Lemon Coffee: Is It A Good Mix?
A new combination is a trend in the world of beverages: coffee with lemon. Health benefits are expected from it, beyond those provided by both ingredients separately.
And although nowhere is it written that these products cannot be mixed, it remains to be seen what happens to the benefits that their consumption promises.
Coffee with lemon
The exact formula to prepare it is to add the juice of a lemon in 240 milliliters of coffee. And while it may seem like an unusual combination to some people, for others it has turned out to be a promise of positive health effects.
Almost certainly many think that lemon is the best accompaniment to a cup of tea. But traditionally, this mixture was already taken in some specific regions as a refreshing drink to combat the heat.
To start shedding some light on its use and usefulness in terms of health, it is best to review the benefits of these two ingredients separately.
The benefits of coffee
To prepare a coffee, the dried and crushed beans are infused with very hot water. A simple process for one of the most consumed beverages around the world. According to data from the British Coffee Association, they drink around 2 billion cups a day.
Over time its consumption has enjoyed a good and bad reputation. For this reason, science has made it one of its focuses of attention. It is known to be a stimulating food, capable of improving some aspects such as memory, concentration and fatigue.
Coffee intake has been investigated in relation to different health parameters. But as the authors of an important summary of existing studies point out, much of it is observational, so you have to be cautious with your conclusions.
The positive associations between coffee and liver disease (cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver or liver fibrosis) are among the most consistent. There also appears to be a lower chance of developing liver cancer.
In the same way, the authors highlight a reduction in the risk of mortality from any cause in those people who consume coffee compared to those who do not. And a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and metabolic problems, such as type 2 diabetes.
The optimal consumption threshold seems to be 3 cups a day. Although a higher intake does not seem dangerous, in the same way that it does not offer more benefits.
Apparently, there are no indications of harmful effects with continued use of the drink. Except for the recommendations not to consume it during pregnancy and in those women with a higher risk of suffering bone fractures.
What does lemon contribute to the body?
Citrus fruits are grown around the world and are known to be one of the fruits with the highest intake. Their contributions of vitamins and other phytochemicals have turned them into products used for therapeutic purposes.
Its most prominent nutrient is vitamin C. It performs key functions in the body, such as supporting bone development, wound healing, and maintaining healthy gums.
In addition, at the metabolic level it allows the activation of B vitamins, the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and the transformation of tryptophan into serotonin.
This important micronutrient acts in synergy with other elements, such as flavonoids, carotenes, alkaloids and essential oils. Thanks to these, science has been able to relate them to some positive health effects:
- Antioxidant: allows to counteract free radicals. The presence of these plays a critical role in aging, inflammation, and heart disease.
- Increased citrus consumption is related to lower mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular problems.
- Vitamin C protects the immune system, reducing the severity of allergic reactions and helping to fight basic infections, such as colds.
Popular beliefs about the benefits of coffee with lemon
Beyond the positive effects of the two separately, there are some claims for health improvements related to drinking lemon coffee. These are the promises about this drink.
Body fat reduction
One of the most tempting promises is this. Although neither coffee nor lemon have been shown to be foods capable of eliminating the accumulation of lipids from the body.
Some studies looked at caffeine’s ability to increase metabolism and consequently burn calories. However, this has no effect on weight loss and fat reduction.
Therefore, it seems that science is clear about it and the veracity of this belief cannot be demonstrated at the moment. Regardless, coffee helps decrease hunger pangs.
Headache control
The second popular claim about this mix is also unsupported by scientific data. There may even be some contradiction, since in some cases coffee consumption has been linked to migraines.
While it is known that combining caffeine with medication can amplify the effects of drugs, lemon does not have any benefit in this regard.
Lemon coffee promotes healthier skin
A high consumption of fruits and vegetables is positive for improving the health of the skin. But it is not known at the moment which of its components is responsible.
This is why the general recommendation to ensure the consumption of 3 pieces of fruit a day is always positive. In addition, if it is lemon or other citrus fruits, the contribution of vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis. This protein promotes elasticity and strength of the dermis.
Relief from diarrhea
This is the last of the popular beliefs about this drink and does not seem to be supported by the data obtained thus far. Quite the contrary, because caffeine increases the movements of the colon and accelerates the urge to go to the bathroom.
The ingestion of coffee is not indicated in an episode of diarrhea, since its diuretic effect can worsen the loss of fluids that occurs with increased bowel movements.
Does mixing coffee with lemon enhance its benefits?
The intake of coffee and lemon have positive effects on health, provided they are consumed within the framework of a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle habits. Now, for the moment, the same cannot be said for the result of your mix.
Does this mean that it is a bad option to have your usual coffee with a splash of lemon juice? No way. This may be one of the morning picks to wake up, but no magical effects should be expected. Thanks to the lemon, the coffee gains freshness and its bitter taste softens.
The latest beverage trend doesn’t have the promised effects
Many people tend to drink hot lemon water or coffee in the morning. Each of them can be beneficial, although the sum of both does not seem to have more positive effects.
In any case, it has not been proven that it improves headaches or helps reduce body fat. Nor that it is a drink of choice in case of diarrhea.
So it is possible to choose the best companion for black tea to refresh a good coffee. As long as its pleasant taste is found and its consumption does not produce adverse side effects.
Taking moderate doses of each or the mixture appears to be safe. But do not forget that more quantity is not always synonymous with more benefits. Abusing them could have detrimental effects.
