What is your association with the word "comfort"? A fluffy blanket, a soft, comfortable chair, an interesting book, and - this is a prerequisite - a cup of hot tea with lemon. Let's talk about this last component of home comfort. Of course, it is very tasty - tea with lemon. The benefits and harms of this drink will be discussed in this article. We are used to thinking that tea and lemon are valuable products for the body, and they must be included in your diet. But can all people use them in unlimited quantities? We learn about this from the article.
Which tea is the most healthy?
There are many types and methods of processing tea leaves. Therefore, different types of tea are obtained: black, green, red, yellow, white. But in addition to the color palette, mankind also knows African rooibos, Japanese sencha, tropical sausep or sour cream (although this fruit is often used as an additive to ordinary tea leaves). There are herbs and berries, the infusion of which is also called tea. But we will not consider them here.
In this case, we are only interested in a drink from the leaves of an evergreen shrub - Chinese camellia. All kinds of colors of tea come from her. As for the lemon, then variations are possible here. You can put a circle of ordinary citrus in tea, or you can use lime - it will give the drink a small piquant bitterness.
And if you focus not on taste, but on benefit? How to choose lemon tea? The benefits and harms of drinks made from leaves of Chinese camellia depend on the processing of raw materials. It is believed that the most useful is white tea. These are the topmost, young shoots that undergo minimal processing. They have the least tannins, which makes tea not tart, but very delicate.
Chemical composition
It's time to talk about the valuable properties of Chinese camellia leaves for the body. What is their chemical composition? After all, it directly depends on whether it is possible to drink tea with lemon to one or another group of patients. You will be surprised, but the leaves of Chinese camellia include no less than three hundred different components. We will not list them all, but we will group them into categories.
So, tea, especially black tea, includes substances that have tannins - tannins. It is because of them that the drink acquires a characteristic tart taste. Essential oils are also present in tea. The leaves contain alkaloids (for example, thein, which is a type of caffeine) that stimulate the nervous system. Proteins and amino acids positively affect the metabolic processes in humans. Tea leaf contains almost all known vitamins. And there is more “P” in it than in any other plant.
And if we are considering tea with lemon (the benefits and harms of the drink will be described below), then we should also take into account the high concentration of vitamin C, the constant companion of all citrus fruits. The leaves of Chinese camellia contain organic acids and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium and fluorine. And finally, the drink has pectins.
The benefits of tea
The main advantage of this drink, which came to us from China, is the presence of ascorbic acid in it. This component is very useful in that it significantly increases the protective function of a person, strengthens his immunity. Do not forget that the topic of our conversation is tea with lemon. Benefit and harm of the drink depend on the combination of components and proper brewing. But in lemon, among other things, it contains vitamin C, which, in addition to helping to quickly absorb iron and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, increases immunity. Therefore, as soon as the flu period begins, often drink tea with citrus fruits.
In addition, the drink helps to cope with seasickness, is an assistant in the fight against excess weight. It is good to use for hypertension and arthritis, constipation and asthma. Thanks to antioxidants, green tea with lemon eliminates free radicals. This drink quenches thirst well, normalizes the function of the digestive tract and even cleanses the skin.
The harm of lemon tea
Every food product has negative properties if you use it too much. There are tea and lemon. The latter, however, has more. After all, lemon, like all citrus fruits, is an allergen, and not all people can eat it. But even if you do not have intolerance to this subtropical fruit, you should not abuse it. Indeed, in it, in addition to ascorbic acid, there is citric acid, which can cause heartburn and even a stomach ulcer. So do not lean on a yellow fruit for people with high acidity.
Pure lemon juice in its pure form negatively affects the condition of tooth enamel. And green tea can lead to insomnia due to its high caffeine content. The drink has a slight laxative effect. With diarrhea, you should refrain from it. But this does not mean that you should completely stop drinking tea with lemon. Reviews of people who have had the flu and ARI claim that it was this drink that helped them overcome the ailment.
Is it possible for pregnant tea with lemon?
Based on the fact that expectant mothers should never be infected with infectious diseases, you should often recall the antiviral properties of the drink. But as for the different types of teas, doctors advise to be careful with green. It interferes with the absorption of folic acid, and it is very necessary during the period of gestation.
But black tea does not have this side effect. On the contrary, it is known as a mild laxative, and also prevents swelling. Is it possible for pregnant women to drink tea with lemon? It’s even necessary! The combination of tea astringency with lemon acid helps to get rid of nausea and dizziness in the morning. In addition, solar citrus contains many useful vitamins and minerals. But it’s also not worth abusing lemon. Indeed, a child may develop an allergy to citrus fruits.
Can lactating mom have tea with lemon?
A woman during lactation should carefully take this drink. It's not that lemon tea can harm a baby. But the newborn’s stomach is so tender and vulnerable. The presence of citrus (a potential allergen) can lead to diathesis and colic. It is best to drink weak tea with a small circle of lemon. After that, carefully look at the child. His behavior (the presence or absence of allergic reactions) will show whether it is possible to drink tea with lemon to a nursing mother. If the child feels well, enjoy the drink plenty.
How to brew tea
It is believed that making good espresso is an art. But even a child can make tea. But this is not so. Of course, you can just pour a bag of boiling water. But this is unlikely to make delicious tea. The recipe for success depends on many factors. And the grade of tea is not the main thing. The brewware, the quality of the water and its temperature, the brewing time of the drink - all this also matters.
Black, green and white teas have different brewing rules. But you should not make a drink in a metal bowl, as well as pour tea with boiling water - so its useful properties are lost. Cool the water slightly. Ninety degrees is the optimum temperature for brewing black tea, seventy - for green. It is necessary to provide the sheets with space so that they can reach their potential. Therefore, it is better to buy loose tea, rather than bags.
If we are going to use lemon, do not forget about the beneficial properties of its zest. Just wash the fruit and cut it into thin rings. But citrus should be put in slightly cooled tea: this will be preserved, and vitamin C will not go away with steam.
Do not be afraid to experiment
There are many ways to make delicious tea. The recipe with lemon, honey and mint is a classic. To do this, use black tea. And here is a recipe for those who want to enjoy a delicious drink, and keep warm, and lose weight. Pour green tea into a small thermos and cut into small pieces a little fresh and peeled ginger. You can add spices - cinnamon, cloves. Fill with slightly cooled boiling water. We insist about a quarter of an hour. Pouring tea into mugs, put a lemon. Sweeten the drink with honey. Have a nice tea party!