Do Detox Drinks Work?

Experts said that lemon-infused water cannot help you lose weight.

10:50 31 May 2016

Experts have debunked common belief that drinking lemon-infused water can help you lose weight. 

 

Professor Jimmy Bell of the Life Sciences department at the University of Westminster explained that the body burns fat when it utilises fat as an energy source instead of carbohydrates. As for lemon and fruit-infused water, he said that no trials have proven that it can burn fat.

 

“I can’t think of a mechanism where lemon water would have an effect on body fat.” 

 

“So-called detox foods to counterbalance a toxic diet won’t work. A detox food is not like water to fire. If you want to ‘detox’ yourself stop eating rubbish - you don’t need ‘detox’ food.

 

“We want to eat what we want with no consequences and think that ‘detox’ will clear all the problems, but that won’t happen. Staying healthy is a lifetime struggle.”

 

Dr Yvonne Jeanes RD, Senior Lecturer in the department of Life Sciences at the University of Roehampton, agrees.

 

“The body has its own excellent mechanisms to get rid of toxins and waste [involving] organs such as the gastro-intestinal tract, the liver and the kidneys.

 

Dr Sue Reeves, Sue Reeves, Principal Lecturer in the department of Life Sciences at the University of Roehampton, weighed in saying: “If adding fruit and vegetables makes the water taste nicer, it could encourage people to drink more and stay hydrated. It can also add some nutrients, such as vitamin C,”