The bright and juicy lemon is scientifically termed Citrus limon and known as Nimbu in Hindi, Elumichchaipazham in Tamil and Nimmakaya in Telugu. Besides adding a piquant flavour and aroma to traditional Indian dishes, lemons also confer innumerable benefits for human health, such as eliminating kidney stones, refining skin texture and hydrating the body.
The lemon tree is a small evergreen plant that is cultivated predominantly in Southern Asian countries such as Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. It is also grown in the warmer locales further west, such as in Italy, as well as California and Florida in the United States.
This tiny tree has an upright growth pattern, with a few thick branches and rigid thorns. Upon maturation, the fruit is yellow in colour, with a circular to ellipsoidal shape.
The fruit is edible and has a wide range of applications in culinary domains. The pulp and juice are added in baking and cooking several recipes such as marmalades, pies, rice, salads, soups, dals and juices. Prized for its high vitamin C content which maintains optimal defence functions in the body, lemons are also packed with essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which guarantee fortified bones. Also Check Out: 5 Fruits Abundant In Vitamin C To Bolster Immunity - Infographics
In addition, lemon extracts are also used to prepare a soothing and refreshing tea, to calm the nerves while stressed out or feeling very tired.
Lemon Tea Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 lemon, juice extracted
A few pieces of ginger
1 ½ cups of water
3 tsp jaggery
2 thin lemon slices, to garnish
Method:
In a container, boil the water on high flame.
Lower the flame and add the lemon juice, ginger and jaggery.
Keep stirring to obtain a finely blended mix.
Strain the lemon tea with a filter, garnish with the lemon wedges by the side and serve it piping hot.
Nutrition:
Lemon is abundant in vitamin C to boost immunity, folate to improve reproductive health and potassium which regulates the electrolyte balance in the body. Ginger is rich in gingerol, a plant antioxidant that eliminates toxic free radicals and also promotes digestion. Jaggery is a powerhouse of iron, vital for the synthesis and transport of healthy red blood cells in the system. Also Read: Amazing Ways Vitamin C Benefits Your Health
Amazing Advantages Of Adding Lemon Tea To Your Diet:
Detoxifies The Body
The citric acid content in lemons is remarkably high, aiding in purifying the liver. Consuming lemon tea on an empty stomach in the morning assists in getting rid of all the wastes and toxins accumulated in the liver and thereby detoxifies the body completely.
Boosts Digestive Function
Lemon tea contains only a small portion of carbohydrates that are present in the form of simple sugars and dietary fibers. These fibers function to slow down the processing of simple sugars, thereby enhancing gut health and regulating metabolism. Sipping on a cup of lemon tea after a heavy meal significantly improves digestion.
Combats Infectious Ailments
Infusing a bit of honey into lemon tea and consuming it after every meal, while suffering from cough and cold helps to alleviate the symptoms of discomfort such as body pain and phlegm. The antioxidants in lemon extracts can efficiently relieve congestion in the chest as well, aiding in a speedy recovery from infectious ailments, particularly in monsoons.
Enhances Skin Wellness
Lemon tea is packed with astringent properties, which work to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your face. Moreover, it also possesses anti-inflammatory traits, which effectively combat acne, pimples and eczema, promoting overall skin health.
Promotes Heart Health
Plant flavonoids intrinsically present in lemons such as hesperidin and diosmin have cholesterol-lowering abilities. Moreover, sipping on a cup of warm lemon tea every evening can prevent the occurrence of cardiac ailments and stroke and vastly augment heart health.
Treats Post-Operative Edemas
After any surgery, the build-up of blood and fluids in between tissues causes a great deal of agony and aching all over the body, a condition known as post-operative oedema. Lemon tea contains potent antioxidants as well as trace minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which operate to remove any pooling of unwanted substances and ensure unobstructed blood flow in the body, following any medical procedure.
Remedies Inflamed Gums
The vitamin C and citric acid levels in lemon tea being naturally high, combined with the pain-relieving and pacifying nature of a warm glass of lemon tea make it an effective home remedy to treat swollen gums.
