Recently, there has been a growing trend surrounding the potential health benefits of combining coffee with lemon (nimbu). Advocates of this unique mixture assert that it can provide nutritional advantages while also helping to alleviate headaches and digestive issues such as diarrhea. Given that both coffee and lemon are individually associated with a variety of health benefits, one might question whether their combination yields any extra advantages. This article aims to thoroughly examine the available research on the effects of drinking coffee with lemon to either substantiate or refute these claims.

What is Coffee with Lemon?

Coffee and lemons are two ubiquitous ingredients that you can find in nearly every kitchen around the globe. Coffee, recognized as one of the most widely consumed beverages, is prepared by brewing roasted coffee beans, delivering a rich and invigorating experience. Remarkably, around 75% of individuals in Australia, India, Japan, and Canada indulge in coffee daily, primarily because of its caffeine content, which effectively stimulates the central nervous system, enhancing both alertness and mood.

Lemons, on the other hand, are a vibrant fruit that belongs to the Citrus genus. They rank as the third most produced citrus fruit in the world, following oranges and mandarins. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lemons also contain a plethora of beneficial plant compounds, making them a staple in traditional medicine across various cultures for centuries.

The trend of combining coffee and lemon involves mixing one cup (approximately 240 milliliters) of brewed coffee with the juice extracted from one lemon. Although some may perceive this combination as peculiar, many enthusiasts advocate for its potential health benefits, despite what scientific evidence may suggest. Ultimately, while coffee and lemon both possess health-promoting properties, the notion that their mixture yields remarkable advantages is a topic of debate within the scientific community.

Exploring the Health Benefits of Coffee and Lemons

Both coffee and lemons are renowned for their extensive health benefits, primarily attributed to their rich content of antioxidants. These vital molecules play a crucial role in shielding your body from the detrimental effects of an excessive presence of free radicals.

Let’s delve into the distinct advantages that each of these popular ingredients provides.

Research-Backed Advantages of Coffee

Roasted coffee beans are packed with over 1,000 bioactive compounds, with caffeine and chlorogenic acid (CGA) emerging as prominent active substances known for their antioxidant properties.

These two compounds activate biological pathways that may help in preventing cancer growth, linking coffee consumption to a decreased risk for various cancers, including:

• liver 
• prostate 
• endometrial 
• breast 
• gastrointestinal 
• colorectal 

Moreover, coffee has been correlated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart and liver diseases, and mood disorders such as depression, in addition to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, its caffeine content is responsible for the energizing effects associated with coffee, positively influencing endurance during exercise and increasing calorie expenditure.

Research-Backed Advantages of Lemon Juice

Lemons serve as an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids, both of which function as robust antioxidants. Vitamin C and citrus flavonoids are associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers. Additionally, these compounds provide protective benefits against heart disease, while vitamin C is essential for a robust immune system, aiding in the fight against infections. Clearly, coffee and lemons present a multitude of benefits that help safeguard your body against chronic diseases. However, combining these two does not necessarily yield a more potent beverage. Both coffee and lemons contain beneficial plant compounds renowned for their cancer-fighting abilities. They may also offer protection against chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Common Assertions Regarding the Combination of Coffee and Lemon

There are four primary assertions regarding the advantages of consuming coffee with lemon. Here’s what scientific evidence reveals about them.

Assertion 1: It Aids in Fat Loss

This idea is widely circulated in various trends that promote the use of lemon, yet neither lemon nor coffee can directly facilitate fat loss. The reality is that reducing unwanted fat is achievable solely through consuming fewer calories or increasing physical activity. Hence, this assertion is misleading.

Nonetheless, research indicates that coffee may assist in modest weight loss, which could explain why some individuals notice a slight decrease in weight upon enjoying this beverage. Recent studies have uncovered that caffeine may activate brown adipose tissue (BAT), a metabolically active fat tissue that diminishes with age and can help in metabolizing carbohydrates and fats. One particular study involving test tubes and human participants found that caffeine from a typical 240-mL (8-ounce) cup of coffee could enhance BAT activity, resulting in a heightened metabolic rate.

