Ginger is one оf my favorite ingredients. I use it in all kinds оf things from marinades fоr meat and fish tо stir-fries and desserts tо tea. So you can imagine I was happy to discover scientific research shows thiѕ fabulous ingredient is not just big оn flavor, but also provides therapeutic properties. I’vе always known ginger settles thе tummy including gas, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn not tо mention calming the intestinal tract. However, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties including gingerol, shogaol, zingerone, and paradol, whatever that iѕ. Аs a result, ginger water can assist in many areas оf health. Here’s how ginger helps improve your health and a refreshing recipe for ginger water to get your daily dose.
Using Ginger As An Anti-inflammatory
Ginger decreases inflammation, providing relief from inflammatory diseases like arthritis. In fact, ginger performed just as well as diclofenac, a drug commonly prescribed to treat osteoarthritis. Not only is it effective, but it is also safer.
Ginger For Pain
Ginger can also assist in pain relief for osteoarthritis patients. One study found a highly purified and standardized ginger extract reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Ginger also provided migraine relief just as effectively as the drug sumatriptan. After just two hours, the severity of the headache decreased, and adverse effects were reduced. According to the American Pain Society, taking raw and heat-treated ginger daily provided moderate-to-large pain reductions in exercise-induced muscle injury patients.
Ginger To Boost The Immune System
According to the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, ginger extract:
- Enhanced thyroid gland in males
- Enhances red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels in male smokers
- Enhances immunoglobin levels in non-smokers
As well, the study shows stronger antibody response could fight against infections in those with enhanced immunoglobin levels. (8)
How To Make Ginger Water
It takes just a few simple ingredients to create a refreshing drink to enjoy throughout the day. In just an hour, this yummy ginger water is ready to strain and serve. (1)
Ingredients:
- 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root or 3 drops of high-quality ginger essential oil
- 3 cups of purified water
- 1/2 lemon
- Raw, organic honey to sweeten to taste if desired
Steps:
- Finely grate the ginger.
- Add 2-3 cups of water and lemon juice.
- Add raw honey to taste if you wish to sweeten your water.
- Leave the water at room temperature for an hour.
- Strain out the ginger and chill or drink at room temperature.
As mentioned I often enjoy ginger tea, but this offers a cooling drink ideal for the summer months. Even if you aren’t a big fan of ginger, it might be worth getting used to the taste to enjoy this healthy drink.