If you often browse TikTok looking for health tips and have come across people saying: “drinking coffee with lemon has helped them lose weight and reduce excess fat significantly without changing their diet or lifestyle,” then consult with experts in the article below before following this TikTok trend.
The Truth About Drinking Coffee with Lemon in the Morning
Below, experts will reveal the truth about the benefits and risks associated with drinking coffee with lemon.
Does drinking coffee with lemon really help with weight loss?
Associate Professor Dr. Jorge Moreno, a clinical associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine and an internist at Yale Medicine, states: “The benefits of coffee and lemon when consumed separately have been shown to provide some health advantages. However, drinking coffee with lemon does not actually enhance the benefits of each food as miraculously as we might think.”
Nutrition expert at Baylor College of Medicine, Courtney Cary, adds: “Mixing coffee and lemon juice does not show any additional benefits nor has it proven any weight loss properties.” In fact, the weight loss benefits of mixing coffee with lemon have been greatly exaggerated.
Dr. Moreno notes that if you are trying to lose weight by cutting out sugary drinks and looking for an alternative, black coffee or lemon water are excellent low-calorie substitutes for sugary sodas or high-sugar drinks.
The weight loss benefits of mixing coffee with lemon have been greatly exaggerated. (Illustrative image).
Risks of Drinking Coffee with Lemon
Risk of Consuming Too Much Caffeine
Dr. Moreno explains: “A high caffeine intake can increase the risk of headaches, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. However, this depends on individual susceptibility, as some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others.”
Effects on Digestion for Those with Sensitive Digestive Systems
The acidic combination of lemon and coffee can cause discomfort for those with sensitive digestive systems. Nutrition expert Cary states: “Both coffee and lemon juice are relatively high in acidity, so those with acid reflux or heartburn should avoid drinking coffee mixed with lemon.”
Aside from the mentioned cases, drinking coffee with lemon does not have significant adverse effects on health. However, when consuming any caffeinated beverage, including coffee mixed with lemon, it is recommended to limit caffeine intake to a maximum of 400 milligrams per day, equivalent to about four cups of coffee, and not to overindulge in coffee.
Should You Try Coffee Mixed with Lemon for Weight Loss?
Coffee mixed with lemon is relatively safe for most people, but don’t expect this beverage to help you lose weight as effectively as some TikTok users claim.
Nutrition expert Cary confirms that there is no research evidence proving that coffee mixed with lemon can aid in weight loss or provide health benefits.
Dr. Moreno states: “I do not recommend using coffee with lemon for weight loss. Any weight loss effect, if present, would be minimal.”
If you want to lose weight, Dr. Moreno encourages you to make overall dietary changes and increase physical activity.
Both coffee and lemon juice are relatively high in acidity. (Illustrative image).
Additionally, nutrition expert Cary points out that you can gain any benefits of coffee and lemon by consuming them separately rather than mixing them, as the taste of this beverage is not particularly pleasant.
Benefits of Coffee
Regarding the weight loss effectiveness of coffee, there is some evidence supporting this benefit. A 2020 study indicated that participants who were overweight lost 3.7% of their body fat when they consumed four cups of coffee daily. This is because coffee can boost the body’s metabolic rate.
Moreover, “coffee also provides some short-term benefits such as increased alertness and improved performance due to its caffeine content,” says Dr. Moreno.
Dr. Moreno notes that caffeine and chlorogenic acid in coffee are also linked to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2021 review showed that coffee consumption benefits the liver, thereby lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
In fact, coffee has been associated with a reduced risk of mortality. A review of studies involving four million people found a connection between drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee daily and a decreased risk of death from heart disease and cancer.
Benefits of Lemon
Dr. Moreno states: “There is no convincing evidence that consuming lemon helps with weight loss.” In fact, lemon water simply serves as a substitute for sugary beverages during the weight loss process. Lemon water is indeed a healthier drink with fewer calories, which supports weight loss to some extent.”
The nutritional value of lemons is quite rich and can provide various other benefits for the body. Nutrition expert Cary mentions that lemons are a rich source of flavonoids, which act as antioxidants that may help prevent diseases and cancer.
Additionally, Cary notes that lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps boost immune function. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one lemon provides 40% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.
