Recently, a cup of tea has become much more than just a soothing relief for a sore throat or a daily ritual for tea lovers. Various studies have revealed that tea is not only a pleasant drink, but also a significant source of health benefits.
With a high amount of antioxidants, tea can help fight inflammation, improve digestion, and promote heart and gut health. These antioxidants are compounds that reduce oxidation in the body and eliminate free radicals, responsible for the onset of various diseases in the long term.
Although tea already contains antioxidants naturally, Nutrition experts have discovered a key ingredient that can further enhance these benefits: lemon juice. This citrus fruit not only preserves the antioxidants in tea, but also increases their effectiveness.
A recent study looked at the impact of lemon juice on mate tea, a brew commonly known as yerba mate. The results showed that adding lemon juice and refrigerating the tea increased antioxidant activity. Additionally, study participants stated that they preferred the taste of tea brewed with lemon compared to tea alone.
This finding is because previous research had shown that ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C and found in lemon, also increased the antioxidant capacity of both green and black tea. According to Patricia Bannan, author of From Burnout to Balance and a nutrition expert, adding lemon to tea acts as a natural preservative for antioxidants, keeping them stable and easier for the body to absorb.
The stability of catechins, a type of antioxidant present in tea, is crucial during digestion.
As explained by Dr. Taylor Wallace, a food scientist and professor at George Mason University, catechins tend to be unstable in non-acidic environments, such as the small intestine. However, vitamin C and citrus juices like lemon interact with catechins to prevent their degradation. So, adding lemon juice to tea preserves these beneficial compounds while also adding extra vitamin C to the diet.
To maximize the benefits of lemon in tea, experts recommend using fresh lemon juice, which contains the highest levels of vitamin C. They also suggest keeping the temperature of the tea below 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to preserve both the antioxidants and vitamin C in the lemon. Additionally, it’s best to add the lemon juice once the tea has cooled down a bit, as this helps better preserve the antioxidants so they can do their job in the body.
Another important tip is to avoid adding milk to tea. Research has shown that milk can alter the antioxidant capacity of tea, diminishing its benefits. Instead, nutritionists recommend replacing milk with lemon, especially if you want to take full advantage of the healthy effects of tea.
For those who enjoy cold drinks, iced tea with a squeeze of lemon can be a refreshing and healthy option. Patricia Bannan suggests experimenting with iced tea and lemon, or adding a touch of honey for extra sweetness. One popular recipe is green jasmine mint iced tea with lemon, an ideal drink for hot days. For those who prefer hot drinks, green tea with honey and lemon slices can be a great way to incorporate antioxidants into your daily routine.
Tea can also be used in creative ways in the kitchen. For example, nutritionist and chef Abbie Gellman recommends stirring dried tea into a cake batter and topping it with a lemon glaze. Additionally, dried tea leaves can be added to a salad for a unique twist, along with a squeeze of lemon to intensify the flavors.
Another interesting option is to use cold tea as a liquid in various recipes, such as in oatmeal or in smoothies. In this way, you can take advantage of the antioxidant richness of tea in a different and nutritious way. Tea, especially when combined with lemon juice, is a versatile and healthy drink that can offer numerous well-being benefits. Whether in its hot or cold form, incorporating this combination into your daily diet can be a simple and effective way to improve your overall health.
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