The infusion of ginger and lemon is highly recommended by alternative medicine as a treatment against bacterial processes such as those that may be related to a sore throat or the flu. In fact, it is quite common for grandmothers to recommend us to prepare this homemade infusion when we have a cold.
In addition, ginger root is also used in diets to lose weight, because it exhibits a thermogenic effect that would activate the metabolism, helping to burn calories.
Now, beyond the comforting of having a hot drink, how specifically can this combination help us feel better? And how is this infusion prepared? We tell you everything.
All the properties of the infusion of ginger and lemon
Antibacterial effect
Different studies have indicated that ginger extract has an antibacterial effect capable of inhibiting the growth of different bacteria, thus being recommended to combat various infectious processes.
On the other hand, lemon peel has proven antimicrobial activity. Although we have not found scientific data proving the same activity when talking about its juice, it is known that alternative medicine has been using it for centuries as a treatment for infectious diseases and also topically.
Fight indigestion
Ginger infusion is highly recommended in case of indigestion, do you know why? This is because the components of ginger root help to empty the stomach more quickly, thus avoiding discomfort associated with indigestion, such as gas.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Ginger infusion is highly recommended in case of gastritis and other inflammatory processes such as heartburn. Its anti-inflammatory effect is believed to be linked to the gingerols present in this substance.
On the other hand, specialists have pointed out that it helps reduce pain after exercise sessions. In fact, one study found that those who consumed 2 grams of ginger per day for 11 days significantly reduced muscle soreness after physical exercise.
Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce the pain and symptoms of those suffering from osteoarthritis.
Relieves menstrual pain
Ayurvedic medicine uses ginger to treat, among other ailments, menstrual cramps. The active gingerols present in the root would be responsible for the calming effect.
Antioxidant
Today it is very fashionable to talk about antioxidants. These are molecules that fight free radicals, helping to prevent oxidative stress that leads to the appearance of different diseases (cardiovascular, degenerative and even cancer). Well, the infusion of ginger with lemon is loaded with these components thanks to its ingredients.
Lemon is a natural source of vitamin C, a recognized antioxidant. In turn, the gingerols in ginger also have proven activity in this regard, that is, consuming ginger and lemon infusion would help protect our body from the diseases mentioned above.
Antispasmodic and antinausea
During pregnancy, it is common to receive the advice to drink an infusion of ginger to fight against the dreaded and annoying morning sickness. This is due to the anti-spasmodic and anti-nausea power of this root.
A small study showed that consuming ginger helps fight these ailments, while also helping to combat bloating and heartburn after binge eating. Also, it is believed that ginger infusion would help combat nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy sessions.
Controls blood sugar and cholesterol levels
Although the related research is quite new and the data is therefore not conclusive, everything seems to indicate that consuming ginger may help control blood sugar levels. An investigation concluded that those who consumed 2 grams of this root per day had a 12% lower blood sugar level.
For its part, existing data suggests that regular consumption of ginger would be an ally to keep “bad” cholesterol at bay.
Potential anticancer activity
Specialists have been analyzing for years the possible effect of gingerols against cancer. Some research has suggested that it would help prevent or suppress the growth of cancer cells of different types of cancer such as lymphomas, breast, skin or liver cancer. However, more studies in humans would be necessary to obtain reliable results.
Reduces the risk of vascular diseases
The infusion of ginger and lemon protects against vascular diseases by regulating cholesterol and blood sugar levels, two important risk markers for heart disease. In addition, according to data from a specialized publication, the flavonoids present in lemon are associated with a reduced risk of ischemic vascular accident.
On the other hand, consumption of lemon and other citrus fruits has also been linked to controlled blood pressure. Remember that high blood pressure is closely related to cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it could be inferred that consuming lemon would protect against these.
Increase defenses
Grandmothers and mothers always recommend drinking natural juices and consuming citrus fruits due to their vitamin C content. And they are right: vitamin C helps to increase defenses, preventing diseases such as colds and alleviating symptoms when we suffer from them.
Helps lose weight
The inclusion of both lemon and ginger is recommended in diets to lose weight as it is believed that they speed up metabolism, allowing weight loss.
How to prepare ginger and lemon infusion
There are many combinations of ginger infusion: with honey, with green tea, with turmeric, with mint… There are many options. Specifically speaking of the elaboration of the ginger and lemon infusion, we recommend you use:
- 1/2 dessert spoon of grated fresh ginger
- 250 ml of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Optional: honey to taste
Preparation:
- Boil the water
- Peel and grate the ginger.
- Infuse the ginger for 10 minutes
- Strain and add lemon and honey, if desired.
The lemon will help to tone down the spice of the ginger a bit, making this infusion more suitable for all palates. Do you dare to try this infusion of ginger and lemon? It is delicious and very healthy.