Does coffee with lemon help you lose weight? Individually, each one has several health-benefiting properties. But, know what the experts say.
In 2021, a recipe was published hundreds of times on social media, which stated that coffee with lemon makes you lose weight. In short, the recipe promises to burn body fat quickly and effectively. But does this mixture really work?
According to experts, there are no scientifically proven results on the effectiveness of combining coffee with lemon. In fact, experts warn about the dangers that a recipe like this can cause to your health. In addition to leading to eating disorders, especially in adolescents.
On the other hand, individually both coffee and lemon are beneficial to health due to their nutritional properties. Mainly due to the high content of antioxidants, which helps fight free radicals.
Finally, caffeine has the power to speed up metabolism. Therefore, it is recommended for weight loss. Lemon is rich in nutrients and vitamins that help strengthen the immune system. But, the combination between the two is not a miraculous combination. Therefore, before consuming the drink, find out what experts say about it.
Coffee with lemon helps you lose weight: benefits of coffee
In short, roasted coffee has more than a thousand bioactive compounds, with caffeine and chlorogenic acid (CGA) being the most active compounds. Thanks to its antioxidant capacity, which even protects the body against the growth of liver, prostate, endometrial, breast, gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer.
Likewise, coffee reduces the risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease and depression. In addition to preventing the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Finally, caffeine also helps to increase energy, which helps improve performance when performing endurance physical activities. In addition to promoting increased metabolism, resulting in calorie burning and, consequently, weight loss.
Coffee with lemon helps you lose weight: benefits of lemon
In short, lemon is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which act as powerful antioxidants. According to research, vitamin C and citrus flavonoids help reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, pancreatic and breast cancer.
Likewise, the compounds present in lemon help prevent heart disease. In fact, vitamin C helps improve the immune system and fight infections.
Coffee with lemon helps you lose weight: truth or myth about the benefits of the drink
Due to the benefits offered by coffee and lemon, which protect the body from chronic diseases. Many people believe that combining these two components will enhance their effects. And provide several health benefits, for example:
1- Helps burn fat
According to experts, both lemon and coffee do not have the power to melt fat. In fact, excessive coffee consumption increases the chances of developing high blood pressure.
In fact, if you want to burn fat, you need to consume fewer calories. Or, burn more calories by practicing physical exercise regularly.
Therefore, saying that coffee with lemon makes you lose weight is wrong. However, studies show that coffee helps with weight loss, as caffeine works by stimulating brown adipose tissue (BAT). This tissue is capable of metabolizing carbohydrates and fats, but its activity decreases with age. Therefore, consuming a 240 ml cup of coffee causes TAM activity to increase for 3 hours after ingestion, resulting in calorie burning and, consequently, weight loss.
Ultimately, what provides weight loss is coffee and not the mixture between it and lemon.
2- Relieves headache
The caffeine present in coffee has a vasoconstrictor effect, that is, it tightens the blood vessels. In this way, blood flow towards the head decreases, relieving the headache. Furthermore, studies show that caffeine has the power to amplify the effects of medications indicated for headaches or migraines.
On the other hand, there are also studies that state that caffeine can cause headaches in some people when combined with other drinks and foods. Like chocolate, alcohol, citrus fruits like lemon, for example.
Therefore, drinking coffee with lemon can ease or worsen a headache. But, what helps to reduce pain is caffeine and not the addition of lemon.
3- Relieves diarrhea
In this case, you need to consume ground coffee with lemon and not drink the drink. However, there is no evidence that lemon is indicated for treating diarrhea.
Likewise, coffee stimulates the intestines, increasing the need to evacuate. Furthermore, it has a diuretic effect, which can worsen diarrhea and increase fluid loss, leading to dehydration.
4- Benefits for the skin
According to studies carried out, coffee consumption can help reduce skin peeling, improving and reducing the deterioration of the skin barrier.
The vitamin C present in lemon helps in the production of collagen (protein responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin). Furthermore, its antioxidant action protects the body against the effects of free radicals caused by exposure to the sun.
Therefore, you can obtain these benefits by consuming coffee and lemon separately, as there is no scientific proof that the combination of the two components enhances the benefits.
Coffee with lemon helps you lose weight: expert opinion
According to experts, coffee and lemon have beneficial health properties. However, there is no scientific evidence that coffee with lemon makes you lose weight.
“Coffee, hot or cold, has never made you lose weight. It stimulates your heartbeat and makes you spend a little more energy. Too much coffee can also cause insomnia and even heart problems. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and is an antioxidant, but it has no effect on weight loss”, said Professor Pierre Dechelotte, president of the Francophone Society of Clinical and Metabolic Nutrition.
The expert also added that combining coffee with lemon can result in an aggressive drink for mucous membranes. Causing digestive disorders and stopping hunger.
Likewise, doctor and nutrition researcher, Cécile Bétry stated that:
“There is absolutely no scientific basis to say that there would be a weight loss benefit with a significant weight loss goal from mixing the two.”
Finally, nutritionist Micaela Remuzzi, who works at DIM health centers in Argentina also stated that:
“This combination is becoming increasingly popular on social media, no matter how harmful it can be to the digestive tract, increasing heartburn and potentially generating or increasing symptoms such as reflux, diarrhea and damage to the intestinal flora.”
Therefore, although it may seem effective at first, weight loss may not be effective in the long term.
Coffee with lemon for weight loss: recipe
Although there is no scientific confirmation as to whether coffee with lemon helps you lose weight, it is certain that individually they are beneficial to your health. Therefore, as long as it is combined with regular physical exercise and a balanced diet, the drink can help with weight loss, among other benefits. Therefore, to prepare the drink you will need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cold coffee
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Sugar
- Vanilla essence
- 2 ice cubes
Preparation method and how to consume
First, mix the coffee with the lemon juice. Then use sugar and vanilla essence to taste. Then, add the ice cubes and that’s it. Consume the drink during the day, as it is a stimulating mixture, avoid drinking it at night.
Anyway, even with its health benefits, experts warn against using coffee excessively. Yes, caffeine can lead to addiction. Additionally, caffeine can also cause sleep disturbances and increase the risk of miscarriage. While lemon, despite being rare, there are some people who are allergic to the juice, seeds or peels of citrus fruits.
Therefore, before consuming the drink, consult a nutritionist to clarify your debts. Furthermore, adopt a balanced diet and practice physical exercise regularly.
And if you liked this article, read also: Coffee grounds on your face: reasons why you shouldn’t use this homemade exfoliant.
