You may have read somewhere that lemon water is great for your body and the truth is, it is. It packs a lot of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your body and is a better option than juices and sodas, which are usually filled with sugar.

Water has zero calories and is the best thing to keep you hydrated but by adding a slice of lemon, you’re instantly getting additional nutrients. Plus, the citrus fruit adds flavor to a rather bland beverage, so, what’s not to love? It also has tons of health benefits like the following:

Keeps Breath Fresh

The citric acid in lemon water keeps a person’s breath fresh. This is because it kills the bacteria that causes bad breath and while it may not be something urgent to address nowadays since we are mandated to wear face masks, it is a great way to keep your oral hygiene in check.

However, here’s the tricky part – too much citric acid can worsen your breath because it sets off gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). This condition triggers the acid in your stomach to rise to your esophagus and mouth, which is the reason for stinky breath.

Helps In Losing Weight

Lemon water packs flavor and may help you steer clear of juice, sodas, and energy drinks, which all are filled with sugar. By chugging the healthier beverage, it helps you avoid eating too much.

In a 2012 study, there was a 2 percent to 2.5 percent average weight loss for overweight or obese participants who replaced their high-calorie drinks with water. It’s unclear, however, which between plain H2O or lemon water is more effective in shedding pounds.

Prevents Kidney Stones

Again, the citric acid found in lemon water helps keep your body healthy because it prevents kidney stones from developing – this happens when the citrate binds to the calcium in the urine. A 2014 study showed that four lemons added to two liters of water is enough to increase citrate levels.

The heightened levels of citrate prevent the formation of kidney stones and if you already have it, it stops them from growing bigger. Moreover, the National Kidney Foundation shared the same sentiment, suggesting adding lime or lemon juice to water.

Recommended Amount to Drink

Two to three lemons is equal to four to six tablespoons of juice. Registered dietitian Amy Stephens advises drinking a glass or two of lemon water during or in between meals.

However, too much of something can be a bad thing and the same goes for lemon water, which is highly acidic. It can damage your teeth so experts suggest using a straw so that there’s less contact with your pearly whites.