinegar, white, is cheap but somewhat harsh-tasting, so it’s not a good choice for most recipes. The other common vinegar, cider vinegar, is milder and less acidic. The less common but well-known balsamic vinegar is much sweeter and would probably be a poor choice. So too is rice vinegar, which has a sweet flavor and light acidity.

Vinegar is a key ingredient in several different dishes. Typically, it is used together with oil to dress salads and vegetables. Its presence in pickles is also noticeable.

Lemon juice is just as powerful as vinegar, Jennie Brand-Miller says. Lime juice is likely to work just as well.

A surprisingly small amount is effective. A typical vinaigrette dressing of oil and vinegar works well and can taste wonderful. Add mustard powder, garlic, and your favorite spices.

In one study the glucose response with vinegar was 31 percent lower than without it. In another study vinegar significantly reduced the glycemic index of a starchy meal from 100 to 64 (where white bread = 100).

Fermented foods also reduce blood glucose levels. The natural fermentation of starch and sugars by a yeast starter culture that produces lactic and propionic acid is what makes sourdough bread. In a third study the glycemic index of sourdough bread was 68 compared 100 for non-sourdough bread.

All these foods will help you hold your blood glucose in check. They do that by slowing the speed with which your stomach empties.

Your best bet is to include a side salad with an olive oil and vinegar or lemon dressing in as many meals as possible. Your body will thank you.

Primary References:
Liljeberg H, Bjorck I. “Delayed gastric emptying rate may explain improved glycaemia in healthy subjects to a starchy meal with added vinegar.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 1998 May;52(5):368-71.

Liljeberg HG, Lonner CH, Bjorck IM. “Sourdough fermentation or addition of organic acids or corresponding salts to bread improves nutritional properties of starch in healthy humans.” J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1503-11.

Brighenti F, Castellani G, Benini L, Casiraghi MC, Leopardi E, Crovetti R, Testolin G. “Effect of neutralized and native vinegar on blood glucose and acetate responses to a mixed meal in healthy subjects.” Eur J Clin Nutr. 1995 Apr;49(4):242-7.

Secondary Reference:
Brand-Miller, Jennie, Kaye Foster-Powell, and David Mendosa. “What is the advantage of vinegar, lemon juice, and sourdough bread?” in What Makes My Blood Glucose Go Up…and Down? New York: Marlowe & Company, 2003, p. 141-2.
This is by far the most extensive discussion of the advantage of acidic foods in the popular literature.

Thanks for posting! Very interesting and another reason to squeeze a little citrus into our waters!
:flowerforyou: