The Root of Health: Benefits of Ginger Water
Ginger is one of those spices across cultures that we just can’t seem to get enough of. Lucky for us, it does more than just make food and drinks taste amazing…it has a range of health benefits, too. And if you’re not so keen on cooking, no worries. Just adding ginger to your water can give you all you need.
THE CURE-ALL ROOT
Ginger, the root of a flowering plant, is loaded with nutrients that powerfully affect your body in a multitude of ways. Its claim to fame is its main component, gingerol, which is a bioactive compound accounting for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
In addition, ginger has been a long-time medicine used to combat nausea. Whether its sea sickness, vertigo, post-surgery, post-chemotherapy, or morning-sickness especially, ginger can help reduce upset stomach and nausea. Though, more research is needed to fully prove this, some smaller studies have suggested as much. And, if you are pregnant suffering from morning sickness, first consult your doctor on consuming large amounts of ginger.
Other conditions that ginger is said to benefit: chronic indigestion, menstrual pain in women, high cholesterol levels, infections, and more.
ADDING IT TO WATER
Many overlook how easy it can be to add ginger into your diet. You don’t have to cook an elaborate meal—just add it to your daily intake of water to reap its benefits! In most Asian cultures, this is just called ginger tea, as it’s consumed hot. But there are many ways you can enjoy this tasty, nutrient-dense drink. Here are a few of our favorites:
This is a basic recipe to which you can add other spices if you feel so inclined. Or, just keep it simple!
1 large lemon
1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger (rinsed, peeled)
2 cups boiling water (we recommend Primo® water!)
Begin bringing your water to a boil. In the meantime, slice lemon in half and juice each half thoroughly into serving mugs (half a lemon per mug). Leave the juiced lemon half in the mug for even more flavor infusion! Add sliced ginger to each mug and top with boiling water. Wait 5-10 minutes for the flavors to infuse, then enjoy. Store for up to 24 hours.
This recipe is inspired by Dominican culture, putting all the emphasis on ginger’s intense and yummy flavor. It’s more complicated but definitely worth it.
2 three-inch pieces of fresh ginger (peeled, shredded)
8 cups boiling water
6 freshly squeezed lemons
3 freshly squeezed limes
Sweetener to taste (we used honey, but it’s cook’s choice!)
Mint leaves
Ice (make it with Primo!)
Add boiling water to a heat-safe pitcher and add shredded ginger, letting steep for 15 minutes. Squeeze your lemons and limes thoroughly. Strain the ginger-water mixture into a bowl and add your sweetener. Adjust sweetener to taste. Place ice in the pitcher and add lemon and lime juice. Pour the ginger water back into the pitcher and give it a stir. Serve with lime slices and fresh mint. Enjoy up to 24 hours.
For an added kick to any recipe, include turmeric, cayenne, or black pepper. Not only do these spices give the drink some heat, but some added digestive benefit, too!
A PRIME ROOT DESERVES PRIMO
While you’re busy getting all the awesome benefits from ginger, don’t ruin it with bad water. Sources like your tap or bottled water can seriously impact your health. Often, tap water is riddled with harmful bacteria and heavy metals. And when you choose bottled water, you’re adding to the billions of tons of plastic that are polluting our oceans.
Your best option is to pick Primo® Water. We care about kickstarting healthy habits, but we also believe that starts with better, safer water for all. Our water undergoes a 5-step Reverse Osmosis (RO) purification process before it ever reaches your glass, much less your lips. That means the water is purified of harmful microorganisms, heavy metals, trace pharmaceuticals and more. At the end of the day, you’re getting water in its purest form that makes a big impact. Find Primo near you and get started today.