Green tea is renowned for its many health benefits, and adding lemon can enhance these effects even more. Lemons contain high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds that boost the immune system, support heart health, and promote weight loss; when combined with green tea’s powerful antioxidants like EGCG, the lemon-green tea combination offers a powerhouse drink full of nutrients to support overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 12 evidence-based health benefits of drinking lemon green tea.
Table of Contents
Benefits of drinking lemon green tea
1. Rich in antioxidants
Lemon green tea is a beverage that is not only refreshing but also packed with a variety of health-promoting properties. One of its key features is its rich antioxidant content. Antioxidants protect our bodies against cellular damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.
Both green tea and lemons are excellent sources of antioxidants. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a kind of antioxidant in green tea leaves that has been studied for its potential benefits against chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
Lemons, on the other hand, are rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other antioxidants like quercetin and hesperidin.
2. Boosts immunity
Lemons are packed with vitamin C, providing over 30 mg in one ounce of juice. The vitamin C in lemons can help give your immune system a boost. Green tea also contains antioxidants like EGCG that have immune-enhancing effects.
When you combine lemon and green tea, vitamin C synergizes with the antioxidants to provide even stronger immune support. Several studies have found that the combination of vitamin C and green tea catechins more effectively fights off infections from cold and flu viruses than vitamin C alone.
Sipping lemon green tea daily can help strengthen your immune defenses and prevent common illnesses.
3. Promotes heart health
The powerful antioxidants in green tea called catechins can improve nearly every aspect of heart health. Specific catechins like EGCG relax blood vessels, prevent blood clot formation, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Lemons also support heart health by keeping arteries flexible and helping manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The vitamin C, hesperidin, and other antioxidants in lemon work to reduce inflammation throughout the body that can damage blood vessels and raise heart disease risk.
Combining lemon and green tea provides these heart-healthy effects in one drink, making it an excellent addition to your daily routine for boosting cardiovascular function.
4. Aids in weight loss
Many studies have found that green tea can enhance fat burning and help with losing weight, especially stubborn belly fat. The catechins in green tea, especially EGCG, impact fat cell metabolism by increasing fat oxidation and thermogenesis.
Adding lemon can boost green tea’s slimming powers even more, thanks to the fiber and plant compounds in lemons that support weight loss. Research shows that polyphenols in lemons help suppress fat accumulation and dissolve excess fat deposits. Lemon water also helps control appetite and adds flavor, which makes green tea easier to drink in the quantities needed to burn fat.
Drinking lemon green tea, along with a healthy diet and exercise, can accelerate your weight loss efforts.
5. Protects brain health
The antioxidants in green tea, especially EGCG, have been found to offer broad protection for the brain against oxidative damage and age-related decline.
Lemons also provide neurological benefits. Lemon polyphenols suppress inflammatory responses in brain cells and improve cognition in animal studies. Vitamin C in lemons is also vital for brain function and mood regulation.
The phytochemicals and vitamin C in lemon green tea work together to boost blood flow to the brain while fighting dementia and improving reasoning, memory, and information processing. Drinking lemon green tea daily can keep your mind sharp as you age.
6. May help protect against cancer
Cancer cells can’t grow and spread when catechins, which are antioxidants, are present in green tea.
Lemon, on the other hand, is rich in citrus flavonoids, which have been associated with a lower risk of various types of cancers.
The combination of green tea and lemon may have synergistic effects in reducing cancer risk. According to animal studies, green tea extract combined with lemon juice inhibits the growth of bladder, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer cells.
7. Detoxifies the Body
Lemons and green tea are both powerful detoxifiers that can cleanse your body of harmful toxins.
The catechins in green tea support the liver’s natural detoxification processes to clear out chemicals and pollutants. Lemons contain antioxidants like hesperidin and vitamin C that boost toxin elimination through increased urination and bowel movements.
Lemon also has an alkalizing effect when metabolized, helping restore the body’s optimal pH balance. Lower pH levels make it easier for the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system to remove acidic waste products and toxins.
Enjoying hot or cold lemon green tea throughout the day is an easy way to keep your body detoxified on a regular basis.
8. Hydration
One of the benefits of staying hydrated is maintaining healthy skin. Proper hydration helps keep the skin moisturized, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a glowing complexion.
Additionally, staying hydrated can aid weight management by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite. By drinking green tea with lemon instead of sugary beverages, you can support your weight loss or maintenance goals.
Moreover, hydration is crucial for optimal brain function. Studies suggest that even mild dehydration can lead to cognitive impairments such as decreased focus and attention.
By making green tea with lemon your hydration choice, you also benefit the brain due to the antioxidant properties of green tea and the vitamin C content in lemon juice.
9. Fights inflammation
Chronic inflammation is at the root of most modern diseases, accelerating the aging process and damaging tissue over time. Thankfully, lemons and green tea both have anti-inflammatory properties to help fight this.
