Lemon Tea: Benefits, How To Make, And Risks

Know Your Ingredient: Lemon Tea

What Is It?
Black or green tea infused with lemon juice for added health benefits and citric flavor.

What Are Its Benefits?
Aids heart health, detoxifies the body, helps prevent cancer, improves digestion, and decreases oxidative stress.

Who Can Use It?
Generally safe for consumption by adults but not recommended for kids.

How Often?
Consume 1 cup per day. If you are on medication or have an existing medical condition, consult your physician.

Caution
Can cause heartburn, tooth enamel erosion, mouth sores, and existing gastrointestinal issues in some people.

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.

Did You Know?

Every country has its own traditions, and the same is true for how they drink their tea. The British, Tibetans, and Indians prefer having milk in their tea. The Han Chinese opt for a tea decoction without milk. Russians and Italians prefer having tea with lemon juice. In Poland, tea is served with a slice of lemon.

Drinking lemon tea can aid in hydration, support weight loss, and help detox your body with its arsenal of beneficial, natural ingredients. What are some lemon tea benefits? 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).

Fun Fact

Lemons were one of the first citrus fruits to arrive in the Mediterranean and were consumed only by the wealthy as a luxury fruit.

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).

This graph from a study published in Chemistry Europe shows the antibacterial activity of lemon pectin against Staphylococcus aureus. When the concentration was 3 mg mL1, both pectin, and IntegroPectin inhibited S. aureus growth, with a decrease in the number of viable cells in the range of 1 to 2 log units, respectively. In addition, the number of viable cells was reported in the logarithmic (Log10) scale.

Antibacterial Activity Of Lemon Pectin

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'sⁱ  A neurologic condition that gradually worsens, shrinks, and kills brain cells, causing severe confusion and memory loss. (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 stressⁱ  A condition caused by an imbalance between the creation and buildup of oxygen radicals in cells and the ability to detoxify them. 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 indexⁱ  A value assigned to foods containing slow-digesting carbohydrates, which tend to release blood glucose slowly and steadily. , 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

1. Place a cup of water for heating.
2. As the water boils, put off the flame.
3. Add ½ a teaspoon or ¾ teaspoons of tea leaves (depending upon whether you want a stronger or a lighter version of the tea).
4. Alternatively, you can use green tea in the same proportions.
5. Leave it to brew for about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add a quarter portion of lemon juice to the tea liquor.
7. 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.

Now that you know how to make lemon tea, here are some creative ways to use it in your daily routine for optimum health and enjoyment. Scroll down to know more.

Usage Tips

• Drink lemon tea first thing in the morning for a revitalizing start that helps the body absorb water and aids with digestion.
• For added flavor and anti-inflammatory properties, add a piece of ginger.
• To give smoothies a bright, lemony taste, use lemon tea as the flavoring basis.
• Prepare some lemon tea in advance and let it cool for an icy drink that you may sip all day.

Lemon tea boasts of a versatile range of flavors. Learn more about them in the next section.

Types Of Lemon Tea

Here are some of the common varieties lemon tea:

1. The classic hot lemon tea: It is ideal for colder days and combines hot water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a dash of sweetener, typically honey or sugar, for a soothing and comforting brew.
2. Iced lemon tea: It offers a cool and refreshing twist, perfect for hot days, blending freshly brewed black or green tea with lemon slices, ice, and a touch of mint to invigorate the senses.
3. Sparkling lemon tea: For those who seek a bit of effervescence, this version brings a fizzy dimension and bubbly character to the drink. It has the immune-boosting properties of lemon and is invigorating and refreshing, making it ideal for parties or as a cool summer beverage.
4. Herbal lemon tea: It infuses unique fragrances and health benefits. Famous examples include lemon ginger or lemon chamomile tea.

A blogger used to enjoy ginger, lemon, and honey tea in India for its sweet, aromatic, and refreshing taste. She reminisced in her blog, “It’s a great drink: sweet but aromatic at the same time, hot, yet refreshing (i).” She consumes this nutritious drink to ward off summer heat or deal with common colds.

Thus, there is a lemon tea type to cater to every taste and occasion. 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 soresⁱ  A painful, shallow sore that develops inside the mouth or at the gum line, brought on by stress, acidic foods, or injury. . In extreme cases, lemon may trigger dehydration in the body and make canker sores worse. However, research is limited in this regard.

You may read more about the side effects of lemon tea to get a complete idea of this tempting beverage and can take required precautions while consuming it.

Note: It is recommended to enjoy lemon tea in moderation to minimize any associated risks.

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.

Caution: Citrus fruits may cause allergy responses in some individuals. If you have any negative adverse reactions after drinking lemon tea, speak with your doctor.

Illustration: Potential Health Benefits Of Lemon Tea

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Infographic: Top 5 Health Benefits Of Lemon Tea

Packed with a plethora of health benefits and refreshing in taste, lemon tea can be your go-to drink this season. It not only promotes beautiful skin but carries health benefits like reducing the risk of cancer or diabetes that make this tasty beverage a great option to indulge in. Check out the infographic below and learn more about everyone’s favorite drink – lemon tea.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Does lemon tea help in maintaining hydration levels?

Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that drinking lemon tea daily helps in maintaining hydration levels. However, more studies are warranted to support this claim.

Can lemon tea improve the absorption of iron from plant-based foods?

Yes, studies suggest that the vitamin C present in lemon juice may help improve the absorption of iron from plant-based foods (24).

Discover the amazing benefits of lemon tea. From its refreshing taste to its immune-boosting properties, check out this video to find new reasons to enjoy a cup of this healthy drink.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Bulelani MakapelaRD

 

Bulelani Makapela is a registered dietitian based in East London, South Africa. She has an interest in clinical and community nutrition and food service management. She is passionate about nutrition education as she believes it is one of the fundamental parts in the treatment of individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, etc.

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Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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