Why not add a slice of lemon to your green tea? A recent study has found that certain substances can dramatically alter the absorption of catechins from green tea. Catechins are the phytochemicals responsible for the beneficial effects of green tea, including antioxidant, antiageing, cardiovascular protection and blood sugar regulation.
The regular absorption rate for catechins in just 20%, however when vitamin C or lemon juice was added to the green tea before consuption it increased absorption of catechins by up tp 90%. For best results, try for 3 cups of green tea with at least the juice of half a lemon a day.
NOTE: green tea should not be consumed at the same time as meals containing iron as tannins inhibit the absorption of iron.
Green et al 2007; Mol Nutr Food Res, 51(9), pp1152-62.
