The main component of coffee beans is caffeine. Its main feature is that it has an exciting effect on a person. There are many scientific works devoted to caffeine, its pros and cons. But until now, scientists have not determined what the effects of caffeine are on the human body. It has only been proven that it affects the nervous system, acting as a stimulant. After a cup of espresso, a person experiences increased activity, drowsiness and fatigue disappear.
How else does caffeine affect the human body:
- promotes increased heart rate;
- constricts blood vessels;
- Having a diuretic effect, it removes excess fluid from the human body;
- increases blood pressure;
- helps fight depression;
- promotes the production of gastric juice, so you can drink coffee only after meals.
The effect of coffee on the human body has not been fully studied, so it is impossible to definitively answer whether it is harmful or beneficial.
Taste characteristics of coffee with lemon
Natural espresso has a bitter aftertaste, which is not to everyone's taste. With the addition of lemon, the taste of the drink acquires a refreshing, pleasant citrus note. There are two main recipes for making a coffee-lemon drink:
- Espresso with lemon drop.
- Coffee with the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Drinks prepared in two different ways have a similar taste: bitter coffee combined with fresh lemon sourness. Not everyone likes the combination of natural coffee and lemon, but there are many recipes, so you can choose the one that suits your taste.
Do not forget that lemon contains vitamin C, which is necessary for the human body, so coffee with lemon is not only tasty, but also a fortified drink.
Coffee with cinnamon and lemon for weight loss
Aromatic coffee with cinnamon and lemon for weight loss speeds up your metabolism and helps brighten up days when you have to give up your favorite food. You need to prepare and drink the drink without sugar. If you cannot drink unsweetened coffee, then you can use sweeteners.
- 80 ml water;
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon;
- 1 teaspoon coffee;
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice;
- 1 whisper of finely grated zest.
Pour ground natural coffee and cinnamon powder into a heated pot. Pour water and heat until a head of foam begins to rise. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and wait for the foam to settle. Heat again, avoiding boiling. We repeat the operation 2-3 times. Then pour the coffee into a cup and add lemon juice. Sprinkle grated lemon zest on top. It is recommended to drink this coffee in the morning during breakfast.
How to choose
When choosing a lemon, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the peel. Thin-skinned lemons are juicier and more ripe. If there are green areas or the color is too pale, you should avoid purchasing. A good ripe lemon has smooth contours, a rich yellow color and a thin peel. There are no spots or uneven areas.
When purchasing coffee, you need to check the expiration date and ensure the integrity of the packaging. If there is damage or signs of tampering, it is better to choose another pack.
Benefits and harms
Coffee with lemon or, as it is also called, espresso-romano, is a drink with a rather unusual taste. The sour, refreshing juice of lemon is combined with the strong, bitter taste of natural coffee. True, not everyone understands this combination, so coffee lovers are divided into two camps: those who love espresso-romano and those who do not accept this drink. At the same time, many fans of coffee with lemon would like to know whether such a combination will harm their health.
Positive properties
According to doctors, the benefits of coffee with lemon are as follows:
- Citrus neutralizes the negative effects of the substance in coffee (however, this only works with natural drinks).
- Coffee with lemon is useful for people with hypotension (low blood pressure) and is not contraindicated for hypertensive patients: thanks to lemon juice, blood pressure does not rise too quickly. Helps in the fight against migraines.
- Helps treat colds: Caffeine and vitamin C are found in many antipyretics.
- The drink moderately increases appetite due to the acids it contains.
- Benefits the skin thanks to the antioxidants found in both coffee beans and fruit.
- Gives a boost of energy, because the aroma of citrus fruits excites the body no worse than energy drinks, and coffee is a stimulating drink in itself.
This drink is considered a dietary drink and is sometimes recommended for weight loss. The average calorie content of 100 g of coffee with lemon without sugar is only 3.7 kcal.
A slice of citrus gives a slight sourness, which is suitable for non-acidic varieties of the drink. Citrus refreshes the taste, emphasizing the noble natural bitterness. Espresso with a slice or zest is called espresso romano.
Negative properties
The drink has contraindications
The drink is contraindicated for people who, for some reason, cannot drink coffee or citrus fruits:
- High pressure. You are allowed to drink a small cup in the morning.
- Stomach diseases (ulcers or gastritis). They have a negative effect on the sensitive gastric mucosa.