Additionally, there are indications that caffeine might amplify the effects of physical exercise, although further investigation is warranted. Thus, any potential weight loss effects are likely attributed to the caffeine content in coffee rather than the combination of coffee and lemon.

Assertion 2: It Alleviates Headaches

Headaches and migraines are recognized globally as leading causes of disability among individuals under 50 years old. As a result, numerous home remedies have been proposed for their relief. Nevertheless, research remains inconclusive about the role of coffee in treating headaches.

One theory posits that caffeine in coffee has a vasoconstrictive effect, which means it narrows blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow to the head and alleviating pain. Studies also indicate that caffeine can enhance the effectiveness of medications designed for headaches and migraines. Conversely, another theory suggests that caffeine might trigger headaches for certain individuals, alongside other foods and beverages such as chocolate, alcohol, and citrus fruits like lemons. Consequently, consuming coffee with lemon might either alleviate or exacerbate headache symptoms, contingent on the individual. If it provides pain relief, it would again be due to the caffeine in coffee rather than the combination of coffee and lemon.

Assertion 3: It Treats Diarrhea

This remedy involves consuming ground coffee mixed with lemon, rather than drinking it. However, there is currently no scientific evidence supporting the use of lemon as a treatment for diarrhea, and coffee can stimulate the colon, which increases the urge to use the restroom. Moreover, diarrhea can lead to considerable fluid loss, heightening the risk of dehydration. The diuretic properties of coffee may further exacerbate dehydration.

Assertion 4: It Provides Skin Care Benefits

Research indicates that both coffee and lemon possess antioxidant properties that may be beneficial for skin health, lending some credibility to this assertion. The chlorogenic acid (CGA) found in coffee may enhance blood circulation and hydration of the skin. Studies have shown that coffee consumption can reduce skin roughness, enhance smoothness, and mitigate the degradation of the skin barrier.

Additionally, the vitamin C content in lemons may promote collagen production — a crucial protein that imparts strength and elasticity to the skin — while also minimizing skin damage from free radicals due to sun exposure. However, you can still benefit from these properties by consuming coffee and lemons separately, as there is no evidence indicating that their combined effect yields greater results. While coffee appears to be the primary contributor to the advantages attributed to drinking coffee with lemon, lemons also play a significant role in the skincare benefits. Nonetheless, there is no proof to suggest that they must be consumed together for enhanced benefits.

Drawbacks of Combining Coffee and Lemon

The potential downsides of enjoying coffee with lemon stem from the inherent disadvantages associated with each ingredient. For instance, research indicates that individuals who consume coffee heavily can develop a dependence on caffeine, a condition recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a clinical disorder.  Moreover, ongoing studies reveal that consistent caffeine consumption is associated with sleep disruptions, leading to increased daytime drowsiness, a heightened risk of pregnancy loss, and the occurrence of heartburn.

On the other hand, while it is quite rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the juice, seeds, or peels of citrus fruits, including lemons (nimbu). Additionally, lemons are rich in citric acid, which is known to contribute to the deterioration of dental enamel. Although both coffee and lemon are widely enjoyed worldwide, coffee can disrupt sleep patterns, foster caffeine dependence, cause heartburn, and heighten the risk of pregnancy complications. In contrast, lemons may occasionally trigger allergies and play a role in dental erosion.

Can Coffee with Lemon Be Beneficial?

Both coffee and lemons are celebrated for their numerous health advantages, largely attributed to their rich antioxidant properties. When enjoyed separately, they can provide a variety of benefits. Nonetheless, scientific evidence does not substantiate the claims that combining coffee with lemon can effectively alleviate diarrhea or accelerate fat loss. The supposed advantages of this mixture can be achieved by simply consuming coffee or lemon juice on their own. Therefore, if you prefer not to mix these two, there is no compelling reason to do so.