Does the Whole Lemon Drink Trend Really Work?

People on social media say blending a whole lemon and drinking it can magically flatten your stomach and clear your skin. Experts say it’s not that simple.

Drinking lemon water has several health benefits, including boosting hydration and offering a dose of vitamin C, but have you ever considered consuming the entire lemon — skin and all?

Creators on social media certainly have, and they’ve been doing so — and swearing by it — for many months now.

In the last year, several different variations of the whole lemon drink have gone viral, but they all have one thing in common: they include an entire lemon blended with its seeds, pulp, and peel.

While some just add water, such as TV personality Brooke Burke who is behind one of the viral lemon water videos, others add ingredients such as ginger, olive oil, coconut water, honey, and salt.

According to many content creators, this beverage's effects are downright magical. Many claim it can decrease inflammation, soothe an upset stomach, “detox” the body (which your organs do naturally), flatten your stomach, and clear your skin.

However, experts aren’t convinced that blending a lemon is the magic elixir so many are making it out to be.

“There is no sufficient scientific evidence that simply blending and drinking whole lemons will flatten your stomach or magically clear your skin,” says Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered nutritionist and diet consultant for WOWMD.

The potential (but realistic) benefits

Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, and they’re known to support immune function, Gervacio explains.

The acidity in lemons can also help stimulate digestion in some people, as can the high amount of fiber found in the lemon peel.

Fiber can also help you feel full and stay that way, says Sarah Pelc Graca, a certified Level 1 Precision Nutrition coach, a certified personal trainer, and the owner of Strong with Sarah Weight Loss Coaching.

Plus, they’re full of water and can therefore help to support hydration. Graca says the antioxidants and vitamin C in lemons can also promote collagen production, which — along with hydration — can improve skin health.

Research has also shown that consuming lemons can improve cardiovascular health and insulin sensitivity while reducing the risk for some cancers, and chronic diseases like arthritis, obesity, and coronary heart disease.

Adding additional ingredients to the beverage can enhance its nutritional profile and taste. For example, coconut water provides electrolytes, honey adds a bit of natural sweetness along with some antimicrobial properties, and salt can help with mineral balance, Graca explains.

“These ingredients might make the drink more palatable and hydrating — especially if you are someone who sweats a lot — but they don’t necessarily enhance the ‘flat stomach’ effect,” she says.

So, while the whole-lemon beverage can certainly provide benefits for digestion, hydration, and skin health, Gervacio and Graca agree that drinking whole-lemons isn’t likely the magic potion people online are claiming it to be.

“No single food or drink will magically flatten your stomach or clear your skin overnight,” Graca says.

The downsides

While this drink is relatively harmless, Gervacio says people who have gut issues or sensitivities should steer clear of it, as the natural acids in lemon can cause heartburn and other gut issues.

Specifically, Graca adds that those with acid reflux, sensitive teeth, or stomach ulcers should probably avoid it since the acidity can further irritate those conditions.

“If you’re curious, start with a small lemon and see how your body reacts,” she says.

The bottom line

As with many other social media trends, the lemon beverage probably won’t change your life, stomach, or skin.

While it can be a beneficial beverage to add to your rotation, Graca says a combination of a balanced diet filled with whole foods, consistent movement, good quality sleep, and stress management are what you should really focus on when trying to improve your health and wellness.

Lemons can be a nutrient-dense addition to a healthy diet, she says, but overall habits are more important than a single quick fix.

“If you enjoy and tolerate acidic foods well, incorporating blended lemon in moderation can be a refreshing way to get more vitamin C and fiber,” Graca says. “As always, long-term results come from consistency with whole-food nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle habits rather than any one trendy drink.”