- Vascular atherosclerosis. In this case, you should drink it in doses: no more than 1-2 cups per day.
- Cardiac ischemia.
- Allergy to citrus fruits or coffee.
In addition, even a healthy person needs to consume caffeine-containing drinks, including tea, wisely. This substance first excites the nervous system and then relaxes it.
This wears out the body and causes addiction, so it will be impossible to achieve the desired effect. It is also worth drinking coffee with lemon carefully when the weather changes, if the body has an individual reaction to changes in weather conditions. To mitigate the effects of caffeine, it is useful to add milk.
Is it possible to drink while losing weight?
Nutritionists and athletes say that espresso with lemon promotes weight loss. Caffeine removes toxic pollutants and waste from the body, and lemon juice speeds up metabolism and gives energy for active sports.
On a note! By itself, espresso with the addition of lemon is not a means of weight loss. It must be combined with proper nutrition and physical activity.
Effect on the body
Citric acid helps minimize the harm from caffeine. The drink is rich in vitamin C.
The drink will be truly useful for hypotensive people and people suffering from migraines. Doctors recommend drinking coffee with lemon if you have ARVI. Caffeine will stimulate the heart, which in turn will circulate blood throughout the body. This way the immune system is strengthened. In addition, citrus fruits successfully fight microbes and help normalize body temperature.
It is enough to regularly drink 1 cup of the drink to saturate your cells with useful substances. Acid helps break down fats and improve metabolism. The positive effect extends to skin, nails and hair.
Although there is a lot of talk about the dangers of coffee, caffeine can increase your metabolic rate by up to 11%. And this helps to cope with excess weight.
However, it is important for even healthy people to realize that coffee is addictive and drinking it can become a bad habit. It is not recommended to drink the drink in the evening and more than 2 cups per day. A banal overdose of coffee may occur.
If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system, you should avoid drinking coffee with lemon.
There's no reason to be afraid
Fans of espresso with lemon should not be afraid, as this combination will not harm a healthy person. Doctors say that the combination of natural coffee and lemon, on the contrary, is good for health. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which neutralizes the effects of caffeine. Therefore, coffee with lemon is good for those people for whom caffeine in large quantities is harmful.
Espresso with lemon can only be made with natural coffee. Instant drink has nothing in common with real espresso.
History of the origin of the drink
Coffee is popular all over the world. There are many recipes for its preparation. Citrus adds uniqueness and variety to the already familiar taste. In addition, tasters note a lower amount of bitterness in coffee when lemon is added.
Coffee with lemon has its own origin story. It first became known in Italy, which is why it is often called “Roman coffee.” Currently, it is prepared in many countries.
You can spice up your coffee drink with black pepper, ginger, honey or ice cream.
Coffee composition
When it comes to coffee, the first thing that comes to mind is caffeine. Yes, the purine alkaloid caffeine is the main component of coffee beans. But, in addition to this, grains also contain other useful substances, such as:
- macroelements: potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron;
- trace elements: copper, manganese, zinc, aluminum, cobalt, sulfur, selenium, boron and some others;
- vitamins: PP, B2;
- fats, proteins and organic acids: chlorogenic, acetic.
Of course, this is far from the complete composition of the grain. Coffee contains more than a thousand chemical compounds. But there is no need to fear. Scientists have been studying the effect of coffee on the body for many years and have not yet discovered anything dangerous. Although, of course, there are diseases for which it is undesirable to drink coffee.
How does caffeine affect the body?
Thousands of scientific papers are devoted to caffeine. For many years, scientists and doctors have been trying to thoroughly study its effects on the body. It is well known that caffeine acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. It also increases the heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and removes fluid from the body. Caffeine causes the stomach to secrete more digestive juices. The effect of caffeine on the body cannot be clearly called harmful or beneficial. For some it is contraindicated, but for others it is a medicine.
Who benefits from drinking coffee with lemon?
So, lemon juice somewhat reduces the harmful effects of caffeine on the body. This is important, because espresso coffee is one of the leaders in caffeine content. It’s not for nothing that this type of drink is served in tiny cups.
Coffee with lemon juice is beneficial for people with low blood pressure , as well as those who often suffer from migraines. At the same time, coffee does not constrict blood vessels sharply, because lemon juice, as already mentioned, neutralizes caffeine. The drink has a gentler effect on blood vessels.