Green tea polyphenols like EGCG have been found to lower inflammatory markers like NF-kB and IL-6. Lemons also reduce inflammatory cytokines through their antioxidant content and vitamin C levels.
The anti-inflammatory nutrients in lemon green tea can help reduce joint pain, brain fog, skin conditions, and autoimmune disease flares. The mix of plant compounds works to suppress inflammation on a systemic level for whole-body benefits.
10. Boosts digestive health
Many people find that green tea’s mild caffeine content helps support healthy digestion. But adding lemon juice takes these digestive benefits even further.
Lemon juice triggers the release of gastric juices that aid digestion, nutrient absorption, and bowel regularity. The vitamin C and antioxidants in lemon also prevent constipation by drawing more water into the intestines to keep stools soft.
If you struggle with stomach upset, bloating, or sluggish bowels, drinking lemon green tea can provide relief by stimulating and optimizing your digestive processes.
11. Increases energy levels
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in green tea that improves alertness and combats fatigue. Adding green tea to your daily routine, you’ll experience increased energy levels without the jitters associated with other caffeinated drinks.
Lemons, on the other hand, are packed with high levels of vitamin C. This essential nutrient plays a vital role in supporting the production of carnitine, a compound responsible for converting fat into energy. By providing your body with ample vitamin C, lemons can help boost energy production and prevent the onset of sluggishness.
Together, the combination of green tea and lemon forms a powerful duo that not only promotes physical endurance but also enhances mental alertness.
12. Boosts skin health
The nutrients in lemon green tea offer nourishing benefits for your skin. The vitamin C in lemon builds collagen, brightens the complexion, and fights wrinkle-causing free radicals.
Green tea’s catechins also protect elasticity, increase blood flow, and block collagen degradation to keep your skin firm and youthful-looking. The anti-inflammatory properties of the lemon-green tea combo further prevent acne, redness, and swelling.
To maximize the skin enhancement of lemon green tea, apply cooled tea directly to your face using cotton pads for an antioxidant-rich toner. Drinking it daily will also provide the nutrients for clear, healthy skin.
How to make lemon green tea
Making flavorful lemon green tea at home is simple. With just a few ingredients, you can create this bright, aromatic tea anytime.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious lemon green tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 green tea bag or 1 tbsp loose-leaf green tea
- 1/2 lemon
- Honey or stevia to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- To get started, bring about 1 cup of water to a boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for 1 minute before pouring it into a cup.
- Next, add a green tea bag or loose-leaf tea and let it steep for 1–3 minutes. If you’re using loose-leaf tea, add about 1 tablespoon using a tea ball or infuser.
- Remove the tea bag or strain the tea if using loose leaves. Add the fresh lemon slices or lemon juice into the mug or pot.
- Allow to steep for another 2-3 minutes so the lemon flavor infuses into the tea.
- Add honey, stevia, or any other sweetener if desired. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
Stay hydrated with 3–5 cups of green tea with lemon per day to maximize its potential health benefits.
Best time to drink green tea with lemon
Early morning
Drinking a cup of hot lemon green tea first thing in the morning can really energize your day. The mild caffeine in the green tea provides a gentle, energizing boost without the harsh jolt of coffee. The vitamins and minerals also help replenish what is lost during sleep. Sipping a hot cup slowly can also stimulate digestion first thing and get your bowels moving.
The heat and aroma are soothing and help you feel fresh and ready to start your day. The habit also instills a sense of mindful routine. Pour your tea while the morning is quiet, and enjoy those moments of calm before your hectic day begins.
Mid-afternoon
Many people experience an energy slump in the mid-afternoon hours. Hypoglycemia can cause fatigue, lack of focus, cravings, and irritability.
Sipping on hot or iced lemon green tea in the afternoon can give you the lift you need to get over the 3 p.m. slump. The green tea provides a modest amount of caffeine to revive your alertness and concentration.
After a workout
Lemon green tea makes a perfect post-workout recovery drink. Both the tea and the lemon help hydrate and replenish electrolytes after exercise.
The anti-inflammatory properties reduce muscle soreness and joint stiffness. The nutrients boost your metabolism, helping your body burn fat more effectively after a workout.
Drink it either hot or iced, depending on your preference. Sipping lemon green tea after exercise will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.
Before bed
You may think avoiding caffeine close to bedtime is best, but green tea can actually be beneficial. Lemon green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that produces a feeling of relaxation. This balances and moderates the mild stimulant effect from the small amounts of caffeine.
Sipping a warm cup of tea before bed can ease your mind, relax your muscles, and prepare you for restful sleep. Just avoid drinking it right before lying down to prevent bathroom wakes during the night.
The bottom line
Green tea with freshly squeezed lemons has numerous health benefits. It can promote weight loss, hydration, increased energy, and support the health of your brain, heart, and immune system. Additionally, it tastes delicious and can be easily prepared at home with just a few simple ingredients.