13 Ancient Food Pairings Science Finally Caught Up With

12. Green Tea + Lemon

Green tea contains catechins—antioxidant molecules that have been studied for health effects. Adding lemon introduces vitamin C and acid, which can change how catechins behave in the digestive tract and may increase the tea’s antioxidant activity in the gut. Practically, a squeeze of lemon also improves flavor for many people, encouraging consumption. While research into how much nutritional benefit comes from lemon versus other factors is still evolving, the pairing is a practical way to boost enjoyment and possibly increase bioactive stability. For people who sip brewed green tea daily, a little citrus is an easy habit that blends taste with a plausible physiological benefit.