Benefits Of Lemon Tea: What if your morning dose of freshly brewed tea gives you a refreshing feel along with many benefits? Sounds great, right? Lemon tea is one such tangy beverage with several health benefits.
This easy-to-prepare tea is low in calories and can invigorate your senses. It can reduce the risk of cancer, improve heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, soothe a sore throat, and detoxify the body. In this article, we have discussed the potential benefits of lemon tea, how to make it, any possible risks, and the precautions to be taken. Take a look!
What Is Lemon Tea?
Lemon tea is a refreshing beverage that you can easily make at home. It is nothing but a form of black tea or green tea liquor to which lemon juice has been added. The addition of lemon juice not only makes its color more pronounced but also improves its taste. But, for the perfect taste, you should add the right quantity of lemon juice to it.
Health Benefits Of Lemon Tea:
1. Has Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The vitamin C in lemon has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts against several infections and protects your body from environmental oxidative stress. It also boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation. Citrus fruits like lemon contain flavonoids that fight free radicals. The anti-inflammatory properties of citrus fruits can reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. Lemon tea is said to possess antibacterial activity that can act against certain bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Also, lemon tea is more effective than green and black tea.
2. May Have Anti-Cancer Activity: Citrus fruits contain several compounds like flavonoids and limonoids that possess anti-cancer properties. These compounds help reduce the risk of gastric cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. The antioxidants in lemons prevent the growth of cancer cells. Quercetin, a flavonoid in lemon, has anti-cancer properties. This flavonoid can block the growth of human cancer cells at the different phases of the cell cycle.
3. May Improve Heart Health: Lemons, a great source of vitamin C, can improve heart health. Vitamin C can inhibit atherosclerotic (build-up of fats and cholesterol in and on the artery walls) lesions. Other flavonoids in lemons like hesperidin and diosmin may help improve cardiovascular health. Lemon tea intake may also lower blood pressure and boost heart health.
4. May Aid In Digestion: Lemon tea facilitates healthy digestion through its calming effect. It is known to eliminate toxins and waste products, enabling your body to absorb more of the beneficial compounds in food. Lemon with warm water may help cleanse the digestive tract by flushing out the toxins and improve your digestion.
5. May Boost Mental health: Citrus fruits may help reduce the risk of mental illnesses. Such fruits may help in the treatment of anxiety disorders and Alzheimer’s. The rejuvenating aroma of lemon tea also may boost one’s mood and potentially reduce anxiety.
6. May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:
The flavonoids in lemon, like hesperidin and eriocitrin, were found to suppress oxidative stress in diabetic rats. These flavonoids may lower blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes. Also, the citric acid in lemon juice may help prevent certain complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
7. May Soothe A Sore Throat Or Cough: Lemon tea helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. Lemon will give you relief from a sore throat and cold. The liquid helps thin the mucus in your throat. Lemon juice and honey mixed in warm water can soothe your throat. Drinking lemon together with honey may also help reduce cough and improve the quality of your sleep.
8. May Treat Post-Operative Swelling: Surgical swelling or edema is a common post-operative condition and is caused by injections, dead cells of fat, and pooled fluid blood. The fluids get accumulated in between the body tissues, causing pain and discomfort. Lemon tea is often recommended by doctors for reducing and alleviating the condition of edema. Apart from this, lemon tea may also eliminate the toxic effects of anesthesia and reduce the pain during the menstrual cycle. However, research is limited in this regard. More information is warranted.
9. May Detoxify The Body: Lemon tea works as an excellent detoxifier and removes toxins from the body. The toxins that are otherwise accumulated in the liver may cause various infections. The citric acid in lemon tea can decrease liver damage.
10. May Enhance Skin Health: Vitamin C in lemons is said to possess anti-aging properties. It offers protection against UV-induced photodamage. It also stimulates collagen production and reduces wrinkle formation.
Other Health Benefits Of Lemon Tea:
- The vitamin C in lemons improves immune health.
- The antioxidants in lemon tea, which are combined with its invigorating aroma, may relieve headaches.
- The citric acid in lemons may help in reducing the risk of developing kidney stones.
- These are the potential benefits of drinking lemon tea. But how do you make lemon tea? Keep reading to know.
How To Make Lemon Tea?
You can prepare lemon tea easily by adding the ingredients in the right proportions. Given below is the simple method of preparing a lemon tea recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of tea leaves
- Sugar or honey, for taste
Procedure:
- Place a cup of water for heating.
- As the water boils, put off the flame.
- Add ½ a teaspoon or ¾ teaspoons of tea leaves (depending upon whether you want a stronger or a lighter version of the tea).
- Alternatively, you can use green tea in the same proportions.
- Leave it to brew for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add a quarter portion of lemon juice to the tea liquor.
- Add sugar or honey for taste. Your lemon tea is ready.
You can make this tea more flavorful by adding fresh ginger. You may also add some mint leaves for enhanced health benefits. Adding a pinch of rock salt may boost its taste too. You may also drink freshly prepared lemon tea with ginger before bed. It may improve your metabolism and immunity.
This is how you can prepare this tangy beverage easily at home. But can you take this tea every day?
Can You Drink Lemon Tea Every Day?
Yes, you can drink lemon tea every day. But remember that excess consumption may cause some adverse effects. We will briefly explore them in the following section.
Risks Associated With Lemon Tea:
Tooth Erosion: Acidic beverages are usually known to increase the risk of tooth erosion. In high concentrations, lemon tea may erode the tooth enamel over time.
Heartburn: Citrus fruits can aggravate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hence, excess consumption of this tangy beverage may irritate your stomach and cause acid reflux.
Canker Sores: Intake of excess lemon tea may irritate the mucous membranes and potentially lead to canker sores. In extreme cases, lemon may trigger dehydration in the body and make canker sores worse. However, research is limited in this regard.
You should take certain precautions while having lemon tea. Lemons are acidic in nature and are not recommended for everyone. Read on.
Precautions To Be Taken:
In spite of its various benefits, lemon tea is not suitable for all. Certain precautions need to be taken.
- Lemon tea is generally not suitable for kids.
- It should better be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Those with high blood pressure should refrain from regular consumption of lemon tea.
- Lemon tea should not be consumed by those with diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. You can consume plain black tea instead.
- It is advisable to take medical advice before consuming lemon tea along with any other medications.
Conclusion:
If you want a refreshing taste and aroma along with health benefits, lemon tea is the best option for you. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. But do keep in mind that excess consumption of lemon tea can cause side effects. Stick to one to two cups of tea every day and you will be happy with the results.
