Health Benefits of Coffee & Lemon
Coffee and lemon have numerous health benefits when consumed together. Caffeine from the coffee and Vitamin C from the lemon helps in boosting energy and fights fatigue. Coffee and lemon are both rich in antioxidants and increase the body’s immunity. As per the Harvard School of Public Health, drinking coffee can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the acidic nature of lemon juice helps in better absorption of the caffeine.
Coffee and lemon work together in aiding digestion and improving metabolism. The acidic nature of lemon juice helps stimulate the gastric juices, which support in better digestion of food thereby reducing bloating and stomach ailments. It also helps in releasing toxins and also helps detoxify the body. As per an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adding milk and sugar to coffee decreases the fat burning capacity of metabolic by about 27%.
Consuming coffee and lemon together helps reduce stress and aids in better sleep. Caffeine from coffee provides quick energy and helps reduce stress and coffee, as per an article published in the Harvard Gazette, helps reduce the risk of suicide. The Vitamin C from the lemon helps in regulating hormones that are responsible for controlling depression, stress and other forms of mental issues. When consumed regularly, coffee and lemon can also help reduce anxiety. It also helps in getting better sleep by providing a calming and relaxing sensation.
The combination of coffee and lemon helps in reducing the risk of cancer, improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation and other health-related benefits. Caffeine from the coffee helps reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer such as colon cancer and breast cancer. The vitamin C present in lemon helps reduce the risk of metabolic dysfunction, a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, the combined effect of both the caffeine and Vitamin C helps in reducing inflammation.
Given the numerous health benefits of drinking coffee and lemon together, it is important to choose the right amount and quality of coffee. Drinking too much coffee that contains too much sugar or sweeteners can have a negative impact on one’s health. Similarly, choosing the right quality and quantity of lemon is also important. The best way to for enjoying this combination is to make a blend of freshly brewed coffee and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Preparation of Coffee & Lemon
The most basic way of preparing coffee and lemon is by taking freshly brewed black coffee and freshly squeezed lemon juice and mixing it together. To make it more delicious, you can add a teaspoon of honey. You can prepare iced coffee and lemon by blending a cup of cold brewed coffee with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, half a teaspoon of honey and a cup of organic milk.
Coffee and lemon can also be used to make smoothies and other beverages. To make a coffee and lemon smoothie, blend two cups of cold marine collagen coffee, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey, half a cup of frozen blueberries, one tablespoon of vanilla extract, and a cup of coconut milk. This smoothie is rich in antioxidants and several other nutrients.
Another way to enjoy coffee and lemon is to make a frappuccino. To make this frappuccino, blend two cups of cold coffee, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, two tablespoons of honey, and three tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt. This frappuccino is full of healthy nutrients and is a great way of starting your day.
Coffee and lemon can also be used to make coffeesicles. To make coffeesicles, blend two cups of cold coffee, one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and two tablespoons of honey. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze overnight. These coffeesicles are a great way to enjoy coffee and lemon in a refreshing way.
Nutritional Benefits of Coffee & Lemon
Coffee and lemon offer numerous nutritional benefits when consumed together. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and contains beneficial macro and micronutrients that are essential for the body’s optimal health. It is also a rich source of caffeine which helps boost energy. Lemon is a rich source of Vitamin C and other beneficial micro and macronutrients. It also helps in promoting better digestion and in detoxifying the body.
Coffee and lemon are also rich in antioxidants that can help combat and reduce the effects of oxidative stress and aging. Antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress, a leading cause of aging, by neutralizing the harmful free radicals. The Vitamin C in lemon helps enhance the bioavailability of coffee’s antioxidants which can in turn help counter the effects of oxidative stress.
Moreover, both coffee and lemon contain beneficial polyphenols and flavonoids which provide numerous health benefits. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants found in both coffee and lemon which help protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation. The flavonoids present in both coffee and lemon help combat inflammation, reduce the risk of cancer, and protect against heart disease.
Apart from the aforementioned health benefits, coffee and lemon can also help improve focus and attention. The caffeine present in the coffee helps in increasing alertness and increasing attention span. The Vitamin C present in the lemon can also help reduce fatigue and stress. Regular consumption of coffee and lemon can help improve focus and attention which can help in improving work productivity.
Safety Concerns with Coffee & Lemon
Though coffee and lemon offer numerous health benefits, it is important to note that consuming them together may not be the right choice for everyone. The caffeine present in coffee can be dangerous to some people and can cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and palpitations. If one is sensitive to caffeine, it is advisable to avoid caffeine by having decaffeinated coffee or herbal tea instead.
It is also important to be mindful of the quantity of each ingredient used while preparing coffee and lemon. Too much lemon can increase the acidity of the drink and can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. Similarly, too much sugar or sweetener can lead to increased calorie intake which can have negative health implications in the long term.
Apart from that, pregnant women, children and people with medical conditions should also avoid this beverage as caffeine can lead to health issues in these individuals. It is also important to note that adding milk or cream to this beverage can reduce the health benefits of it. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare this beverage without these ingredients.
Other Suggestions to Incorporate Coffee & Lemon
Apart from making coffee and lemon beverages, one can also incorporate it into other dishes to enjoy its health benefits. It can be used in baking and making sweets such as cakes, cookies and muffins. Additionally, one can also add a bit of freshly squeezed lemon juice or freshly brewed coffee to salads and smoothies to enjoy the health benefits of both.
Coffee and lemon can also be combined in sauces and marinades. To make a lemon coffee marinade, mix two tablespoons of freshly brewed coffee, two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of black pepper, one teaspoon of rosemary, and one teaspoon of garlic powder. This marinade is perfect for chicken, pork and beef.
Coffee and lemon can also be used for making yogurt parfaits. To make a yogurt parfait, layer a cup of greek yogurt with two tablespoons of freshly brewed coffee and two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a tablespoon of honey and a few slices of fresh fruit for added flavor and texture.
This beverage can also be incorporated into ice creams, popsicles and other frozen desserts. To make a lemon coffee popsicle, mix two cups of cold coffee with two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, one teaspoon of honey and two tablespoons of Greek yogurt. Pour this mixture into popsicle molds and put it in the freezer to set.
Flavor Combinations with Coffee & Lemon
Coffee and lemon can be combined in various ways to enjoy its flavor and health benefits. Some of the popular flavor combinations include coffee and raspberry, coffee and blueberry, coffee and honey, coffee and almond, and coffee and orange. All these flavors can be combined to make delicious coffee and lemon beverages.
Apart from that, coffee and lemon can also be combined with a variety of herbs and spices to make flavorful beverages. Some of the popular additions include cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. These spices add warmth and enhance the flavor of the drinks.
Moreover, coffee and lemon can also be combined with non-dairy milk such as oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk and rice milk. Non-dairy milk adds a creamy texture, flavor, and sweetness to the drinks. Furthermore, coffee and lemon can also be combined with plant-based sweeteners such as maple syrup and agave nectar for added sweetness.
Coffee and lemon can also be combined with other ingredients such as chocolate and peanut butter. Chocolate adds a rich and creamy flavor to the drinks whereas peanut butter adds a nutty and creamy flavor. Both these ingredients are excellent additions to coffee and lemon beverages. Additionally, one can also add herbs such as lavender, mint, rosemary and thyme for added flavor.
