Coffee And Lemon: Is It A Good Mix?

Coffee and lemon are two ingredients with recognized properties, but how about consuming them together? Are the beneficial effects really multiplying? Find out!

A new combination, coffee and lemon, trends in the beverage world. Many people expect it to provide health benefits that go beyond those that both ingredients provide separately.

There is nothing to say that these products can not be mixed. However, it remains to be seen what happens to the benefits promised by consuming them together.

Coffee and lemon

The exact recipe for its preparation is to add the juice of a lemon to a cup of coffee. And while for some it may seem like an unusual combination, others see it as a promise of positive health effects.

Most people probably think that lemon is a better accompaniment to a cup of tea. Traditionally, however, people in certain regions have long drunk it as a refreshing drink to combat the heat.

To begin to shed light on the use and benefits when it comes to health, it is best to see the benefits of these two ingredients separately.

The benefits of coffee

To make coffee, dried and ground 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, around two billion cups of coffee are drunk every day.

Throughout history, consumption has had both a good and a bad reputation. For this reason, science has made it one of its focus areas. It is known to be a stimulating drink, able to improve certain aspects such as memory, concentration and fatigue.

Coffee intake has been investigated regarding various health parameters. However, as the authors of an important summary of existing studies point out, most of them are observational, so we must be careful with the conclusions.

The positive associations between coffee and liver disease (cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or liver fibrosis) are among the most consistent. There also seems to be a lower probability of developing liver cancer.

Similarly, the authors emphasize a reduction in the risk of mortality regardless of the causes of the people who drink coffee compared to those who do not. There is also a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and metabolic problems, such as type 2 diabetes.

The absolute maximum amount of coffee a person should drink appears to be three cups per day. However, a higher intake does not seem to be dangerous, but it does not seem to provide more benefits either.

There are apparently no indications of harmful effects with continued use of the beverage. With the exception of the recommendations not to take it during pregnancy and in women at higher risk of bone fractures.

Coffee has been thoroughly studied by science. And with good reason. It is estimated that two billion cups are consumed per day.

What does lemon contribute to the body?

Citrus fruits are grown all over the world and are known to be one of the fruits with the highest intake. Their vitamin and other phytochemical contributions have made them products used for therapeutic purposes.

Their main nutrient is vitamin C. It plays key roles in the body, such as helping bone development, wound healing and maintaining healthy gums.

At the metabolic level, it also enables the activation of B vitamins, the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids and the transformation of tryptophan into serotonin.

This important micronutrient works in synergy with other elements, such as flavonoids, carotenes, alkaloids and essential oils. Thanks to these, science has been able to link them to some positive health effects:

Antioxidant: Allows to counteract free radicals. The presence of free radicals plays a critical role in aging, inflammation and heart disease.
Increased consumption of citrus fruits is associated with lower mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular problems.
Vitamin C protects the immune system, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps fight simple infections, such as the common cold.

Myths about the benefits of coffee with lemon

In addition to the positive effects that the two present separately, there are some claims about health improvements related to consuming coffee and lemon together. These are the supposed promises of this drink.

Reduction of body fat

This is one of the most tempting promises. However , neither coffee nor lemon have been shown to be foods that can cause lipid accumulations to disappear from the body.

Some studies have seen the ability of caffeine to increase metabolism and consequently burn calories. However, this does not affect weight loss and fat reduction.

Therefore, it seems that science is clear, and that the truth of this belief can not be proven at the moment. In any case, coffee helps reduce the feeling of hunger.

It helps control headaches

The other popular claim about this mixture is also not supported by scientific data. There may even be some contradiction, as coffee consumption in some cases has been related to migraines.

Although we know that combining caffeine with medication can enhance the effect of the medication, lemon has no benefits in this regard.

Coffee and lemon promote healthier skin

A high intake of fruits and vegetables is positive for improving skin health. But at the moment it is unknown which of the components is responsible for this.

This is why the general recommendation to ensure intake of five a day is always positive. In addition, if you include lemon or other citrus fruits, the contribution of vitamin C stimulates the synthesis of collagen. This protein promotes the elasticity and strength of the dermis.

It provides relief from diarrhea

This is the latest popular belief about this drink, and it does not seem to be supported by the data obtained so far. On the contrary, caffeine increases bowel movements and accelerates the urge to go to the bathroom.

Coffee intake is not indicated in cases of diarrhea, as the diuretic effect may aggravate the loss of fluid that occurs with increased bowel movements.

Diarrhea involves the loss of fluids and electrolytes, so coffee is contraindicated in these conditions, as it increases diuresis.

Does mixing coffee and lemon enhance the benefits?

Consumption of coffee and lemon has positive effects on health, as long as they are consumed within the framework of a healthy diet and healthy living habits. At the moment, however, we can not say the same about the result of mixing them.

Does this mean that it is a bad alternative to drinking regular coffee with a splash of lemon juice? Not at all. This may be one of your choices for waking up in the morning, but do not expect any magical effects. Thanks to the lemon, the coffee gets freshness, and the bitterness subsides.

The latest trend in beverages does not provide the promised benefits

Many people often drink hot water with lemon or coffee in the morning. Each of them can be beneficial, although the sum of the two does not seem to have more positive effects.

In any case, there is no evidence that it improves headaches or helps reduce body fat. Nor that it should be a drink to choose in case of diarrhea.

So it is possible to choose lemon to refresh a good coffee. Provided you think the taste is good and drinking it does not give unwanted side effects.

Taking moderate doses of each of them or the combination seems to be safe. But you should not forget that larger quantity is not always synonymous with several benefits. Misuse of them can have harmful effects.