January is often the month when many people start to focus on shedding those extra pounds.
In pursuit of better health and fitness, one wellness expert has shared a tip that could help you along your journey.
A TikTok user known as Toprecipes1 has posted a video claiming that a common household item, costing just 30p, could be the secret to weight loss. The suggestion is to add a dash of lemon juice to your morning coffee.
While it may seem too good to be true, the idea is said to come with benefits. In the video, the host explains: “To start, we need three lemons. Cut each one in half, and squeeze its juice into a medium bowl.
“Place the peels in a medium saucepan, along with two teaspoons of coffee and two cinnamon sticks. Add half a litre of water, cover the pot and boil for five minutes.
“Coffee, known for its ability to boost metabolism, is an excellent ally in this mixture. When the mixture is ready, strain the liquid into a container, pour a cup and add a tablespoon of the lemon juice that you reserved at the beginning.
“For each cup that you drink, add one tablespoon of lemon juice. You will consume this on an empty stomach every day for a week. It’s important to take it without any kind of sweetener.”
Since the video was posted, it has garnered hundreds of views, and sparked a flurry of comments. Many viewers expressed an interest in trying out the recipe themselves.
Does lemon juice really aid weight loss?
Experts suggest that while coffee may contribute to weight loss, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that adding lemon enhances this effect. Despite the lack of scientific backing, some people swear by this method.
Although it’s a popular belief that lemon-infused coffee aids weight loss, there’s little scientific research to support this claim. There is, however, some evidence indicating that coffee consumption could assist with weight loss.
A 2023 study discovered that people with metabolic syndrome who transitioned from rarely drinking coffee to consuming one to seven cups weekly experienced a reduction in abdominal fat. However, this study also involved participants who adhered to a Mediterranean diet and increased their physical activity levels.
It’s believed that the bioactive compounds in coffee might inhibit fat cell growth and stimulate metabolism. Meanwhile, some people resort to drinking lemon water as a weight loss strategy.
For instance, another study suggests that drinking water before meals could lead to reduced food intake, thereby potentially aiding weight loss. Other research indicates that lemon detox diets can facilitate weight loss, but this is primarily due to calorie restriction.
As always, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before embarking on new weight loss methods. The NHS has outlined that our bodies require energy from calories to function correctly because the body utilises this energy to work properly.
To maintain a stable weight, it’s crucial to consume as many calories as your body expends. Any surplus or deficit could result in weight gain or loss.
The NHS suggests an intake of 2,500 calories for the average male and 2,000 for the average female. However, these are rough guidelines and can vary based on several factors.
It’s important to consider age, weight, height and physical activity levels when setting personal goals. Additionally, professional advice should be sought before making any significant changes to your diet.