For all those people who love an herbal tea when they get up or in the middle of the afternoon, the ginger infusion with lemon can be a healthy option to insert from time to time.
It is a drink with a delicious taste and a spicy touch which, in addition, Contains no caffeine or other stimulating compounds.
Due to its ingredients, it can have some positive effects on the body as well. Yes, OK it is advised to be cautious and not to take it as a healing remedy. Below we will tell you more details and teach you how to prepare it in a simple way.
Ginger and lemon, two ingredients with a long medicinal use
Ginger and lemon are two common ingredients in the kitchens of many homes. Both are known for their culinary uses. but they are also part of a large number of home remedies.
Lemon is the fruit of the lemon tree, a tree native to China where it has been cultivated for more than 2500 years. Over the centuries it has spread throughout the Mediterranean basin and the American continent.
It is a very versatile fruit in the kitchen as it goes well with many preparations. Furthermore, it serves as a condiment for all types of infusions to which it adds an extra flavor and a touch of acidity.
For his part, Ginger is one of the most popular spices in the world. Originally from Central and Southeast Asia, it has been used in folk medicine in these regions for centuries.
Historical doctors and pharmacologists such as Dioscórides or Hildegarda de Bingen also mention it as an important ingredient for health.
It not only provides nutrient compounds but also contains interesting phytochemicals and polyphenols which may have some positive actions for the body.
7 benefits and properties of ginger and lemon infusion
As a result of the nutritional composition of both foods, its intake can provide some positive effects on the body.
However, it must be taken into account that, in order to evaluate them, many of the studies have been carried out with animals. Likewise, in some cases, the listed properties derive from the use of extracts or some of their parts (peel, seeds, etc.).
With these observations we can hypothesize some benefits and properties for health, but the concrete effect of this long-term infusion lacks scientific support.
1. Provides antioxidants
As pointed out by the Spanish Foundation for Nutrition (FEN), The most important nutritional characteristic of lemon is the presence of vitamin C.
Ascorbic acid (or vitamin C) is one of the compounds that helps protect the body from the damaging effect of free radicals. so they suggest the collected data by the United States National Institute of Health (NIH).
These compounds are generated naturally. But, like the authors of this publication of the magazine Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, when they are in excess they can cause cellular and tissue damage.
Consequently, the oxidative stress they cause is at the beginning of some non-communicable diseases. This is the case of cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer or premature ageing.
2. Improve iron absorption
Second a publication from the New York Academy of Sciences, vitamin C improves the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
3. Supports immune function
Another of the actions of vitamin C in the body is to support the activity of cells of the immune system. That’s how they indicate it the authors Carr and Maggini for the magazine Nutrients.
On the one hand, it is necessary for maintain an adequate and sustained response to the presence of pathogens. Furthermore, it also protects the tissues from possible excessive damage.
THE last tests seems to support this property. After research with mice, its authors suggest that daily intake of this infusion activates the immune system.
4. Promotes the action of the digestive system
This is one of the best-known actions derived from the use of ginger root. Among the many possible effects in this sense, has been shown to be effective in improving nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy and chemotherapy.
This is suggested by the authors of a review of scientific articles published in 2019. Likewise, it is emphasized that it also improves stomach emptying and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
However, more studies are needed to verify that it is valid in conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome or gastroenteritis.
5. Protects the cardiovascular system
As put by a magazine study Nutrition carried out on 4,628 people, the daily consumption of ginger can have positive effects when it comes to preventing cardiovascular risk.
In particular, it has preventive properties against arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease.
Moreover, as the authors point out Chin and Mustafa, part of this effect is due to its antioxidant action. As we have seen, this is essential in preventing problems related to oxidative stress.
For their part, the flavonoids present in lemon can improve blood lipid levels, blood vessel function, blood pressure and fat metabolism.
That is why the data published in the magazine Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity indicate a possible protective action against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. However, the authors stress the need to provide more evidence in this regard.
6. May increase heat production and satiety
Applied studies with men suffering from obesity suggest that ginger intake has a thermogenic effect. This means that it can increase body temperature and promote certain metabolic reactions.
Furthermore, a greater feeling of satiety and a reduction in hunger are also observed. However, it should be noted that these results have only been obtained with the use of ginger powder and have not been tested on non-obese people or women.
As for this topic, there a review of studies most recent. Its authors conclude that, with the current data, it can be pointed out that ginger intake improves parameters such as body weight and waist-to-hip ratio.
7. Soothe the respiratory system
Drinking a hot drink in case of congestion or a cold is a common practice in many people. Not only is it comforting, but certain ingredients may provide symptom relief.
As seen in a magazine article Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals , ginger softens and supplies hydration to the airways. In this way it can improve coughs, colds and inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Lemon ginger infusion: how is it prepared?
One of the best ways to combine the benefits of lemon and ginger is to prepare an infusion. This drink is very popular when it comes to getting all the properties of plants, herbs, flowers and fruits. Also, its preparation is very simple.
ingredients
- 1 piece of ginger root, about 2 cm, peeled.
- 1 cup of water (200-250 milliliters).
- The juice of half a lemon.
- Honey, to taste).
Preparation
- Cut the ginger into slices. If you prefer, you can also grate it.
- Next, heat the water in a small pot and add the ginger. Let it boil for 4 or 5 minutes.
- After this time, turn off the heat and let it rest for another 3 or 4 minutes. Then, strain the contents into a cup, add lemon juice and it’s ready to drink.
Possible adverse effects of ginger infusion with lemon
For the general population both ingredients are considered safe. This provided that they are taken in moderate quantities (not exceeding those considered food) and for short periods of time.
However, the use of ginger has some precautions that should be taken into consideration:
- An intake of more than 4 grams per day can cause side effects: gastric disorders, depression of the nervous system or allergic reactions (among others). These caveats are mentioned in the documents by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- In the case of pregnant women, as indicated by the specialists of the Mount Sinai Hospital, should not exceed the amount of 1 gram per day. Also, before using it, it is advisable to consult the gynecology team.
- From this same body, they highlight other cases in which it is inadvisable to take ginger without first talking to your doctor: People with gallbladder stones, those who are awaiting surgery or procedures under anesthesia and have bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinner medications.
Finally, it is essential to take this into account this drink does not cure any health condition and that, in no case, does it replace a pharmacological treatment or a consultation with the doctor.
Try the ginger and lemon infusion
If you like to enjoy a hot drink throughout the day, you can try adding this infusion to your favorite repertoire.
Taken as directed, without misusing it and within the framework of healthy lifestyle habits; It has some positive effects on the body.
However, the studies on the benefits it may represent are not conclusive, so it is advisable to be cautious and take it as one more infusion that can be enjoyed in moderation.
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