A cup of coffee with lemon added. Illustration photo by Unsplash |
According to Healthlinemixing a cup of coffee with the juice of one lemon has become a trendy practice. Coffee, known for its caffeine content, enhances energy, mood, and alertness, while lemons, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, are often valued for their medicinal properties. Therefore, this drink may have some health benefits.
However, neither coffee nor lemon has the inherent ability to dissolve fat. Coffee alone may contribute modestly to weight loss due to its caffeine content. Research indicates that caffeine can stimulate brown adipose tissue (BAT), a type of fat that metabolizes carbohydrates and fats for energy. While BAT activity naturally decreases with age, caffeine has been shown to boost its function, potentially raising the body’s metabolic rate.
For example, a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that caffeine from an 8-ounce cup of coffee could activate BAT and increase calorie burning. Caffeine has also been linked to enhanced exercise performance, which may further amplify calorie-burning during physical activity.
On the other hand, the association between lemon and weight loss likely stems from the popularity of lemon water diets. According to Medical News Todaythere is little evidence to support these diets, with the main benefits potentially arising from increased water intake rather than the addition of lemon.
These findings suggest that coffee might play a supporting role in weight loss, but this does not extend to the combination of coffee and lemon. Any weight- effects are attributable to caffeine, not the addition of lemon juice.
It’s also important to note the potential drawbacks of drinking coffee with lemon. Excessive coffee consumption can lead to caffeine dependency, sleep disturbances, heartburn, and an increased risk of pregnancy loss. Similarly, the citric acid in lemons can erode dental enamel over time.