Squeeze the Day: 10 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Lime Water Every Morning

If you find it increasingly difficult to stay hydrated, perhaps due to the mundane taste of plain water, there’s something in your kitchen that can help. Simple, affordable limes can revamp water from being dull to something you enjoy. There are actually health benefits lime juice offers aside from assisting with hydration and improving the boring taste of plain water.

Lime water is easy to customize to your taste. Overall, it is one of the more effective wellness trends that has become a popular habit. With many trends, the nutrition science supporting this one actually has some weight. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about the science of lime water, the right way to make lime water, and some tips to know before you start drinking it in excess.

So What is Lime Water, Actually?

Lime water is really the simplest of all health drinks on the market. It is literally just fresh lime juice and water. There are no health drink gimmicks to be found, like powders or syrups. For the average person, 1/2 to 1 whole lime is likely to be the right amount. However, feel free to experiment and adjust how you like it! For those who like it extra limey, feel free to toss in the whole wedge. Enjoy!

Don’t underestimate the benefits of a small lime. In addition to high amounts of Vitamin C and flavonoids, limes contribute potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as B vitamins. While not a cure-all, lime water is a clever way of keeping hydrated and low-calorie as a flavored water option.

1. People Actually Drink Water

This point seems too obvious to even be a point, but getting people to even drink water is probably the best option. Most people are dehydrated because, let’s be honest, plain water is super boring. Because of this, we add lime to water. Unlike juice, sodas, and sweet tea, lime water is super easy to keep in a diet and is super low in calories while keeping people hydrated.

2. Gives You That Glow

Vitamin C is a skin care miracle and the best water-adding option. A main component of collagen, Vitamin C helps keep skin firm, healthy, and young. Watering your body with some lime juice and water helps the skin from the inside out. But don’t be dumb and rub this on your skin. Citrus and sun don’t mix. Not a skincare option, but keep lime in your glass.

3. Aids Digestion

Lime juice contains flavonoids that may aid in the production of digestive juices. This may help your food digest better. If you struggle with mild constipation, citric acid, like that found in limes, may help with that, too. However, if you tend to suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, pay attention to how your body reacts to lime water, as it may worsen your reflux, as do all citrus drinks.

4. Boosts the Immune System

Vitamin C is a key nutrient in supporting the immune system. White blood cells, which fight infection, are more easily produced while fortified by hydration and the movement of the lymphatic system. This is the perfect prevention system for the seasonal flu.

5. Can Help Maintain a Healthy Weight

Lime water won’t cause you to lose weight. No drink ever will. But it may assist with weight loss when combined with other lifestyle changes. Using lime water instead of sugary drinks eliminates a substantial empty calorie source. It may even curb an urge to drink sugary breakfast drinks. There has been some relation established between lime consumption and positive weight loss results, but the science is still out on that.

6. Best for Blood Sugar Maintenance

With a low glycemic index, limes won’t trigger blood sugar spikes as sugary drinks do. Lime water doesn’t treat diabetes, but as a sugar-free hydration replacement, it can be included in a blood-sugar-friendly diet. It may seem minor, but these types of changes can be beneficial, especially when done repeatedly over time.

7. Beneficial for Your Heart

As limes contain magnesium and potassium, both of which are vital for heart health, there is good news for your heart. Potassium, in particular, helps manage blood pressure and maintain circulation. On top of that, researchers are testing out limonin, a citrus fruit compound, and its abilities to manage cholesterol; this area of research is ongoing and has much potential.

8. May Prevent Kidney Stones

This benefit of drinking lime water is lesser-known but is definitely a good one. Lime juice contains citrate, which can help prevent and even dissolve smaller kidney stones. If you’re prone to developing kidney stones and/or if they run in your family, drinking plain lime water daily is certainly a good recommendation to follow.

9. Helps with Iron Absorption

Vitamin C is also great for iron absorption. Plant-based foods like beans, lentils, and spinach provide non-heme iron, which is absorbed better with vitamin C. A great way to ensure enough vitamin C with your iron-rich meals is to have a glass of lime water with them. This is particularly good for people who are low on iron.

10. Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory

Another great thing about limes is that they are full of antioxidants, which help with the gradual cellular damage and the chronic inflammation that comes with it. Since inflammation is linked to a ton of serious long-term health conditions, limes, as well as other antioxidants, are a good health investment.

Lime Water vs. Lemon Water

There really isn’t much of a difference. Lemons and limes are great sources of vitamin C and potassium, and have antioxidants. Pick your preference, because the health benefits are basically the same in either.

Making the Best Lime Water

For the best taste and nutrition, start with fresh limes.

• Clean your limes so there is no dirt, wax, or pesticide residue.
• The best way to really pack your water with vitamin C is to use at least half a fully squeezed lime (fresh is best).
• Don’t do sweeteners. You undid a lot of the positives of switching from soda or juice. Mixed lime water is way better with nothing added.
• Drink it fresh in the morning to kick-start hydration, or sip it throughout the day.

A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Start

Lime water is safe for most people in normal amounts, but a couple of things are worth considering:

• Tooth enamel: The acid in citrus can wear down enamel. Drinking lime water through a straw and rinsing your mouth with plain water can help protect your teeth.
• Acid reflux: Citrus drinks can worsen heartburn for some.
• Sun exposure: Never apply lime juice to skin before going outside; it can create a painful skin reaction.

The Bottom Line

Lime water is not an extraordinary choice, but that’s a good thing. It’s super affordable and easy with no sugar. You can get hydration with some added vitamin C, some antioxidants, and some minerals that you wouldn’t have gotten before. If you want to drink more water, support your skin, help digestion, or make your morning glass of water taste better, adding lime is a small change for a lot of good reasons.

This is not a replacement for professional medical advice and only includes general information. You should get a professional opinion before changing your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or if you take regular medication.