A splash of lemon juice in a morning cup of tea or coffee can deliver a small health boost, adding vitamin C without significantly altering the taste. The citrus ingredient, which can cost as little as 69p per bottle at supermarkets such as Aldi, or be obtained by squeezing fresh lemons at home, gives warm drinks a slight citrusy kick.
What Vitamin C Does for the Body
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports several important bodily functions. According to the NHS, it helps protect cells, maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage, and assists in wound healing.
Citrus fruits are listed by the NHS as good sources of vitamin C, although the amount provided by a small splash of lemon juice will be relatively modest. Adults aged 19 to 64 generally need 40mg of vitamin C a day, according to the health service.
How to Add Lemon Juice to Your Drink
A teaspoon of lemon juice can be stirred into a mug of tea or coffee once prepared. The sharp flavour pairs well with black tea or herbal tea, while coffee with lemon is a more unusual combination that may not appeal to everyone.
The NHS also recommends drinking regularly throughout the day, with six to eight cups or glasses of fluid daily as a general guide. Tea and coffee count toward this total, though caffeine should be consumed in moderation.
Keeping Expectations Realistic
Lemon juice is not a cure-all or a replacement for a balanced diet. The NHS advises getting vitamin C through a varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables, rather than relying on a single ingredient poured into a morning drink.
For those who enjoy the taste, a splash of lemon juice offers a simple, low-cost way to change up a morning beverage while adding some vitamin C to the daily diet.
