1. Hydration: The Real Benefit of Hot Lemon Water

The biggest advantage of drinking hot lemon water? Hydration.

“Drinking fluids in the morning is beneficial because your body goes all night without water,” says Dr. Emily Ho, a professor of nutrition and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.

Hydration is essential for regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, and keeping your skin healthy. But here’s the catch: any fluid will hydrate you—whether it’s plain water, herbal tea, or coffee. The lemon itself doesn’t make hydration any more effective.

2. Does Hot Lemon Water Improve Digestion?

There’s some evidence that lemon juice may support digestion, but the effect is likely small.

A 2022 study found that lemon juice helped speed up stomach emptying, but the study was small, so take this claim with caution. While the citric acid in lemons may help some older adults with low stomach acid, there’s no strong evidence that lemon water significantly aids digestion for most people.

However, drinking warm liquids in general can help with digestion and relieve bloating—whether it’s lemon water, tea, or just warm water.

3. Can Hot Lemon Water Boost Your Immune System?

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, a crucial nutrient for immune function. A single cup of hot lemon water with half a lemon provides about 25% of your daily vitamin C needs.

However, research shows that extra vitamin C doesn’t necessarily prevent colds or boost immunity unless you’re deficient. Most adults get enough vitamin C from their diet, so while lemon water can contribute to your daily intake, it’s not a magic immunity booster.