After water, tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols." These polyphenols can lead to numerous health benefits by reducing free radicals, the damaging substances in the body that can alter cells. Pairing your green tea with lemon will enhance these effects due to lemon's ability to boost immunity and its acidic properties, which naturally aid in digestion. Do not use green tea in place of medical treatment, however; always discuss any herbs you consume with your doctor, as the benefits may not have been confirmed.
Weight Loss
Green-tea extract may play a role in boosting metabolism, which helps the body burn more fat. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) notes a study confirming that a combination of caffeine and green tea contributed to weight loss and maintenance in slightly obese and overweight individuals. This effect may be due to the fact that the polyphenols in green tea are responsible for its fat-burning properties. Additionally, adding lemon to green tea will improve your digestion, due to the properties of the citric acid; this will further help with weight loss.
Immunity
Green tea with lemon may boost immunity due to the antioxidants present in both the tea and the lemon. According to Organic Facts, research shows that individuals who drink green tea regularly experience fewer bacterial and viral infections, or are sick for less time than those who do not drink green tea.
Cholesterol
According to the UMMC, research shows that green tea may lower total cholesterol, and increase levels of HDL, the so-called good cholesterol, in animals and people. The polyphenols in green tea may block the absorption of cholesterol, and promote the excretion of cholesterol from the body.
Leukemia
Researchers at Mayo Clinic determined that an extract of green tea may contribute to reducing the number of leukemia cells in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Published in the "Journal of Clinical Oncology," the study reports, "Results from 41 patients who have completed the study show that 31 percent of patients had a 20 percent or greater sustained reduction in blood leukemia count, and 69 percent of patients with enlarged lymph nodes saw a reduction of node size of 50 percent or greater."
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