Potential Benefits of Drinking Lemon Coffee
Coffee with a twist of lemon is becoming increasingly popular. Many people who drink coffee don’t think about the possible gains that can be made from making the simple switch. So what potential benefits come from introducing a citrusy lemon flavour to your morning brew?
Antioxidants and Vitamin C
Lemons are nature’s storehouse of vitamin C, which has long been heralded as an immunity-boosting powerhouse. The benefits of vitamin C are not to be sniffed at – with boosting energy levels while simultaneously reducing fatigue, there is much to gain from consuming it in any form. Lemons also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two important antioxidants that help protect the eyes from age-related vision problems and damage caused by UV rays.
Boosts Metabolism
To gain the full benefit of coffee, it has to be enjoyed with no sugar and no cream. By adding a fresh burst of lemon to the mix, the body actually receives a boost of natural energy, helping to kickstart the metabolism and keep it running throughout the day. Coffee is known for its ability to ward off exhaustion and mental fogginess, and when combined with the lemon’s natural perks, it can prove especially effective.
Balances Acidity
When it comes to caffeine consumption, it’s important to be aware of how acidic your beverage is going to be. Coffee is naturally on the acidic side of the pH scale. Caffeine triggers the release of stomach acid, which then stimulates the entire GI process and can become uncomfortable if taken to excess. The addition of lemon counteracts this effect, providing a balanced, slightly more alkaline-based drink.
Taste and Aroma
The taste and aroma of the combination of freshly brewed coffee and the zesty kick of a lemon adds new dimensions to the traditional coffee drinking experience. Professionally brewed coffee is not just consumed for its energy-giving properties, but also enjoyed for its intense taste and aroma. Adding a slice of freshly squeezed lemon can bring a new level of refreshment to your morning cup.
Overview of Caffeine and Lemon
Caffeine is the most widely-consumed psychoactive substance in the world. It has been a part of the human diet for hundreds of years and is the stimulant of choice for people from all walks of life. On the other hand, lemons are most commonly used culinary ingredient, loaded with powerful antioxidants and other health benefits. When the two are combined, they provide an array of positive mental and physical effects.
Stimulant and Cleanse
Caffeine is a stimulant that helps to increase wakefulness and alertness, while lemons can help to cleanse your digestive system and remove toxins. While caffeine does have some potential side effects such as increased heart rate and jittery feelings, when taken in moderation, these effects are lessened when mixed with lemon. The combination also helps to stimulate your brain and give you that extra little assistance to get through your day.
Slower Release of Caffeine
Lemon also works to make caffeine consumption much gentler on the body. The acidity in the lemon counteracts the intensity of the beverage, lessening the effects of the stimulant and the rate of absorption. This helps to regulate the body’s response to caffeine and its effects on the body and mind.
Easy to Preapre
Finally, drinking coffee with lemon is incredibly easy to make. All it takes is a teaspoon of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and a cup of freshly made coffee. This combination can either be brewed together or added to the cup of coffee afterwards – the choice is yours.
Preparation and Safety
In order to enjoy the benefits of lemon-infused coffee, it’s important to follow the correct preparation and safety guidelines when making it.
Hygiene
It’s vital to store, handle and prepare citrus fruits including lemons in a hygienic manner. Lemon juice can be contaminated with bacteria and improper handling can lead to the spread of infectious disease. To maintain good hygiene, keep counter and chopping boards clean and use a separate one for citrus fruits and those for preparing raw meats.
Unwaxed Lemons
Always use unwaxed lemons for preparing to lemon coffee. This will reduce the risk of consuming chemicals that are commonly used in the waxing of lemons. Additionally, organic lemons are a safer option, as they are free of pesticides and other harmful substances.
Personl Preference
When it comes to personal preference, it’s all about finding what works best for you. Too much lemon can have a negative effect, so it’s important to only add small amounts at a time. Start with a small teaspoon and see how it tastes – remember to stir thoroughly for the best results.
Alternatives to Lemon Coffee
Whilst coffee with lemon and other citrus fruits is becoming increasingly popular, there are other options when it comes to enjoying a fruity beverage.
Orange and Cinnamon
Adding slices of freshly squeezed oranges instead of lemons adds a mellower, sweeter flavour to the coffee. Cinnamon adds a warm, slightly spicy flavour as well as helping to reduce sugar and processed carb cravings.
Foods to Eat With Coffee
For those looking to change up the flavours of their morning coffee, the addition of a few breakfast foods can be a tasty solution. Avocado, chia seeds, nuts, and fruits are all delicious additions that help to create a balanced and nutritious meal.
Herb-Infused Coffee
If sweet flavours aren’t your cup of tea, herbs can add a savoury, aromatic flavour to coffee. Mint, rosemary, and lavender are all known for their unique, tasty properties. All it takes is a few sprigs of your chosen herb to take your beverage to the next level.
Frozen Coffee Cubes
For those looking to make a thirst-quenching iced coffee, frozen coffee cubes are a great way to make sure the drink doesn’t get diluted. Use a summer fruit such as strawberries to add a fruity twist to your cold beverage.
Ways to Use Lemon Juice in Coffee
Drinking coffee with a twist of lemon isn’t the only way to use the two together.
Coffee Scrub
Mixing coffee grounds and some lemon juice can create an all-natural body scrub. This helps to exfoliate the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. The caffeine from the coffee also helps to reduce puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.
Coffee Cake
Adding a good glug of freshly-squeezed lemon juice to a coffee cake batter gives a real ‘zing’ to the cake. This can be used to create an indulgent citrusy-flavoured cake, perfect for any special occasion.
Coffee Ice Cream
Lemon and coffee make a delicious combination when making ice cream. Combining the two together enhances the flavour, making it tantalizingly sweet and zesty. This can be served as a refreshing dessert or as a creamy breakfast treat.
Coffee Marmalade
For a unique twist to your morning toast, why not make your own coffee marmalade using freshly-squeezed lemon juice? You can add some honey for extra sweetness or some lemon zest for extra zing. There is something undeniably delicious about its sweet and subtly acidic taste.
