Exploring the Health Effects of Adding Lemon to Morning Coffee

Verified By Star Health Doctors

Lemon Coffee

Coffee and lemons are two common ingredients that can be found in almost every kitchen.

Coffee, a widely consumed beverage globally, is produced by brewing roasted coffee beans. It is popular primarily for its caffeine content, which boosts the central nervous system and enhances alertness and mood.

On the other hand, lemons are a type of fruit that falls under the genus Citrus. They rank as the world’s third most-produced citrus fruit, following oranges and mandarins.

Lemons are abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants, as well as various other beneficial plant compounds, making them a popular choice for their medicinal properties throughout history.

The recent trend of combining coffee with lemon involves mixing 1 cup (240 millilitres) of coffee with the juice of 1 lemon.

While some may find this pairing unconventional, others argue that the benefits outweigh the unique taste – despite potential disagreements from a scientific standpoint.

Benefits of Coffee

Consuming four to six cups of coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, on a daily basis has been linked to a decreased risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Individuals who consume coffee may have a lower likelihood of experiencing depression and cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Caffeine has been linked not only to a reduced chance of developing Parkinson’s disease but also to improved motor control in individuals already affected by the condition.
Numerous studies published in reputable journals have highlighted the positive effects of coffee consumption on liver health, including a decreased risk of death from liver cirrhosis, lower levels of harmful liver enzymes, and reduced liver scarring in individuals with hepatitis C.
Coffee beans, which are the seeds found inside the coffee tree’s fruit, are abundant in antioxidants. These antioxidants play an important role in preventing or delaying certain types of cellular damage in the body, making coffee a significant source of these beneficial compounds in people’s daily diets.

Benefits of Lemon

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which is beneficial for heart health. In addition to vitamin C, the fibre and plant compounds found in lemons can also play a significant role in reducing certain risk factors associated with heart disease.
Kidney stones are small formations that develop when waste products crystallize and collect in the kidneys. They are a common occurrence, with individuals who have had them once being prone to recurrent episodes. Citric acid has the potential to prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and raising urine pH, thereby creating an unfavourable environment for the formation of kidney stones.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a prevalent condition that arises when the body lacks sufficient iron intake from dietary sources. While lemons do contain some iron, their primary role in preventing anaemia lies in enhancing the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
Lemons consist of approximately 10% carbohydrates, mainly in the form of soluble fibre and simple sugars. The primary soluble fibre found in lemons is pectin, which is associated with various health benefits.
Soluble fibre can promote gut health, delay the digestion of sugars and starches, and potentially lead to lower blood sugar levels.

Does coffee and lemon combined help with weight loss?

There are a number of claims that adding lemon to morning coffee would do; some of them are:

Weight Loss – Caffeine is known to be a diuretic, leading to the belief that lemon coffee can help flush out toxins and excess water from the body. However, there is no scientific proof that combining lemon and coffee has any additional benefits beyond what the body’s natural detoxification system already does. The liver plays an important role in metabolizing nutrients and medications, as well as eliminating harmful toxins from the body. No single food or drink can accelerate this process. While caffeine can boost the resting metabolic rate, there is no evidence that adding lemon to coffee enhances this effect or aids in weight loss.
Relieves Diarrhoea – Some suggest consuming ground coffee with lemon as a remedy for diarrhoea. Nevertheless, there is currently no scientific backing for using lemon to alleviate diarrhoea. Moreover, coffee can stimulate the colon, leading to increased bowel movements. Diarrhoea results in a significant loss of fluids, potentially causing dehydration, which can be exacerbated by coffee’s diuretic properties.
Reduces Sugar Cravings – Lemon coffee enthusiasts claim that the vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants in the beverage can help curb sugar cravings. While it is true that the body may crave sugar when lacking certain nutrients, there is no direct evidence linking lemon coffee consumption to reduced sugar cravings. Sugar cravings may be a result of the body seeking quick energy or lacking essential nutrients. While incorporating more nutrients into your diet may help with cravings and energy levels, the amount of lemon juice typically added to coffee is not likely to have a significant impact on overall wellness.
Benefits on Skin – Recent studies indicate that the antioxidants found in both coffee and lemons can offer various benefits to the skin, supporting the validity of this claim. Coffee’s chlorogenic acid (CGA) content has the potential to enhance blood circulation and skin hydration. Regular drinking of coffee may lead to a decrease in skin dryness, an improvement in skin texture, and a reduction in the breakdown of the skin’s protective barrier. Furthermore, the vitamin C in lemons can boost collagen production, a crucial protein responsible for skin firmness and flexibility, while also combating skin damage caused by free radicals from sun exposure. These benefits can still be obtained by consuming coffee and lemons separately, as there is no evidence suggesting that their effects are only effective when combined.
Headache Relief – One theory proposes that the caffeine found in coffee has a vasoconstrictor effect, causing blood vessels to narrow and decreasing blood flow to the head, thereby alleviating pain. Additionally, research suggests that caffeine can enhance the effectiveness of headache medication and migraine treatments. However, another hypothesis suggests that caffeine triggers headaches in some individuals, along with other beverages and foods like chocolate, alcohol, and citrus fruits such as lemons. Consequently, the impact of drinking coffee with lemon on headaches can vary depending on the individual. If it does provide relief, it is likely due to the caffeine in coffee rather than the combination of coffee and lemon.

Side Effects of Coffee with Lemon

While coffee and lemon each offer health benefits on their own, combining the two does not enhance metabolism or aid in fat loss. Consuming excessive amounts of this popular trend could have negative health consequences. Engaging in practices solely for weight loss may indicate disordered eating habits and other underlying health concerns. It is important to focus on balanced nutrition and sustainable lifestyle choices rather than following fleeting trends or fad diets. Individuals with heartburn should be cautious as both coffee and lemon are known to exacerbate symptoms, especially when consumed together on an empty stomach, potentially causing discomfort.

Conclusion

Lemon juice has the potential to trigger heartburn due to its elevated citric acid content, particularly for individuals with a background of acid reflux. This acidity can also have a detrimental effect on tooth enamel over an extended period and when consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid combining coffee with lemon.

FAQs

1. Does adding lemon to coffee aid in weight loss?

It is not proven that coffee with lemon aids weight loss. Even though both coffee and lemon have their own benefits when consumed separately, there is no proof that they do any better when consumed together.

2. What are the disadvantages of having coffee and lemon together?

When coffee combined with lemon is consumed, there is an increased chance of heartburn, especially when they are consumed on an empty stomach.

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