Does lemon tea really boost immunity? Answers from a general practitioner

Does lemon tea really boost immunity? Answered by a general practitioner

The expert also told whom it is better to refuse from the flavorful drink.

Many people reach for a cup of tea with lemon during a cold, believing that the drink promotes quick recovery. However, does it really help the body to fight the disease? Let’s deal with the expert.

Useful properties of tea and lemon

therapist, nutriciologist

“When combining tea with lemon, the beneficial properties of each component are enhanced.”

Tea with lemon contains:

• tannins, which bind and remove toxic substances from the body, have antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory effects;
• alkaloids, which have a stimulating effect on the nervous system;
• antioxidants, which prolong the life of cells;
• a small amount of vitamin C, which has a tonic and antioxidant effect.

So does the drink help the body fight viral infections?

Tea with lemon is undoubtedly a useful tonic and warming drink, but you should not rely on the magic effect of protection against colds. Attributed to him antiviral and immunostimulant properties are greatly exaggerated.

Recommendations on the choice of ingredients

To begin with – tea should not be from bags, but leaf tea.

When choosing, it is better to pay attention to the shape and size of the leaves: they should be even, uniform, of uniform color, without dust and impurities. The odor is saturated, without mustiness.

As for the lemon, choose a firm, fragrant fruit without damage with a smooth and shiny rind. Soft, dull citrus with a white patina – stale and does not have the necessary amount of useful properties.

You can add both lemon slices and its freshly squeezed juice to tea.

Fruit slices give a more pronounced flavor.

Options for combining tea with lemon

Lemon can be combined with both black and green tea. The most useful combination will be with the latter option, because it is inherently healthier.

In addition to lemon, the drink can contain other additives. Citrus combines well with ginger or mint. If you prefer green tea, then try adding mint or other herbs to it.

Ways to prepare tea with lemon

There are many ways to prepare a flavorful drink. For the classic tea with lemon, you will need simple ingredients and very little time.

Ingredients

• tea (black or green) – 1 tsp;
• water – 1 cup (250 ml);
• lemon – 1-2 slices (you can add its juice if you wish);
• honey or sugar – to taste.

Preparation

1. Brewing tea. Water should be brought to a boil, and then cooled for a few minutes so that the temperature is about 90 ° C – so the flavor of the drink will be more pronounced. Pour the tea leaves with water and let them infuse for three to five minutes, depending on the desired strength.
2. Adding lemon. Once the tea has steeped, add lemon slices to it. If you prefer a richer lemon flavor, you can crush the slices with a spoon so they give off juice.
3. Sweeten as desired. If you like your tea sweet, add a little honey or sugar. Remember, however, that it is better to add honey to warm, not hot tea to preserve its beneficial properties.
4. Those who prefer unusual flavors, you can add spicy notes to tea with lemon. Cinnamon, ginger or mint would be ideal for this.

Who should avoid tea with lemon?

In some cases, the flavorful drink should be refused.

It is worth remembering that everything is good in moderation, and abuse of tea with lemon can lead to problems with tooth enamel. The fact is that the drink strongly increases the acidity of saliva, and that, in turn, corrodes the enamel.

Also refrain from tea with lemon should people with chronic gastritis, reflux disease, gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer.

The acid contained in lemon in combination with the high temperature of the drink can cause exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.