Some food combinations just aren’t the same if you change one ingredient. Think salt and pepper – or spaghetti and meatballs. But there’s another duo gunning for a spot in the long list of perfect food combinations: honey and lemon.

The health benefits of honey and lemon

It should come as no surprise that honey and lemon combined make for a nutritious and delicious drink, tonic, tea – you name it. This potent combination has been used in traditional medicine as a panacea to treat all sorts of health problems, from sore throat to indigestion.

For starters, lemon is one of the richest sources of the immune-boosting micronutrient vitamin C. Besides strengthening immune function against infection and disease, vitamin C also helps stimulate the natural healing abilities of cells.

Lemons also contain plant compounds called flavonoids that help fight inflammation and pathogenic microbes you might pick up from contaminated food. Plus, drinking fresh lemon juice first thing in the morning has been found to jumpstart metabolism.

You’re also better off adding a teaspoon of honey to your morning tea or detox drink. Studies found that honey possesses natural antibacterial and healing properties that are perfect for treating burns, cuts and scrapes, among others.

In traditional medicine, honey is also a popular go-to remedy for colds, coughs, chills and sore throat, especially in children. Plus, emerging research suggests that honey might also help treat diabetic ulcers.

Honey and lemon tea recipe

Feel a cold coming on? Go ahead and prepare a soothing cup of honey and lemon tea using this quick and simple honey and lemon recipe.

Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup hot water

Preparation:

1. Mix honey and lemon juice in a cup or mug.
2. Add hot water and stir.
3. Add more lemon juice and honey to taste.

You can also add a slice of ginger for a slight kick, or toss other nutritious spices into the mix, such as turmeric and cinnamon.

And even if you’re not on the brink of catching a cold or struggling to get rid of a sore throat, you’ll be all the healthier for making this honey and lemon combo part of your morning routine.

Honey and lemon complement each other in terms of both taste and health benefits. Combined, honey and lemon make for a delicious drink that’s chock-full of nutrients, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds.

Sources:

Healthline.com

SimplyRecipes.com