GINGER TEA FOR THE HOLIDAYS
December 11, 2018
Pittsburgh Fitness Project
Ginger tea for the holidays? Last week, we talked about the wonderful properties of ginger. Ginger is among the healthiest spices on the planet. And in my opinion, one of the most delicious! It comes from a flowering plant originating in China. And is closely related to turmeric and cardamon. It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. Did your mom ever tell you to drink flat ginger ale or have some ginger tea for an upset stomach? That’s because ginger has been shown to reduce nausea and aid in digestion. Enjoy this quick ginger tea recipe, especially when you have a cold or upset stomach.
OTHER BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS: HONEY AND CINNAMON
Honey is a nice natural sweetener but also has antibacterial and cough suppressant effects. Honey naturally contains nutrients and enzymes. And it has a variety of health benefits and medical uses. It’s a great source of antioxidants. Not to mention has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. Several hospitals in Europe have used Manuka honey to fight methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacterial infection that’s become resistant to antibiotics. The effectiveness of honey as an antibacterial or antifungal depends on the type of honey.
If you like cinnamon, it has a lot of health benefits as well. Including anti-inflammatory and blood sugar lowering properties. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, which protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Like honey, cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties, yet it may cut your risk of heart disease too. And for those that suffer from diabetes, cinnamon can be a great ally. Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several other mechanisms. It has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose that enters your bloodstream after a meal. This greatly improves glucose uptake by your cells, though it acts much slower than insulin itself!
HOMEMADE GINGER TEA
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 1-2
1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger
2 cups water
1 Tbsp. raw honey
½ lemon, juiced
OPTIONAL
Fresh mint leaves
Pinch of cayenne pepper
DIRECTIONS
Peel the ginger root with a peeler or with the back of a spoon.
Grate the ginger with a grater/zester. If you slice it, slice it thin and use more.
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan then add the ginger plus the cinnamon, mint or pinch of cayenne if you are using it. Turn off heat. Put the lid on the pan and let it steep for 10 minutes.
Furthermore. strain the water to remove the ginger and cinnamon stick.
Add fresh lemon juice and honey to your tastes, if you like. Stir and enjoy!
If you want a cold tea, let your tea cool down, store it in the fridge and add ice cubes before serving.