10 Health Benefits of Green Tea with Lemon

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Many combinations come and go, but the one that stands up among all is the combination of green tea and lemon.

Green tea and lemon are individually celebrated for their health benefits. But when these two come together, their potential is amplified, offering a refreshing and nourishing beverage that not only satisfies the taste buds but also promotes overall well-being.

Some benefits of green tea with lemon include improved cognition, rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, hydrates your body and many more.

This herbal and refreshing drink has several health benefits, both physically and mentally. And it is easy to prepare too.

This blogs delves into several benefits of green tea with lemon and how to prepare it at home.

Health Benefits

Let us explore some of the health benefits of green tea with lemon.

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Both green tea and lemon are abundant in antioxidants, compounds known for their ability to combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

The combination of catechins found in green tea and vitamin C in lemon creates a potent antioxidant synergy.

Green tea contains polyphenols, which include flavanols, flavandiols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids; these compounds may account for up to 30% of the dry weight. Most of the green tea’s polyphenols are flavonols, commonly known as catechins.

There are four kinds of catechins mainly found in green tea, they are epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, and EGCG.

Animal studies show that green tea catechins provide some protection against degenerative diseases.

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, citric acid and flavonoids, which may have positive effects on health.

Regular consumption of lemon and other vitamin C-rich foods has been associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative disease.

Including green tea with lemon into your daily routine will improve your health by lowering the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart diseases.

2. May Boost Immunity

The high content of vitamin C in lemon improves the immune-boosting characteristics of green tea, making it a powerful drink in fighting infections and diseases.

Green tea catechins can help fight tumors and boost the immune system, especially in cases where the immune function is disrupted by tumors or cancer-causing substances.

Vitamin C is crucial for a strong immune response against pathogens, preventing excessive host damage. It can help prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections by boosting the functions of various immune cells.

Regular use of green tea with lemon will help improve your body’s defense mechanism, making you healthy and joyful all the year.

3. May Reduce the Risk of Neurological Disorders 

Green tea with lemon may reduce the risk of neurological disorders due to the combined benefits of green tea catechins and lemon flavonoids.

Several studies suggest that green tea intake might reduce the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or cognitive impairment.

Studies suggest that flavonoid-rich fruits can help protect the nervous system. Citrus flavonoids may lower Alzheimer’s risk by reducing harmful amyloid production, while compounds like hesperidin, hesperetin, and neohesperidin have shown neuroprotective effects.

Although research indicates that green tea and lemon may support brain health, some findings are inconsistent, and more human studies are needed to confirm their benefits.

4. May Support Heart Health

Green tea is well-known for its benefits for heart health. It decreases cholesterol and improves blood flow in the arteries.

Green tea may lower blood pressure and thus reduce the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.

A review suggests that the long-term consumption of green tea catechins may protect against obesity, diabetes and reduce the risk of coronary disease. However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm its clinical effects and understand its exact mechanisms.

Animal studies show that the lemon flavonoids eriocitrin and hesperidin may contribute to the lowering blood pressure, which is one of the primary risk factors of heart disease.

When green tea is paired with lemon, which includes flavonoids, it may become even more powerful drink for a healthy heart.

5. May Help in Weight Loss

Green tea with lemon is often touted as a weight loss aid, and for good reason. Both green tea and lemon contain compounds that support weight management.

A review suggests that tea catechins, especially EGCG, may aid weight and blood sugar control by boosting metabolism and fat oxidation. Animal studies show tea extracts reduce body weight and cholesterol, while human research suggests green tea may help burn fat. More studies are needed for confirmation.

Lemon extract may improve insulin levels and metabolism.

In a cellular study, lemon extract was found to boost insulin sensitivity, increase fat breakdown, and lower angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels, a biomarker linked to weight loss. These effects suggest lemon extract could help regulate blood sugar and support fat metabolism.

The findings suggest potential metabolic benefits, but further animal and human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

6. May Provide Relief from Stress

Green tea with lemon may have stress-relieving properties, making it a calming and comforting beverage.

A review examined whether green tea can help with depression by reducing stress and brain inflammation. In mice, green tea with a CE/TA ratio of 2–8 lowered depression-like behavior and stress markers. Human trials showed that drinking green tea with a CE/TA ratio of 4–5 may improve mood and reduce depression risk.

