What are the benefits of lemon tea? Let’s find out in the following section.
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 (1). Citrus fruits like lemon contain flavonoids that fight free radicals. The anti-inflammatory properties of citrus fruits can reduce the risk of degenerative diseases (2). 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 teas in acting against these bacteria (3).
2. May Have Anti-Cancer Activity
Citrus fruits contain several compounds like flavonoids and limonoids that possess anti-cancer properties (4). 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 (5), (6).
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 (7). Other flavonoids in lemons like hesperidin and diosmin may help improve cardiovascular health (8). Lemon tea intake may also lower blood pressure and boost heart health (9).
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 (10).
5. May Boost Mental health
Citrus fruits may help reduce the risk of mental illnesses (11). Such fruits may help in the treatment of anxiety disorders and Alzheimer’s (12). 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 (13). 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 (14). Lemon has a low glycemic index, making them good for managing blood sugar levels.
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 (15). 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 (16).
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 (17).
10. May Enhance Skin Health
The vitamin C in lemons is said to possess anti-aging properties. It offers protection against UV-induced photo-damage. It also stimulates collagen production and reduces wrinkle formation (18).
Other Health Benefits Of Lemon Tea
The vitamin C in lemons improves immune health (19).
The antioxidants in lemon tea, which are combined with its invigorating aroma may relieve headaches (20).
The citric acid in lemons may help in reducing the risk of developing kidney stones (22).
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 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 (22). In high concentrations, lemon tea may erode the tooth enamel over time.
Heartburn: Citrus fruits can aggravate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (23). 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.
Note: Lemons are beneficial during pregnancy as they help prevent nausea. However, pregnant and lactating women should consult the doctor before consuming lemons.
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.
Is it good to drink lemon tea at night? Yes. In fact, many people swear by herbal tonics made using lemon for a soothing effect and easy slumber at night. Which is better – lemon tea or green tea? Lemon tea is not exactly a tea brew like green tea is. Lemon is an ingredient you can add to tea, also your green tea, for complementary benefits. However, if you are comparing the benefits of green tea versus lemon water (which is what it is without tea leaves), then lemon water is better as it does not contain caffeine.
