Whenever the long summer days started getting to an end and the weather started cooling down, I’d slow down, feel less motivated and definitely more sleepy. I’d go to the pharmacy to get vitamins with nasty ingredients. I knew there had to be a better way to boost my energy that would be less harmful to my body and good to the environment at the same time.
I've always been a fan of teas made out of fresh ingredients such as mint, ginger, or other herbs. I got into natural ingredients when I started going zero waste as prepackaged medicine and teas didn't fit into my lifestyle. I started experimenting with fresh ingredients and my favorite combination became a lemon/ginger/cinnamon tea that not only helps to energize my day but also prevent colds.
You can find all the ingredients at any grocery or health food store. Here’s all you need:
Lemon
+
Ginger
+
Cinnamon
+ Hot/Cold Water
Why Lemon?
Lemons are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant
Lemon juice can be used in teas, desserts, and on salads.
Let's look at some of the possible benefits of consuming lemons:
[Lemon water]
Lemon water has been promoted as having a wide range of benefits, from weight loss to relieving depression.
It is possible that various nutrients in lemon, if consumed in high enough quantities, may produce the various health benefits attached to lemon water.
However, the main benefit may be that consuming lemon water instead of juice reduces the intake of sugar, and that a person who drinks plenty of lemon water is less likely to be dehydrated!
Why Ginger?
Ginger has long been used for culinary and medicinal purpose.
Possible health benefits include reducing nausea, pain, and inflammation.
Ginger can be used to make tea, chopped or crushed in curries and savory dishes, and dried or crystalized in sweets and confectionary.
Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. However, some herbs and spices may offer additional health benefits. One of these is ginger.
[Ginger water]
Ginger water can be easily made at home and is a convenient way of consuming ginger for its potential health benefits. People have used ginger for thousands of years, as both a flavoring in foods and a natural remedy, to treat a variety of conditions, such as pain and nausea.
Scientific analysis shows that ginger contains hundreds of compounds and metabolites, some of which may contribute to health and healing. Of these, the gingerols and shogaols have been most extensively researched.
Why Cinnamon?
Cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years and is known for its health benefits.
You would have to eat very high amounts of cinnamon powder to experience any dangerous side effects.
Studies have shown that cinnamon does have an effect on blood glucose levels in those with type 2 diabetes.
Cinnamon's medicinal purposes date back to ancient times. In the past, it was used to help treat a number of medical conditions, including: respiratory illness, gynecological issues, digestive problems.
In more recent decades, it has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory and to help with improving cognitive function.
Check out other healthy recipes and ways to compost your food scraps.
source: Medical News Today