Can You Drink Coffee After Lemon Water?
In recent years, lemon water has become an increasingly popular beverage, recommended highly by nutritionists who are advocates of its purported health benefits. Fans of this tasty drink claim that it can improve our digestion, aid in weight loss, help flush out toxins, and even boost our mood and energy levels. But one of its more tragic comments is that if you drink coffee after lemon water, those beneficial effects will be undone. Is this true?
To answer this question, we must first understand a bit about the chemistry of lemon water. The main benefits of this drink come from its content of lemon juice, which provides citric acid, vitamin C, and other soluble minerals. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to boost immunity and promote cell signaling in the body. Lemon juice also helps to neutralize the pH balance of the body, making it more alkaline, which is important for the prompt digestion of food.
In comparison, coffee contains caffeine, an ingredient that is known to be stimulating and alerting by its effects on the body. It’s effects on the central nervous system are well documented, and it is mainly used as an energy booster. Coffee is also acidic and has a more alkaline effect on the pH of the body. This means that when drinking coffee after lemon water, the alkalizing effects of lemon water are undone, resulting in more acidity.
Fortunately, this is where the science of nutrition comes in to help us understand and find ways to reconcile the two drinks. According to nutritionists, consuming coffee after lemon water is still beneficial, though not as much as as drinking lemon water alone. The main advantage is that the caffeine contained in coffee will help to counter the drowsiness that can be caused by the citric acid in lemon water, thus providing a boost of energy. Furthermore, the acidity of the coffee may also help in the digestion of the lemon juice.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of coffee consumed in this set-up. If you are looking to counteract the sleepy effects of lemon water, one cup of coffee should be sufficient, however, for those who need more energy, a double serving of coffee can be beneficial.
Overall, while it is safe to drink coffee after lemon water, it is important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine consumed in order to receive the full health benefits associated with each drink.
Coffee Aids Nutrition Absorption
Additionally, by drinking coffee after lemon water, one can maximize their nutrition absorption. The majority of nutrients are absorbed in the stomach, which is where lemon juice really has its most powerful impact. By drinking coffee after lemon water, one can benefit from the acidity of the coffee and its stimulatory effects, allowing for better absorption of food in the stomach and subsequently, increased nutrient absorption.
For example, drinking coffee after lemon water can allow for better absorption of proteins, which aids in muscle strength, clarity of thought, and improved cellular function. Additionally, caffeine is known to increase the absorption of compounds such as vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, allowing for these compounds to be circulated better in the body and providing individuals with a better overall health.
Overall, drinking coffee after lemon water is a great way to provide energy boost, while still being able to receive the beneficial impacts of lemon juice.
Reap The Benefits From Convenient Timing
For those who want to utilize the timing of drinking coffee after lemon water to maximize its benefits, there are several methods to get the most out of each drink. First off, one should always drink lemon water prior to consuming coffee. By drinking coffee first, the acidity of coffee will cancel out the alkalinity of lemon water, negating its beneficial effects.
Furthermore, since both drinks are stimulatory in nature, it is advised to drink coffee only when feeling sluggish, while still remaining mindful of the amount of coffee consumed. Additionally, one should also avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach, which can cause digestive issues. For those who want to enjoy the energizing benefits of coffee, the best time to consume it is two hours after consuming lemon water. This will allow enough time for the lemon juice to activate in the body and its effects to be felt before being counteracted by the energizing effects of coffee.
Finally, it is to be noted that if you are taking medication or supplements, there is a chance that caffeine can interfere with their proper absorption. Therefore, if you are taking medications or supplements, it is best to avoid drinking coffee after lemon water or to use caution when doing so.
Choose The Right Type Of Coffee
The type of coffee consumed after lemon water is also an important factor to consider. Opting for coffees with a light to medium roast, such as a French roast, is recommended over dark roasts, which are known for having a harsher, more bitter taste. Additionally, for those who prefer espresso, a single or double shot of espresso will suffice to gain the desired alertness without overloading on caffeine.
Overall, when selecting the right type of coffee to drink after lemon water, it is advisable to select a type that is clean in taste and lower in caffeine content. Having knowledge of the different types of coffee and their caffeine content will help to ensure that one gets the most benefit from their coffee.
Be Mindful of The Additional Ingredients
It is also important to be mindful of any additional ingredients in the coffee when drinking it after lemon water. For example, milk or cream can reduce the acidity of the coffee, thus making it more alkaline in nature and cancelling out the benefits of drinking lemon water. To avoid this, it is recommended to opt for dairy free alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk.
Furthermore, adding sweeteners such as sugar, or processed sweeteners can also potentially interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals from the lemon water. As a safe alternative, natural, unprocessed sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup are advised.
Finally, when drinking coffee after lemon water, it is also important to avoid adding unhealthy additives such as sweet syrups and high-calorie, processed creamers. Doing this may increase the sugar content in the beverage, which can negate the health benefits of lemon water and coffee.
Know The Benefits & Drawbacks
Overall, while drinking coffee after lemon water can provide some energizing benefits, it is important to be aware of its drawbacks. Having knowledge of the aforementioned factors can help individuals find the right balance between the two drinks, to be able to reap the benefits of both without overloading on caffeine. Additionally, addressing one’s lifestyle and dietary habits can help to reduce the need for caffeine to begin with, reducing some of the issues associated with drinking coffee after lemon water.
