Amla or Indian gooseberry and lemon are vibrant citrus fruits. The small green and yellow fruits are sour and a bit bitter. Interestingly, both can be used to make morning drinks for weight loss. While the green fruits are used to make amla juice, the yellow ones can simply be added to water for a refreshing healthy drink. Both the drinks offer many health benefits, and weight management is one of them. But you can’t start your day with two weight-loss drinks, can you? We tell you if amla juice is better than lemon water for weight loss.

Health benefits of amla juice

Amla juice, derived from the Indian gooseberry, is not just another health fad. This nutrient powerhouse is lauded in Ayurvedic medicine for its digestive and immune-boosting properties, says dietician Manvi Lohia. Its high concentration of vitamin C, along with a potent mix of antioxidants, makes amla juice a perfect healthy drink. Having amla juice can be good for those looking to enhance their immune system, improve heart health, and even revitalise skin and hair health due to its ability to fight off free radicals.

Lemon water and its benefits

Lemon water is a simple yet extremely beneficial concoction. This humble drink, made by mixing lemon juice with water, is often recommended for its hydrating and digestive benefits. Lemon water aids in detoxifying the body, promoting hydration, and assisting in digestion. Its role in weight management is particularly interesting; the pectin fiber found in lemons helps curb hunger cravings, making it a staple in many weight loss diets, says the expert.

Amla juice or lemon water for weight loss?

Two beverages, amla juice and lemon water, have persistently captured the interest of health enthusiasts for their myriad of benefits, particularly in the realm of weight management and overall wellness. Both have their unique sets of benefits and nutrients, especially vitamin C, which could help in burning calories, says Lohia.

According to the United States’ Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of raw lemon can give acid 53 mg of vitamin C. As per a 2005 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, people with adequate vitamin C status oxidise 30 percent more fat during a moderate exercise bout than those with low vitamin C status. Basically, people with low vitamin C may be more resistant to fat mass loss.

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For those looking to incorporate these beverages into their weight loss regime, the timing of consumption can be crucial. Drinking lemon water or amla juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is believed to stimulate the metabolism and promote detoxification, setting a healthy tone for the day.

How to prepare these weight loss drinks?

Preparing amla juice or lemon water is straightforward and can be easily integrated into your daily routine.

• Amla juice requires blending 2 to 3 deseeded amla fruits with water, straining the mixture to extract the juice, and optionally adding honey for taste.
• To make lemon water, it is as simple as squeezing half a lemon into a glass of warm water, with the option to sweeten with honey.

What are the side effects of amla juice and lemon water?

Despite their health benefits, it is important to be aware of potential side effects.

• Amla juice might lead to acidity or skin dryness for some, and due to its high Vitamin C content, those with kidney issues should have it with caution.
• Lemon water’s acidity can affect tooth enamel, suggesting the use of a straw for consumption.

Both amla juice and lemon water offer significant health benefits, including potential weight loss advantages. However, their effectiveness is not one-size-fits-all and will vary depending on individual health conditions and dietary habits. As always, integrating such natural remedies into your diet should be done considering your unique health profile. You must also exercise, eat a balanced diet, cut down on sugar, highly processed foods and not solely rely on these weight loss drinks even if they are natural.