Supposedly, consuming hot lemon water with a meal helps improve digestion but does it? Many videos on TikTok and other social media outlets tell you why this ritual is good for you. According to a recent NY Times article, claims have included that within a week of drinking hot lemon water daily, you can expect to burn more calories; become more hydrated; harbor fewer toxins; and have a boosted immune system, better digestion, less bloating, smoother skin and more energy and focus. Recently, the NY Times investigated these claims. Here’s what they found. Hydration by drinking this first thing in the morning. According to their experts and what I understand, drinking any water will hydrate you. I am not aware of any special ingredients in lemon water that enhance your hydration. Better hydration allows for better removal of toxins in the form of sweat or urination. Digestion – While older adults naturally lose acidity in the stomach, citric acid present in lemons may have a benefit but there is little information regarding the benefit. Taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar is likely to do more for digestion than lemon water due to the acetic acid content of the vinegar. Immunity – Lemons are loaded with vitamin C but you can also purchase vitamin C supplements. Most people are not vitamin C deficient and good sources of vitamin C are readily available. Due to the citric acid, it may affect body PH which does help us resist colds and viruses, but the amount in a lemon is not likely to be enough to make a huge difference. Weight loss – While there is some evidence that drinking hot lemon may affect your weight, according to the NY Times expert, the weight loss may be due to the consumption of drinks laden with sugar and there exists some evidence that lemon juice may help avoid diabetes type 2. Staying away from sugary drinks is likely to be good for us and when we try to consume them again, you may realize and I have that the drinks are way too sweet and you naturally avoid them. I like drinking seltzer non-flavored as I find it refreshing. The NY Times article concluded that drinking lemon water or hot lemon water is not harmful but also may not be very helpful either. I like it with tea or added as a flavor to seltzer. Check out the NY Times article below Does Hot Lemon Water Have Any Health Benefits?