Drinking honey lemon tea is always refreshing and soothing. The tea is easy to prepare, full of vitamins, and hydrates the body. Many people use it to kickstart their day on a healthy note. While it comes with potential health benefits, excessive intake has some downsides. In this article, we will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of drinking hot water with honey and lemon.
What is the Nutritional Value of Honey Lemon Tea?
As indicated by Nutritonix a cup of honey and lemon tea offers 134 calories. It has zero fats and cholesterol and Vitamin D. Other components are:
- Sodium 5.3 mg
- Total carbohydrates 36g
- Dietary fiber 0.2
- Sugars 35g
- Protein 0.2 g
- Calcium 4.1 mg
- Iron 0.2 mg
- Potassium 88. 3mg
- Caffeine 47.4 mg.
What Are The Advantages of Honey Lemon Tea?
Aids digestion
Warm honey lemon tea helps to keep your digestive system healthy. A study by the International Journal of Medicine analyzed the impact of citric acid in lemon juice on indigestion and optimal intestinal environment. The study used healthy male university students who were taking water or lemon water before their meals. The researchers found out that intake of lemon water before meals promotes peristalsis and digestion. As a hydrating drink, it reduces constipation by keeping your stool soft.
Lemon has pectin which supports the function of the pancreas and stimulates the production of bile. It also has an acid that stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid needed for digestion.
Equally as Frontiers in Nutrition assert, honey nourishes good bacteria in the intestine. It has non-digestive oligosaccharides which are not readily absorbed in the body. They instead ferment producing short-chain fatty acids stimulating the growth of good bacteria in the stomach. The bacteria support fiber digestion, prevent gut infections, and produce essential digestive vitamins.
Boost Immunity
Lemon is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system. An article from Frontiers in Immunology asserts that citrus fruits like lemon are high in vitamin C and folate. The two sustain the integrity of immunologic barriers and support numerous immune cells like B-cells, T-cells, and natural killer cells.
Honey on the other hand has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help fight off infections. An article from the National Institute of Health state that numerous clinical studies have confirmed the broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties of honey. This is because honey has a low pH, high sugar concentration, osmotic effect, and bacteriostatic ad bactericidal factors. Combining lemon and honey in your tea offers a warm drink that keeps you hydrated and strengthens the immune system.
Drinking Honey Lemon tea for Sore Throat
The antibacterial properties of honey and the vitamin C in lemon can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. As the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention reports, honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. It not only alleviates coughs but is more effective compared to over-the-counter cough suppressants. Drinking it with warm lemon water is very helpful and soothing. Brooklyn Farm Girl explains that honey lemon tea provided her a throat relief and that she will be using it forever for her family. Click on the link to get her astonishing story on how to prepare this life-saving drink.
Help with Weight Loss.
Drinking warm water with lemon and honey can help to boost metabolism and reduce appetite, which can aid in weight loss efforts.
The abundant levels of vitamin C in lemon help in burning fat. An article from the National Institute of Health offers strategies for healthy weight loss. It asserts that people with an adequate amount of vitamin C break down more fat during exercise compared to those with low levels of vitamin C. It also has polyphenols that stimulate the liver to burn fat as well as pectin fiber that helps in fighting hunger cravings and keeps you feeling full for longer.
Equally, a study from the National Institute of Health indicates that honey has a low glycemic index. It causes a slower and lower rise in your blood sugar. This helps you to absorb food more slowly and stay full for longer, and therefore eat less.
Detoxifies the body
Lemon is a natural diuretic and can help to flush toxins out of the body. It has a compound called limonene which gives the lemon peels their bold tangy flavor. A study by BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that d-limonene significantly increases urine volume and output. However, the study experimented on mice. Honey has antioxidant properties that can also help to detoxify the body.
What Are The Disadvantages of Drinking Honey Lemon Tea?
Tooth Enamel Erosion:
Drinking hot water with lemon can have negative effects on your dental health. The high acidity of lemon juice can erode tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and decay. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after drinking lemon water to minimize the risk of enamel erosion. A study looking at the impact of acidic beverages on tooth erosion reported that lemon juice results in a statistically significant higher erosivity compared to other drinks.
Upset Stomach:
Consuming large amounts of honey and lemon can cause stomach upset, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. This is due to the high acidity of lemon juice and the high sugar content of honey. Overconsumption of honey can also lead to digestive issues, such as diarrhea and bloating. According to Arquivos de Gastroenterologia, excess intake of lemon tea alters your stomach’s PH levels, resulting in acidic reflux.
Allergic Reactions:
While rare, some people may be allergic to honey and lemon. Allergic reactions can cause a range of symptoms, including hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. It is important to monitor your body’s reaction when consuming new foods or drinks, especially if you have a history of allergies.
Interference with Medications:
Drinking hot water with honey and lemon may interact with certain medications, such as antibiotics and blood thinners. Lemon juice can interfere with the absorption of some medications, while honey can affect blood sugar levels. If you are taking medication, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming honey and lemon water.
Conclusion:
From the analysis above, it can be concluded that drinking lemon tea with honey has both advantages and disadvantages. Honey lemon tea is full of antioxidants, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a soothing and comforting beverage that can help with relaxation and stress relief. At the same time, if consumed excessively, it can erode enamels, upset the stomach, cause allergic reactions and interfere with medications. It is recommended that you drink the beverage and be mindful of how your body responds. If you experience any negative side effects, it is best to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
References
- Gomes, D. C., & Dantas, R. O. (2014). Acidic and neutral liquid ingestion in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Arquivos de gastroenterologia, 51(3), 217–220. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0004-28032014000300010
- Iida, T., Ishigami, S., Kunishige, M., Sasagawa, S., Ikeda, H., Aoi, S., & Harada, T. (2021). Effects of Citric Acid in Lemon Water on the Human Intestinal Microbiota: A Comparison between Pre-Meal Intake of Water and Lemon Water. International Medical Journal, 28(6).
- Israili ZH. Antimicrobial properties of honey. Am J Ther. 2014 Jul-Aug;21(4):304-23. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0b013e318293b09b. PMID: 23782759.
- Johnston C. S. (2005). Strategies for healthy weight loss: from vitamin C to the glycemic response. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 24(3), 158–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2005.10719460
- Miles, E. A., & Calder, P. C. (2021). Effects of citrus fruit juices and their bioactive components on inflammation and immunity: A narrative review. Frontiers in immunology, 12, 712608. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.712608
- Ntchapda, F., Bonabe, C., Kemeta Azambou, D. R., Talla, E., & Dimo, T. (2016). Diuretic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of leaves of Vepris heterophylla (Engl.) R. Let (Rutaceae) in rats. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 16(1), 516. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1439-8
- Ramli, N. Z., Chin, K. Y., Zarkasi, K. A., & Ahmad, F. (2018). A Review on the Protective Effects of Honey against Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients, 10(8), 1009. https://doi.org/10.3390 /nu10081009
- Schell, K. R., Fernandes, K. E., Shanahan, E., Wilson, I., Blair, S. E., Carter, D. A., & Cokcetin, N. N. (2022). The Potential of Honey as a Prebiotic Food to Re-engineer the Gut Microbiome Toward a Healthy State. Frontiers in nutrition, 9, 957932. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.957932
- Sultana, S., Khan, A., Safhi, M. M., & Alhazmi, H. A. (2016). Cough suppressant herbal drugs: A review. Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Invent, 5(5), 15-28. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention
- Zimmer, S., Kirchner, G., Bizhang, M., & Benedix, M. (2015). Influence of various acidic beverages on tooth erosion. Evaluation by a new method. PloS one, 10(6), e0129462. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129462
