Benefits of drinking lemon coffee
Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages due to its energizing, uplifting effects and endless combinations of flavours and additives. Lemon coffee is a growing favourite, as the tart and acidic flavour of the lemon complements the natural bitterness of coffee and offers a range of potential benefits such as improved digestion and enhanced concentration.
The caffeine content of lemon coffee is comparable to that of ordinary coffee, although be mindful of added sugar content when ordering at a cafe as some options may include extra. For a balanced cup of coffee, try to utilize some form of natural sweetener, such as honey, with the tartness of the lemon acting as a flavoring agent.
Nutritionists recommend having lemon coffee in the morning, at least one hour before breakfast as it helps you to digest better, stabilizes energy levels and can kickstart your metabolism and cognitive performance. Academic research suggests that the lemon’s high Vitamin C content may also have a positive impact on your concentration levels, reducing the risk of mental fatigue and improving your alertness.
As with all coffees, the amount you drink should be regulated. The average cup of lemon coffee should contain no more than two espresso shots and should ideally be between 80 and 100 millilitres in size. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to headaches, nausea, trembling and tension, so consult your doctor before increasing your dosage.
Overall, lemon coffee is an excellent alternative to regular coffee, offering a powerful sensory experience and numerous potential health benefits. For those looking to incorporate something new into their daily routine, this could be ideal.
Tips for preparing the perfect cup
When preparing lemon coffee, it is important to get the balance and proportions of ingredients just right to avoid overpowering the taste with either the coffee or lemon flavour. The following tips may help you to do this.
Brew the coffee with fresh, filtered water for the best results. For those that enjoy a stronger taste, consider raising the ratio of coffee to water slightly. If you opt for a French press, mix coarsely ground coffee and make sure you plunge the coffee grounds.
When adding the lemon juice, it is advisable to squeeze the lemon into the separate cup first, as this can allow the excess pulp and solid elements of the lemon to be strained out before being added to the coffee. It is important to avoid adding the lemon juice directly to the coffee when still hot, as this can reduce its nutritional benefits.
If you plan to add milk to your brewing process, be careful to maintain the right balance as the milk can take away some of the subtler acidic notes of the lemon. However, if used sparingly, it could provide a richer and fuller taste.
When it comes to sweetener, look for alternative options such as maple syrup and agave nectar, as these are considered to be healthier than processed white sugar. Be sure not to overload your mug with sweetener, though. After all, one of the key benefits of the lemon is its sourness.
Health Benefits
As well as providing a welcome and exotic twist to the traditional morning coffee ritual, lemon coffee has real health benefits. Recent studies suggest that the combination of caffeine, lemon and antioxidants could have a number of advantages.
For example, regular consumption of lemon coffee may help to reduce the risk of type two diabetes. One study, conducted by the National Institute of Health, found that those that drank lemon coffee had lower levels of insulin resistance in comparison to those relying on processed white sugar as a sweetener.
Additionally, research has also suggested that regular intake of lemon coffee could significantly improve digestion. The powerful blend of lemon, antioxidants and caffeine could all work together to neutralize stomach acids, allowing the body to break down food more effectively and reduce the chances of experiencing bloating, nausea and cramps.
Consuming lemon coffee could also help to reduce the risk of cancer. Studies have suggested that regular intake of coffee and lemon together could potentially reduce the risk of several forms of cancer. This is due to their copious supply of antioxidants, which combat free radicals and reduce their negative impacts on the body.
Warnings
In spite of the various purported benefits of drinking lemon coffee, it is important to be mindful of the risks associated with excessive consumption.
Medical experts generally advise that it is unwise to consume more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. Furthermore, pregnant women and those with high blood pressure should generally consult their doctor before increasing their caffeine intake.
It is also important to avoid consuming lemon coffee at night, as it can interfere with sleep patterns due to its stimulant properties. Similarly, those with pre-existing chest pain, heart conditions or kidney disorders should exercise caution when drinking this type of coffee.
Finally, it is advisable to consult a doctor before drinking lemon coffee if you are under 16, as some studies have suggested that caffeine may cause delayed physical development in children and adolescents.
Alternatives
If you are looking for a low-caffeine alternative to lemon coffee, coffee substitutes such as chicory root, caffeine-free herbal teas or brewed cacao are all viable options.
Moreover, many of these beverages are available in a range of flavors, allowing you to experiment with different combinations without having to compromise on your health. The range includes everything from hibiscus and green tea to jasmine and rooibos.
Alternatively, hot water with freshly squeezed juice and lemon could provide a natural replacement for coffee altogether. Honey or agave nectar can be added as a sweetener, depending on your taste. The result is a delicious, vitamin-rich drink that can provide a welcome boost in the morning.
Economical Alternatives
If you are looking for an economical alternative to store-bought lemon coffee, it is possible to make your own at home. All you need is freshly roasted coffee beans and a few other items, such as a grinder, measuring spoon and a French press. You can then mix the coffee beans with freshly squeezed lemon juice, before boiling the water with the other ingredients in the French press.
What is more, if you are looking to save money in the long-term, you can make larger batches of lemon coffee in advance. This will enable you to drink tasty, freshly made coffee without having to worry about the cost of purchasing it weekly or monthly.
If you are struggling to find freshly roasted coffee beans, you can also visit your nearest store and sample their range of coffees. It is advised to buy whole beans, as you can then grind them yourself to get the freshest and fullest flavor. This is also likely to be cheaper than buying pre-ground beans.
The Environment
It is important to consider the environmental impact of the materials used when consuming lemon coffee. Ideally, you should look for organic sources of coffee and lemons, as these are likely to have the least negative impact on the environment.
Be mindful when disposing of the waste from your lemon coffee, as the resulting materials should be recycled wherever possible. Plastic cups, filters and various other items should all be disposed of correctly to reduce the chances of plastic waste ending up in the ecosystem.
Finally, it is also important to consider the potential environmental usefulness of the lemon coffee grounds. Rather than dumping them in the bin, use them as a natural fertilizer in your garden or composting bin as they are rich in nitrogen, magnesium and phosphorus.
