Put lemon in your coffee? The idea is enough to make you grimace. And yet, this improbable mixture panics TikTok and Instagram, driven by an almost magical slimming promise. Drinking this potion every morning would, according to its defenders, melt abdominal fat in a few days. Too good to be true?
Behind this ritual called “lemon coffee”, a viral routine: a spoonful of instant coffee diluted in hot water, to which the juice of a lemon is added. All to be swallowed on an empty stomach, as soon as you wake up. If we put aside taste, which is difficult to describe, the videos promise spectacular results, particularly on the silhouette. But what does science say? And above all, what does a nutritionist think of this morning cocktail?
Lemon coffee: what does this drink actually contain?
Before judging its effects, it is necessary to understand what exactly this mixture contains. Coffee, as a natural stimulant, contains caffeine, which is known to increase alertness, stimulate short-term metabolism and promote lipolysis, the release of stored fat. But its action alone is minimal and temporary.
For his part, the lemon is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and citric acid. It is often highlighted in diets for its supposed ability to “detoxify” the body – a concept which, however, has no serious scientific basis. It helps stimulate digestion, but has no proven effect on fat loss.
By combining the two, we do not obtain a miraculous fat burner… but an acidic and stimulating drink, with modest, even counterproductive effects.
Are weight loss promises credible?
Asked about this mixture which is causing the buzz, Alexandra Murcier, dietitian nutritionistis formal: “There is no solid scientific basis to demonstrate the effectiveness of this type of drink on weight loss.. In other words, there’s no point hoping for a radical transformation of your figure thanks to a simple glass of lemon-coffee.
One of the major risks, according to the specialist, even comes from the combination of the two ingredients on the digestive system. The acidity of lemon coupled with caffeine can irritate the intestinal mucosa, especially if consumed on an empty stomach and repeatedly. Result: heartburn, digestive discomfort, or even more serious problems.
Another perception bias: online testimonials, often very positive, never specify whether the person concerned has changed their diet or started physical activity at the same time. It is therefore difficult to attribute any possible weight loss solely to the drink.
Why is this trend so popular (and why it can be dangerous)?
The popularity of this tip lies in its simplicity and cost: two everyday ingredients, easy to prepare, and a tempting promise. In just a few sips, lose belly fat without diet or sport? The dream.
But this illusion can prove counterproductive. According to Alexandra Murcier, this type of trend gives a misleading vision of the weight management : “Lemon coffee is a good example to remind you that no food, drink or dietary supplement alone will help you lose weight. The most important thing is a balanced diet combined with regular physical activity.
In summary, drinking coffee with lemon is not dangerous in itself… as long as you don’t make it a daily ritual, and don’t bet everything on it. It does not replace vegetables, walking or regularity. A miracle potion? No. An acidic placebo with a questionable taste? Probably.