Will lemon juice cut belly fat?
Dear Donovan,
I am not fat, but I have belly fat and would like to get rid of it. I have heard that lemon juice is good to cut belly fat. Is this true? How should I drink it? With hot, warm or cold water? Also, how often should I drink it?
It is important to understand that taking steps to reduce abdominal fat is not just about beauty but also about your health. Excess fat in the abdominal area is linked to type 2 diabetes and also heart disease. Therefore, it is essential from a health perspective to get your stomach down.
You mentioned that you are not fat overall, but your stomach region is large. A number of questions are going through my mind. Are you from a family with diabetes? Do you eat late at night? Are you experiencing constipation? All these factors can contribute to your tummy size.
That aside, it should be noted that drinking lemon/lime juice can be a part of a healthy diet that will help to keep the stomach down. I must tell you that drinking lemon juice by itself is not the complete solution that will get rid of your belly fat. However, you should know that lime or lemons are nutritionally packed fruits. They are filled with Vitamin C and B complex vitamins. They are also rich in minerals, for example iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
The best way to take lime or lemon juice is diluted, preferably with lukewarm water. Vitamin C is heat- sensitive, so hot water might not be recommended. It is also suggested that this lime or lemon water be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Note that many common household products, for example, soaps and dishwwashing liquids, contain lime or lemon. These are known to cut grease. Therefore, in essence drinking lime/lemon water will help to rid the digestive system of toxins and faeces. Lime water therefore helps to relieve constipation.
One major problem with a large tummy is that it is usually from a backing up of food in the gut, and intestine problems. Lime water will therefore help to clean the digestive system, thus getting the stomach down. In addition, drinking lemon juice will aid in poor digestion symptoms such as heartburn, bloating and belching. Also, lemon juice can cleanse the liver and kidneys. Drinking the juice will also help to keep the pH of the body alkaline. When the body is alkaline it is less susceptible to many diseases and parasites.
Along with drinking lemon juice, it is also important to eat properly and do your exercises in order to keep your tummy down. Consuming a diet with more fruits, vegetables and vegetable juices is also very important. A diet rich in fibre will help to keep the bowels clean and reduce stomach size. In addition, doing exercise for the stomach can help to tone the stomach muscles and help with the movement of food along the intestines.
In summary, half of a lime/lemon squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water taken daily or every other day will definitely help to keep the belly fat away.
We will answer your weight-related questions.
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, Suite 16, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Send your questions to clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com.