Drinking coffee with lemon is useful for those who need to quickly cheer up . Espresso is known to help improve performance, which is why it is advisable to drink it in the morning or after lunch.
For colds, caffeine is one of the most effective remedies. It would seem, where is the connection? The fact is that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, makes the heart beat faster and blood flow faster through the vessels. The combination of these factors leads to stronger immunity and faster recovery. And when lemon juice or zest is added to coffee, the healing effect increases.
Espresso Romano is good for those with poor appetite . Caffeine causes the stomach to produce more digestive juices. However, it should not be drunk on an empty stomach, but after meals. It is generally advisable not to drink coffee on an empty stomach.
Coffee with lemon in moderation is good for the skin . Thanks to this drink, metabolic processes in cells proceed more quickly. Antioxidants contained in lemon and coffee prolong the life of cells, remove toxins, and fight free radicals.
Pregnant women can drink coffee with lemon in the amount of 1-2 cups per day. However, if there is a threat of miscarriage, then drinking espresso is undesirable.
Sicilian coffee
Photo @zel.cafe
Ingredients:
- 10 g ground coffee beans;
- 1.5 tsp. Sahara;
- a pinch of cinnamon;
- 1 tbsp. l. lemon zest;
- 125 ml water.
How to cook
Boil water in a small saucepan or kettle and immediately remove from heat. Warm the turk well on the stove. Pour sugar into the cezve and fry it a little. Now add cinnamon and ground coffee beans ground in a coffee grinder. Pour in boiling water.
As soon as the liquid begins to boil, remove it from the stove. Pour in a tablespoon of cold water - this will help the grounds settle faster. Place the pre-grated zest into a cup and immediately after that pour in the prepared drink.
Is it harmful for anyone to drink coffee with lemon?
Since coffee, like lemon juice, stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it should not be drunk for ulcers and gastritis , especially in the acute stage.
People suffering from stage I hypertension can drink coffee with lemon, but only in the first half of the day. If the pressure still rises, then it is better to give up coffee. In other stages of hypertension, coffee, no matter with or without lemon, is dangerous for blood vessels. Even one cup of espresso can cause a hypertensive crisis.
With vascular atherosclerosis, drinking strong coffee is still undesirable, especially if you have hypertension. However, you are allowed to drink 1, maximum 2 cups, because caffeine prevents further cholesterol deposition, and vitamin C in lemon has a beneficial effect on blood vessels.
Coffee with lemon is contraindicated for ischemic heart disease and certain heart rhythm disorders.
Even in healthy people, excessive coffee consumption can cause depression of the nervous system. The fact is that caffeine first excites the nerves, then inhibition occurs. If you constantly spur yourself on with a stimulant in the form of a cup of coffee, your nervous system will soon become exhausted. Therefore, you need to follow the norm in everything.
Does coffee with lemon have a name?
Most often this drink is called “Espresso Romano” (Roman coffee) or “Sicilian coffee”, and under these names you can find it in cafes. But, in general, these are two different cooking options:
In Espresso Romano, a slice of citrus is placed directly into a cup of espresso.
“Sicilian Coffee” is topped with lemon juice and finely grated zest.
Sometimes when serving, a slice of citrus is placed separately on a saucer.
Different establishments have their own serving methods, so it may be worth checking with the barista exactly how they prepare a particular drink.
Romano coffee
Another classic recipe is Romano coffee. For two servings of the drink, prepare:
- 150 ml water;
- 2-3 teaspoons of ground coffee;
- 2 mugs of lemon;
- sugar to taste.
Cut the lemon slices into halves, we will get 4 slices. Add sugar to the lemon and let stand for a few minutes to release the juice.
We brew coffee in a Turkish coffee pot as usual. That is, fill it with cold water, wait for the foam to rise and remove it from the heat. Heat again until the foam rises. Repeat 3 times. Then put two half-circles of lemon in sugar into the Turk for 20 seconds. If you want the drink to acquire a piquant bitterness, then hold the lemon longer - up to 1 minute. Then we take it out. Pour the coffee into two cups, and put the remaining half of a lemon mug into each.
How to drink coffee with lemon
In Italy, traditional Romano is usually served in thick-walled cups. At the same time, place a slice of citrus and refined sugar on a saucer . The decoration is a spiral-cut strip of fruit peel.
