Health Benefits & Side Effects of Coffee & Lemon
Most people are familiar with the idea of drinking coffee to gain energy and focus, but have you ever thought about combining it with lemon? It may sound off-putting, but caffeine and citric acid can work together to provide a wealth of health benefits. Below, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of combining coffee and lemon to help inform your decisions about your beverage choices.
Health Benefits of Coffee & Lemon
The potential benefits of combining coffee and lemon range from improving digestion to providing a more balanced flavor profile. Here are some of the potential benefits of drinking coffee with lemon:
- Boosts Energy & Improves Focus – Coffee by itself can provide a quick energy boost, but the combination of caffeine and acid in coffee and lemon can provide a more even, long-lasting source of energy and focus. By giving the body an extra boost of energy and alertness, coffee and lemon can help you stay productive throughout the day.
- Improves Digestion – The citric acid in lemons helps to stimulate digestion and encourage healthy bowel movements. It can also help to reduce gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. This can help to make the process of digestion more efficient and comfortable.
- Balanced Flavor Profile – Drinking coffee with lemon can balance out the bitter, acidic taste of coffee. Adding a squeeze of lemon can make the beverage more palatable and enjoyable.
Side Effects of Coffee & Lemon
Aside from health benefits, drinking coffee with lemon can have some undesirable side effects. It’s important to understand the potential downsides of combining coffee and lemon before drinking it:
- Too Much Caffeine – Drinking coffee with lemon can provide an extra boost of caffeine, which can make it harder to control your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can lead to jitters, insomnia, and increased heart rate.
- High Acidity Levels – Lemon juice is highly acidic, which can irritate the digestive system and increase acid reflux. If you’re prone to digestive issues or heartburn, this could be a problem.
- Can Damage Teeth – Citric acid can be hard on your teeth and lead to enamel erosion. That’s why it’s important to drink lemon juice in moderation and rinse with water afterwards.
Nutritional Content of Coffee & Lemon
When making any beverage choice, it’s important to consider the nutritional content. Both coffee and lemons are relatively low in calories and fat, so let’s take a look at their other nutritional content:
A cup of black coffee contains 8 calories and 0 grams of fat, and minimal amounts of fiber, carbohydrates, and protein. It does, however, contain some amounts of potassium, magnesium, and other minerals. It also contains around 95 mg of caffeine, which is why it’s so widely used to boost energy.
A lemon contains 11 calories and 0.2 grams of fat, as well as a significant amount of vitamin C, potassium and other minerals. It also contains a small amount of fiber and carbohydrates.
Best Practices for Drinking Coffee & Lemon
If you’re going to drink coffee with lemon, it’s important to follow some basic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Drink Moderately – If you’re drinking coffee with lemon, it’s best to consume it in moderation. Too much caffeine and acid can be hard on the body and lead to unpleasant side effects.
- Rinse With Water – After drinking coffee with lemon, it’s a good idea to rinse with water to prevent enamel erosion on your teeth.
- Use Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – Pre-bottled lemon juice can contain added sugars and preservatives that can be undesirable. For the best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice for your coffee.
Alternatives to Coffee & Lemon
While drinking coffee with lemon can provide a range of benefits, there are plenty of other beverages that can provide energy and focus without the drawbacks of caffeine and acidity. Here are some of the best coffee alternatives:
- Matcha – Matcha is a powdered green tea that comes with a host of health benefits. It’s full of antioxidants, amino acids and caffeine that can provide energy and focus without the jitters.
- Yerba Mate – Yerba Mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves of the holly tree. It has a similar caffeine content to coffee, but without the acidic taste. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Kombucha – Kombucha is a natural, fizzy drink that contains probiotics and beneficial bacteria. It also contains some caffeine and can provide a light, energizing buzz.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Sleep
In addition to drinking coffee with lemon or other beverages, there are certain lifestyle changes that can help promote better sleep. Here are a few tips:
- Limit Screen Time – The blue light emitted by phones, computers, and other screens can affect the body’s ability to wind down for sleep. It’s best to limit your exposure to screens at least two hours before bedtime.
- Establish a Sleep Routine – Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help your body establish a healthy sleeping pattern. It’s also best to avoid napping during the day.
- Limit Caffeine Consumption – As we’ve discussed, caffeine can provide a quick energy boost, but it can also interfere with your ability to sleep. It’s best to limit your intake and avoid drinking coffee in the afternoon and evening.
Exercises to Reduce Stress & Anxiety
For many people, stress and anxiety can interfere with their ability to sleep. Exercise can be a great way to reduce these feelings and improve sleep. Here are a few exercises to try:
- Yoga – Yoga is a form of exercise that uses stretches and breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve physical and mental wellbeing. Practicing yoga regularly can help reduce stress and anxiety in the long-term.
- Meditation – Meditation is a practice of mindfulness, focusing on the present moment without judgment. It’s a great way to reduce stress and calm the mind before sleep.
- Tai Chi – Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines slow and fluid movements with deep breathing. It can reduce stress and anxiety, and can even help improve balance and coordination.
Herbal Remedies for Sleep
In addition to lifestyle changes and exercise, there are also some herbal remedies that can help promote better sleep. Here are a few herbs to consider:
- Valerian Root – Valerian root is a popular herb that has been used to promote better sleep for hundreds of years. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical called GABA, which helps the body relax.
- Lavender – Lavender is a fragrant herb that has a calming effect on the body and mind. The scent of lavender has been used to treat insomnia and promote better sleep.
- Chamomile – Chamomile tea is one of the oldest remedies for sleep. The tea is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, which contains compounds that can relax the body and reduce anxiety.
