Many recent claims have been made about lemon juice being an effective fat burner.
What’s the research say?
After searching PubMed, the research archives of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, I found nothing…nada…zip.
However, several studies have been used to promote the Lemon Juice Diet.
One being from the Journal of the American College of Nutrition which found that the pectin in Lemon Peels help reduce hunger pangs for up to four hours. Pectin is also found in other fruits such as apples. Call me crazy but eating an organic apple is more appetizing than chomping on a lemon peel.
The other study came from researchers at Arizona State University. The researchers suggested that people who eat more vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables tend to digest foods and lose weight more easily than people who do not consume as much vitamin C rich produce. Since this study is not exclusive to lemons, they are reaching a bit. However, this study does show some of the benefits of lemons.
Bottom line
I could go on for pages on this subject; however, most people won’t take the time to read it. So here is the bottom line…
Lemon juice does not directly burn more calories or more fat. But rather it works indirectly by improving digestion and detoxification. When the body is toxic and unable to digest and absorb foods properly, it becomes inflamed. In this stressed state the body does not burn fat efficiently.
Fresh squeezed Lemon juice and supplements like Betaine HCL and Gentian Root help improve digestion by stimulating the production of adequate amounts of stomach acid.
When stomach acid is sufficient then the body becomes less inflamed, bloating and belching often subside and as the body heals itself it begins to burn fat more efficiently and becomes leaner.
Lemon juice is not a miracle weight loss cure and contrary to what some TV personalities claim, there is no research to show that it will cause the body to “burn an extra 100 calories per day.” It is beneficial for health reasons and when combined with a consistent nutrition and training plan, you will achieve a leaner, more defined body.
To obtain the benefits of Lemon Juice try this:
1. Take the juice of 1 organic lemon and mix it with 4 ounces of room temperature water. Drink it first thing in the morning. You can add a dash of cayenne pepper for a calorie-burning boost. Many people report a noticeable increase in energy afterwards.
2. Add freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to your water. If you want to make it sweet then add a few drops of the natural sweetener Stevia. This healthy “Lemonade” helps lower stress hormone levels (cortisol) in the body.
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