Green tea and lemon is a dynamic duo that offers plenty of benefits. Going back 5,000 years, green tea is a popular beverage in the Far East, where its health properties are well-known.
For some, its taste might be slightly bitter, while others enjoy drinking green tea on a regular basis. However, when you add lemon to this mixture, its taste becomes even better. You can enjoy it at any time of day, and it takes you no more than five minutes to prepare this hot, delicious drink.
If you ever wondered why you should drink green tea, here is a list of health benefits that will blow your mind.
Rich in antioxidants
Green tea and lemon are both rich in antioxidants, compounds that protect our cells from damage and inflammation caused by oxidation. It is packed with theogallin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate. On the other hand, lemon is a good source of ferulic acid, naringin, hesperidin, and ascorbic acid.
Many studies have proven that antioxidants are crucial in health and may protect your body against chronic conditions, including obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Promotes weight loss
The combination of green tea and lemon can be a great addition to weight loss. Numerous case studies have indicated that green tea helps with weight loss and improves fat burning, especially if you drink green tea with a higher amount of EGCG for at least 12 weeks.
One research also found that taking green tea extract for 12 weeks significantly reduced body mass index and belly fat in women.
Green tea for boosting the immune system
Vitamin C deficiency can lead to impaired immunity and higher chances of getting some infection or a virus. However, vitamin C in lemons and antioxidants in green tea offer an instant solution to this problem.
Green tea improves skin health
Drinking green tea with lemon can positively affect your skin and relieve many skin disorders. Its main components, catechins, or polyphenols, are antioxidants produced by the plant that have many health benefits for the body, including skin healing properties. According to many clinical trials, green tea polyphenols can fight off bacteria that might harm your skin as they break down bacteria cell membranes.
When it comes to skin damage, UV rays pose the greatest concern because UV radiation can break down skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. But, according to many experts, green tea catechins can protect your skin from UV rays and help heal any skin damage.
It may reduce the risks of certain cancers
Since green tea is packed with antioxidants, it can lower the risk of various types of cancers, such as colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer. They protect cells from oxidative damage, which can cause the formation of cancerous tumors.
It may improve heart health
Green tea and lemon are linked to heart health. Citrus flavonoids may minimize inflammation, boost blood vessel function, and support healthy cholesterol levels.
People who regularly consume lemons can decrease their blood pressure levels, especially if they walk every day. Additionally, people who drink green tea daily have less risk of developing diastolic and systolic blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.
Supports brain health
Although more research is required, some clinical trials indicate that lemon in green tea may have several benefits for brain health. Drinking green tea is connected to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Also, some compounds in citrus might reduce inflammation, prevent the buildup of brain plaque, and protect brain function, all of which contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Boost energy levels
Green tea contains caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system, and it’s something people often use to increase their energy levels. In addition to combating fatigue, caffeine can enhance alertness and improve physical and cognitive functioning.
In some cases, caffeine can enhance athletic performance and endurance. Since lemon green tea has less caffeine than energy drinks or coffee, it might be a good option for people who have sensitive stomachs or don’t handle high doses of caffeine well.
How to make green tea lemon?
It’s very simple to make green tea with lemon. You will need to boil one cup of water, remove it from the heat, and let it rest for a minute or two. Then, add a green tea bag and let it steep for three minutes. If you are using loose tea leaves, add about one tablespoon.
Finally, squeeze half of the fresh lemon directly into your tea.