Theanine (T) and arginine (A) help reduce stress, while caffeine (C) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, E) counteract their calming effects. This balance can be measured using the molar ratio of (C + E) to (T + A), known as the CE/TA ratio.

There is limited direct scientific evidence showing that consuming lemon specifically reduces stress, there are indications that citrus fruits, including lemons, can have a positive impact on stress relief.

The refreshing citrus aroma combined with green tea’s mild caffeine may uplift your mood and improves alertness.

Enjoying a cup of green tea with lemon may help unwind and alleviate stress after a long day.

7. May Fight Against Cancer

Green tea and lemon both have cancer-fighting properties.Their combination may help fight against many types of cancers.

Green tea is linked to a lower risk of cancers like lung, colon, esophagus, stomach, kidney, pancreas, and breast cancer. Its high polyphenol content, especially EGCG, provides antioxidant and anti-cancer effects, helping prevent DNA damage and tumor growth while supporting the immune system.

However, research on breast cancer prevention is inconsistent, with some studies showing benefits and others finding no strong link. More high-quality human studies are needed to confirm green tea’s role in cancer prevention.

A review suggests that citrus flavonoids have significant cancer-fighting properties, with the strongest evidence for breast cancer. They may also help inhibit the growth of rectal, gastric, liver, lung, prostate, uterine, ovarian, and epidermal cancers.

However, more research is needed to confirm their full effectiveness in humans.

8. May Prevent Kidney Stones

Drinking green tea with lemon can help in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

A study examined the link between tea consumption and kidney stones in Chinese adults. Among 834 participants, those who drank at least one cup of tea daily had a lower risk of hospitalization for kidney stones. Green tea showed a strong protective effect, while black tea had no significant impact.

And lemon may also help prevent kidney stones.

Citrate, a natural compound found in citrus fruits, plays a key role in preventing kidney stones by making urine less acidic and binding with calcium to stop crystal formation. It also prevents small crystals from clumping into larger stones.

Studies show that drinking 1.2 litres of orange juice or 2 litres of lemon juice daily boosts citrate levels in urine, helping reduce the risk of kidney stones, especially in those prone to them.

While adding 2 liters of citrus juice to tea isn’t practical, even small amounts may help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

9. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

There are some studies suggesting consumption of green tea is inversely linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A review of studies on tea and blood sugar management suggests that EGCG in green tea may help regulate blood sugar through several mechanisms, such as:

• enhancing insulin action
• reducing insulin resistance
• protecting pancreatic β-cells

While the findings are promising, they remain mixed, and more research is needed for definitive conclusions.

There are few studies showing antidiabetic effects of lemon, here is a mixed study.

The previously mentioned cellular study suggests that lemon juice may help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels, which play a role in metabolism and insulin function.

Therefore, drinking green tea with lemon regularly may help in better blood sugar control.

10. Hydrates and Energizes

Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, and green tea with lemon is a delicious and hydrating beverage.

Proper hydration supports vital bodily functions such as temperature regulation, joint lubrication, nutrient transportation, and waste removal. It also enhances physical performance, cognitive function, and mood.

It provides a refreshing alternative to sugary drinks and helps meet your daily fluid intake. The natural caffeine content in green tea provides a gentle energy boost without the jittery effects associated with coffee.

Lemon adds a zesty flavor that can invigorate your senses and provide a refreshing start to your day.

How to Prepare Green Tea with Lemon

Making green tea with lemon is simple and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose green tea leaves
• 1 cup of hot water (not boiling)
• Juice of half a lemon
• Honey or a natural sweetener (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Steep the green tea in hot water for 2-3 minutes.
   2. Remove the tea bag or strain the leaves.
   3. Add the lemon juice.
   4. Sweeten with honey if desired.
   5. Stir well and enjoy.

Closing Thoughts 

To summarize, the benefits of green tea with lemon go much beyond its refreshing flavor and aroma.

By introducing this dynamic combination of green tea and lemon into your daily routine, you can boost your immunity, control blood sugar levels, prevent kidney stones, manage weight and many more.

Cheers to the benefits of green tea with lemon, a classic beverage for a vibrant health!

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