This drink can be drunk both hot and cold. The ideal time for consumption is the morning. It is not recommended to enjoy the exquisite taste of Romano before going to bed.
Lemon coffee with chocolate
Another version of the drink is prepared with chocolate. It is best to use dark chocolate, that is, with a high cocoa content.
- 1 teaspoon ground coffee;
- 80 ml water;
- 50 gr. chocolate;
- 10 ml lemon juice.
Melt the chocolate in a water bath or in the microwave. If the latter option is chosen, then make sure that the chocolate does not burn. To do this, turn on the oven for just 15-20 seconds, then take out the bowl of chocolate and stir. If the chocolate has not yet melted, put the bowl of chocolate back in the oven for 10 seconds. Mix the melted chocolate with lemon juice and pour it into a cup from which we will drink coffee.
Separately, brew coffee in a Turk by pouring ground coffee into a bowl and pouring cold water. We do not boil the drink. As soon as the foam rises, remove. Then we put it on the stove again. We do this 2-3 times. Pour the finished drink into a cup of chocolate and stir.
Ice coffee with lemon
This is a whole separate category of cocktails that are great for hot weather, when you want to refresh and invigorate. The main ingredients are the same, only ice is added to them, preferably in cubes. But there are nuances:
- If you add ice, keep in mind that it will dilute the drink. Therefore, brew espresso about twice as strong as usual, or a double shot.
- Citrus can be added in slices and left in a glass with ice; it will not be bitter. You can squeeze the juice separately into espresso.
- Fresh mint or the same citrus slices, grated or cut peel are used as an additive.
Important: the drink will be sour and bitter. If you need something sweet, dissolve sugar or honey directly in hot espresso, and only then pour it over ice. It will be difficult to stir it among the ice cubes.
How to Serve Espresso with Lemon
Traditionally, the drink is served in a thick-walled espresso cup with a saucer. As with all rules for serving espresso, it is advisable to warm up the cup first; this can be done by rinsing it with boiling water. You definitely need a saucer and a spoon with which you can get (or put) a slice or strip of zest. Sugar should be served separately.
This sour-bitter drink goes well with soft sweets, such as marshmallows or marshmallows, as well as chocolate.
Try and discover new tastes, experiment with zest and slices, with or without sugar, cook with ice - this amazing Italian-style drink will surely suit your taste and will diversify your morning routine!
Coffee with lemon zest, liqueur and cream
Coffee made with lemon zest, lemon liqueur and whipped cream has a very interesting taste.
- 100 ml water;
- 2 teaspoons ground coffee;
- 1 teaspoon lemon liqueur;
- 0.5 teaspoon of grated lemon zest;
- sugar and whipped cream to taste.
We brew coffee in a Turk. If desired, it can be made sweet by adding sugar along with ground coffee. Pour the finished drink into a cup, add lemon liqueur, stir. Place a cap of whipped cream on top and sprinkle the cream with finely grated lemon zest.
Advice! Instead of cream, you can use fresh homemade sour cream to make the “cap”. It is whipped with the addition of lemon zest and sugar and placed on a slightly cooled drink.
Is it possible for pregnant and lactating women
Coffee with lemon is on the list of foods and drinks prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. And it’s not just the negative effect of caffeine on a woman’s body. Drinking coffee suppresses the normal functioning of the nervous system, which is already disrupted due to hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother. The vigor that appears after a cup of coffee with lemon can result in dire consequences, including:
- severe forms of depression;
- neuroses;
- psycho-emotional instability;
- increased anxiety.
There are cases where an excessive love of coffee turned into hallucinations for a pregnant woman, so it is better not to take risks and not expose yourself and the unborn baby to danger.
How to drink Romano
In coffee shops, this type of coffee is served in cups made of porcelain or earthenware, which gives coffee drinking a special flavor and atmosphere. Along with the drink, sugar, a slice of lemon in sugar and a spoon are served. To make the lemon less sour, sprinkle it with sugar a few minutes before preparing the romaine. The barista can also garnish the cup with a slice of citrus.
An option for a beautiful serving: the cup is decorated with a spiral of lemon zest. To cut the curl beautifully, scald the lemon with boiling water or hot steam.
Roman coffee can be drunk with chocolate, nuts, shortbread, and hard cheese.
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