Some More Superb Wellness Incentives Of Lemon Tea:
Soothes Migraines
The myriad antioxidants in a cup of lemon tea, combined with its invigorating aroma instantly relieves headaches and is a wonderful natural remedy for persistent migraines. The beneficial polyphenol compounds in this beverage eliminate harmful free radicals and lower inflammation in the head, face, nasal passage, thereby diminishing fatigue, lethargy, pain and uplifting mood, energy levels. Also Read: Migraine Bothering You? Try These Versatile Ayurvedic Remedies For Instant Pain Relief
Regulates Blood Sugar
Both lemon juice and tea leaf extracts, the main ingredients in lemon tea, possess the ability to improve insulin synthesis by the pancreas, as well as enhance and balance hormonal activity in the body. This, in turn, helps control sudden spikes in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It also regulates appetite, preserves optimal metabolism and effectively maintains normal blood glucose in the system.
Alleviates Depression And Anxiety
Blessed with ample quantities of flavonoids, tannins, as well as copper, potassium; lemon tea confers remarkable merits for boosting brain health. The rejuvenating aroma of this zesty beverage, in addition to the plethora of beneficial nutrients aid in promoting the transmission of nerve impulses and elevating mood, memory, thereby mitigating depression and anxiety symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Are The Health Incentives Of Drinking Lemon Tea?
Lemon tea is a refreshing beverage bestowed with nutrients like vitamin C, and a storehouse of antioxidants. These nutrients support the immune response, promote digestion and uplift skin health. It is a cherished healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
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How Do I Make Lemon Tea?
It is a simple process: brew your favourite tea leaves in boiling water for 3 minutes. Then, add lemon juice and sweeten it with honey if necessary.
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Can Lemon Tea Help With Weight Loss?
A few studies have revealed that lemon tea may assist in losing weight. This is owing to its low-calorie content and potential to trigger metabolism. However, remember that it is not a magical remedy and should be followed with a healthy diet and workout for better outcomes.
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Is Lemon Tea Good For Digestion?
Lemon tea is often consumed after meals to promote digestion. Its acidic nature may help break down food, aiding digestion.
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Does Lemon Tea Have Caffeine?
The caffeine content of lemon tea depends on the type of tea used. Green tea and black tea naturally contain caffeine, while herbal teas are caffeine-free.
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Can Lemon Tea Help With Sore Throat?
Lemon tea is a valuable home remedy for sore throat due to its soothing properties. The warmth of the tea and the vitamin C in lemon help alleviate symptoms.
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Are There Any Side Effects Of Drinking Lemon Tea?
While lemon tea is generally safe for most people, excessive consumption of lemon juice may erode tooth enamel due to its acidic nature. Consuming lemon tea in moderation is best and rinse your mouth with water after drinking.
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Can I Drink Lemon Tea If I Have Acid Reflux Issue?
If you have acid reflux, it's best to avoid highly acidic foods and drinks, including lemon tea, as they may aggravate symptoms. It is always best to get help from a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Conclusion:
Lemon tea is inherently a treasure trove of nutrition and enhances stomach, liver, heart and skin health. Incorporate it into your regular diet, adding a dash of mint essence or a pinch of cinnamon powder, for that extra zest and aroma as well as to reap its wonderful health benefits.
References:
The Anti-Obesity Effects of Lemon Fermented Products in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes and in a Rat Model with High-Calorie Diet-Induced Obesity
Chih-Chung Wu,1 Yu-Wen Huang,2 Chih-Yao Hou,2 Ya-Ting Chen,2 Cheng-Di Dong,3 Chiu-Wen Chen,3 Reeta-Rani Singhania,3 Jie-Yin Leang,4 and Shu-Ling Hsieh2,*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8398352/
Lemon Polyphenols Suppress Diet-induced Obesity by Up-Regulation of mRNA Levels of the Enzymes Involved in β-Oxidation in Mouse White Adipose Tissue
Yoshiko Fukuchi,1 Masanori Hiramitsu,2 Miki Okada,2 Sanae Hayashi,1 Yuka Nabeno,1 Toshihiko Osawa,3 and Michitaka Naito1,*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2581754
