We have already told you that ginger is a superfood. In my case, I have been including it in my diet for years as if it were another species. I add it to infusions, rice dishes like this; of pasta; curries, such as chickpeas and mango; or even in the carrot cake, to which I add cinnamon, ginger, and a little clove. That is why when I read about “ginger water” , I did not think about it and I have already incorporated it into my daily life. We tell you what it is, how to prepare this drink at home and what its benefits are.
What is ginger water?
Ginger water is also known as ginger tea, and it is nothing more than an infusion with ginger root as the main ingredient.
Ginger Water Benefits
Ginger has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the presence of phytosterols, it is good for people with rheumatism and arthritis and helps pregnant women as it decreases nausea and vomiting. It also has minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium and zinc, and vitamins E, C and those of the B complex, especially folic acid, and contains essential oils such as citronella, lemongrass or caffeine.
Ginger, and therefore ginger water, also helps you recover your muscles after training as well as helping with muscle pain, menstrual cramps and improving migraine pain.
How ginger water helps with weight loss
According to a review of 60 studies published recently in The New York Academy of Science, “ginger and its main components have beneficial effects against obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and related disorders.”
This document describes how the root can help fat burning, carbohydrate digestion, and insulin secretion. Ginger has also been shown to inhibit oxidative stress (a form of cell aging), reduce cholesterol and blood pressure . Analyzed studies have suggested that consuming ginger can improve calorie burning and reduce feelings of hunger and that it is associated with weight loss in overweight adults. It has also been linked to positive changes in cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and liver health.
How to prepare ginger water at home
The best way to make ginger water at home is with ginger root. The properties are better preserved because it is a fresh product, and you will not have problems finding it. Virtually all greengrocers already have this product in their catalog. It can be consumed both cold and hot and the preparation is tremendously simple.
You will only need 1 liter of water, 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger (without the skin) and honey, a cinnamon stick, some mint leaves or a few slices of lemon, what you want to add if the flavor is too strong for you. Put the water to heat in a saucepan and when it starts to boil, remove from heat and add the ginger and if you want, cinnamon, mint or lemon. Let it infuse about 10 minutes and add a couple of tablespoons of honey (I take it without adding any sugar). Strain and keep in the fridge.
Any time is good to take the infusion, but in my case, I have become accustomed to consuming it first thing in the morning. Instead of drinking a glass of water on an empty stomach, I drink ginger water with lemon. But you can include it in your diet for example after workouts or with a healthy mid-morning snack.