Coffee is a worldwide phenomenon, enjoyed by countless people of all ages every day. With its stimulating effects, the energising beverage is the perfect way to get through a morning or afternoon slump. While the vast majority of people are taking the caffeine-boost and simply drinking their coffee black, some may argue that adding a bit of lemon presents a refreshing twist that doesn’t just taste delicious but perhaps has even more greater benefits for health. But, before you throw some lemon slices into your coffee, it’s important to look at the facts to see if it really is safe to drink coffee and lemon.
It’s no secret that coffee is a great source for antioxidants, providing 20 percent of your daily value. Other compounds like magnesium and copper can also be found in a cup of coffee. But when it comes to vitamin C, coffee is not particularly helpful, that’s where the lemon comes in. Lemons are known to be rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other benefical compounds that may help boost the immune system, promote collagen production and reduce the risk of some types of cancer.
It’s sometimes recommended that adding a little bit of lemon juice to your coffee can also enhance its antioxidant-capacity. This is because citric acid, which is found in lemons, is known to reduce the bitterness of coffee and provide a bright and zesty flavour. In theory, it would be presumed that its acidic nature could damage any enamel you may have left, so it is important to practice moderation when adding lemon. Also, the acidity of the lemon may reduce its nutritional benefits, which is an important consideration when making the decision to add it.
To put it into perspective, the digestive system requires a certain acidity to be able to properly break down the proteins, lipids and carbohydrates that coffee contains. As a result, coffee has a pH of 5.0, which is already quite low. Adding lemon may mean that an individual is drinking coffee that is too acidic for their digestive system to handle, resulting in an upset stomach.
The thing to remember is that if you’re drinking hot coffee with lemon juice, it’s not going to be as beneficial as drinking a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice on its own. So, if you’re looking to get the full health benefits from lemon, you’re better off enjoying it with a tall glass of water instead. Also remember, lemons are acidic and may erode the enamel of your teeth, so always make sure you drink through a straw.
It is important to remember, however, that drinking coffee and lemon can still be a healthier option than some of the beverages currently available on the market. So, while it may not be the healthiest of choices, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.
How to Neutralise Acidity
When it comes to neutralising the acidity of lemons, there are a few things that you can do.
Firstly, adding milk and sugar can help to reduce the levels of acidity. This is because milk and sugar both have a low pH and can help to neutralise the acidity of lemons. Also, adding milk will make the coffee creamier and reduce its bitterness.
Secondly, it’s also important to make sure you’re getting a balanced diet. This means consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are known to possess low levels of acidity. Eating a balanced diet will help to reduce the acidity levels in the body, which in turn can help to reduce the acidity of lemons when consumed in coffee.
And finally, it’s also important to stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of water can also help to reduce the acid levels in the body and can make the drinking of coffee and lemon less likely to cause an upset stomach.
Caffeine Content
Caffeine is also a factor to consider when drinking coffee and lemon. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to headaches, anxiety, sleep disruption, and even an increase in blood pressure. On the other hand, moderate caffeine intake can offer benefits, including improved concentration and focus, as well as improved performance. So, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine in your coffee, as well as the amount of lemon you’re adding.
It is also important to note that while lemon can reduce the bitterness of coffee, it may also increase the caffeine content in the drink. Anecdotal evidence suggests that adding a bit of lemon juice to a cup of coffee may make the beverage more stimulating, however, further research is needed to confirm this.
Effects on Metabolism and Weight Loss
Some research has suggested that the combination of coffee and lemon could be beneficial for weight loss. According to one study, consuming the combination can boost calorie-burning and fat oxidation. The study found that drinking a combination of 50ml of lemon juice and 4 ounces of black coffee was associated with an increase in calorie burn of about 13%. As for other effects on metabolism, only further research is needed to confirm any potential benefits.
However, it is also important to remember that adding lemon to coffee may increase the calorie content of the beverage, as citrus juices typically contain higher amounts of sugar than other juices. So, it’s important to take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to add lemon to your coffee.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to drinking coffee and lemon, it is important to be mindful of the potential risks and benefits. First of all, it is important to remember that the acidity of lemons can be damaging to the enamel of your teeth, so always make sure you drink through a straw. Secondly, it is also important to consider the potential effects on metabolism and weight loss, as well as the fact that adding lemon can increase the caffeine content of the drink.
Ultimately, the decision to add lemon to coffee is a personal one and should be based on individual goals and preferences. As always, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified health professional before adding anything to coffee, and practice moderation when doing so.
