Safe indulgence: How to enjoy tea with lemon responsibly

Tea with lemon is one of the most popular drinks, especially during the colder months. Many people consider it a warming and healthy addition to their daily diet. However, from time to time, there are reports suggesting that it may be harmful to health. The reason is said to be the presence of aluminum citrate, which supposedly seeps into the brew during its preparation. What is the truth? Can tea with lemon be safely consumed? Let's see what scientists have to say.

Tea, both black and green, contains numerous antioxidants that support the body's health and may reduce the risk of developing cancer. However, tea plants grow in soil rich in aluminum, which infiltrates their leaves. Fortunately, the aluminum present in dried tea is in a water-insoluble form, which means that during brewing, it mainly stays in the leaves and does not enter the infusion in significant amounts.

The problem arises when lemon juice is added to a cup with tea leaves. Citric acid reacts with aluminum to form aluminum citrate—a chemical compound that the body can easily absorb. There are concerns that its excess can accumulate in tissues and even increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

The good news is that consuming tea with lemon does not have to be dangerous. You just need to follow one key rule: add lemon juice only after removing the tea leaves or bag. If citric acid does not come into contact with the leaves, no chemical reaction occurs, and thus no aluminum citrate is released into the drink.

Additionally, if you want to preserve the vitamin C present in lemon, it's worth adding the juice to slightly cooled tea. High temperatures destroy this valuable vitamin, so it's better to wait a few minutes before mixing the ingredients.