I LOVE LEMONS

Considerations

According to Dr. Karl S. Kruszelnicki of ABC Science, the concentration of citric acid in lemon is not enough to burn fat by itself. However, lemons increase metabolism, generating an internal heat to burn fat.

Drinking Lemon Water

Mary Meyer, nutritionist, states on the website RealSelf that drinking lemon water is a natural way to lose weight.

Detoxification

According to RealSelf, lemons help to detoxify the body, cleansing the body of its stores of toxins from food and the environment that may lend to weight gain and water retention.

Cholesterol

Lemons reduce cholesterol and stimulate the cleansing function of the liver and pancreas, according to the website Worldwide Gourmet.

Citric Acid on Fat

Lemons have high levels of citric acid, and according to Totally Explained.com, citric acid is an important component of the Citric Acid Cycle (Kreb's Cycle), during which citric acid is involved in the breakdown of fats--as well as carbohydrates and proteins--into carbon dioxide and water.

Effects

Though high in citric acid, lemons have alkalizing effects on the body. According to the website Ageless, lemons improve the body's circulation and have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. For weight loss, lemons may reduce swelling and help the body get rid of excess water retention.