Lemon water is known for its ability to whiten the skin and prevent the deposition of melanin. Drinking lemon water regularly can help detoxify the body and promote intestinal health. Additionally, it has been found to have immune-boosting effects and can help prevent colds. Many people have tried making lemon water, but the question remains: should it be made with hot or cold water?
The ideal temperature for making lemon water
The ideal temperature for making lemon water is around 60-70 degrees Celsius. Lemon is highly acidic, and vitamin C is known to be heat resistant under acidic conditions. Therefore, using water at 60-70 degrees Celsius to make lemon water is perfectly fine. At this temperature, the loss of vitamin C is minimal, and the aroma of lemon will be released. Additionally, some beneficial flavonoids found in lemon peel will dissolve, although not in large amounts. The resulting flavor is a combination of mild bitterness and acidity, making it refreshing and thirst-quenching, especially during hot summer days.
Avoid using cold water to make lemon water
Some people choose to use cold water instead of hot water to preserve the vitamin C and other nutrients in lemon. However, using cold water will not allow the aroma of lemon to be fully released, resulting in a lack of the original flavor. Therefore, it is not recommended to use cold water to make lemon water.
Can boiling water be used to make lemon water?
Using boiling water to make lemon water will dissolve a significant amount of bitter substances, such as naringin and naringenin, which are flavonoids found in lemon peel. Research has found that flavonoids have certain anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects. From a health perspective, lemon water made with boiling water can still be consumed, but it will have a sour and bitter taste, which may affect the overall taste. Allowing the lemon water to cool will reduce the sourness, but the bitterness will remain.
The correct method for making lemon water
After washing the lemon thoroughly, cut it into thin slices of about 2-3mm. Take a cup of water at a temperature of around 60 degrees Celsius, about 500ml, and soak the lemon slices in it. Generally, one or two slices are enough. Once the water has cooled, it is ready to be consumed. The lemon slices can be reused for about three times. Honey or rock sugar can be added to the lemon water to enhance the taste, but it is not advisable to consume too much honey water with added sugar, as it may lead to weight gain.
Benefits of drinking lemon water
Lemon water is rich in vitamin C and organic acids, such as citric acid. Despite being highly acidic, lemon is actually an alkaline food that helps regulate the body's acid-alkaline balance. Drinking lemon water can promote bowel movement, improve constipation, and aid in weight loss. The vitamin C content in lemon also helps detoxify and rejuvenate the skin, while the bitter substances in lemon peel have additional health benefits. The mild fragrance of lemon can stimulate brain activity, improve focus, relieve fatigue, and maintain vitality.
