Ginger Lemonade Recipe – Healthy Summer Drink

Today we’re gonna make an easy homemade Ginger Lemonade recipe. It’s a really simple, but healthy and refreshing drink that will keep you toned, fresh, hydrated and full of energy throughout the summer (or any other season for that matter).

This is a wonderful sparkling, bubbly honey ginger lemonade recipe I make with fresh ginger-infused in hot water for a few minutes – and fresh lemon juice, subtly softened with honey, and topped with sparkling water.

It’s immensely refreshing from the first sip and ideal for the hot summer days, I’ve tested and approved it myself in the recent few weeks. It is also a healthy summer drink, which brings you the benefits of ginger, lemon juice and honey to ward off those strange summer colds that we sometimes catch.

But, first lets see what are the benefits of each of the main ingredients.

Ginger Health Benefits and Side Effects

The benefits of ginger are more than numerous. Discover the amazing health benefits of this food, but also the risks and dangers it carries.

Ginger Benefits

Ginger is effective in relieving bloating

If you suffer from bloating, sip some ginger tea or chew a small piece of it raw and peeled. You can also add one or two strips in your legume dishes, to reduce your flatulence and discomfort. Identify the reason for your bloating among the 10 most common causes.

The health benefits of ginger are multiple. The consumption of ginger carries certain risks and if its spicy taste is not unanimous, some of its virtues could nevertheless convince you to integrate it into your plate.

Ginger relieves pain

Studies suggest that taking ginger at the first signs of a migraine can help counteract pain by blocking inflammatory hormones. If Ginger is not enough, one of these other natural remedies could relieve you.

Other studies argue that ginger can help relieve arthritis-related pain. In one of these studies, subjects with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis took powdered ginger every day. The latter had less pain and swelling than participants who did not consume powdered ginger.

Ginger can prevent cancer

The promising benefits of ginger to better prevent cancer are many.

According to several studies, ginger may have anticancer properties. Researchers found that Ginger had eliminated cancerous ovarian cells. Another study also found that fresh ginger supplements can help reduce inflammation in the colon.

Arthritis-related pain relief

Promising effects of ginger to counteract pain related to osteoarthritis and arthritis

Consuming ginger could help to slightly reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Researchers have compared the effects of ginger to that of ibuprofen, but other scientific work has questioned this comparison and its pain-relieving effects in reducing arthritis-related pain.

That said, in several clinical studies, including one conducted at the University of Odense in Denmark on 56 subjects with arthritis or muscle pain, people who took ginger rhizome supplements for three months recorded a significant drop in the pain scale.

Further scientific studies must therefore be carried out regarding these specific virtues and benefits of ginger.

To better live with arthritis, also give preference to these foods.

Relief of nausea

Ginger helps relieve nausea.

The next time you get a virus or motion sickness, try ginger to relieve your stomach. One study showed that ginger was as effective as scopolamine, a prescription drug, in preventing motion sickness, without the side effects of drowsiness.

In 2011, in a laboratory study at the Pharmaceutical Institute of the Free University of Berlin, scientists discovered that some compounds in ginger adhere to the receptors of small intestine cells, thereby blocking the action of the body-induced chemicals that cause nausea, including serotonin.

Ginger tops the list of the best grandmother’s remedies for stomach upset.

Other studies on ginger and its effects on nausea :

Imagine yourself having lunch, blindfolded, while your chair turns on itself, going up and down like a wave ! That’s what 36 brave volunteers agreed to undergo in 1982 as part of an original Pennsylvania State University study that served to demonstrate the beneficial effects of ginger against motion sickness. According to researcher Daniel B. Mowrey, powdered dried ginger capsules had more effect than common drugs like Dramamine or Gravol (both dimenhydrinate-based), used for motion sickness.

Research conducted in 2003 at the University of Michigan appears to support the promising benefits of ginger to counter nausea. This time, 13 volunteers ate bacon and cheese sandwiches before sitting inside a rotating barrel, decorated with black and white stripes to amplify the feeling of discomfort! During the study, they took 1,000 to 2,000 mg of dried ginger rhizome in capsules: which decreased nausea by 40%. In addition, the intensity of nausea decreased twice as quickly, five minutes rather than ten, in the group that took ginger compared to the placebo group.

Finally, ginger also relieved digestive heaviness in 25% of cases, in a 2011 study by Taiwan’s Chang Gung University College of Medicine.

Ginger effects on blood sugar.

The benefits of ginger to lower blood sugar levels

A scientific study found that ginger powder reduces blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Watch your sugar levels carefully and consult your doctor to find out if ginger can interact with your medications. This 23 blood glucose info could save your life. In some cases, consumption of ginger could dangerously affect your insulin levels.

Possible Ginger Side Effects

Risks during pregnancy and lactation

The risks of ginger: a food that can lead to pregnancy complications

Scientific studies have suggested a link between ginger consumption and miscarriages. Some researchers have Associated it with pregnancy complications, while others have found no problem using it to relieve nausea. Always consult your doctor before taking supplements or using it to treat morning sickness. Be sure to also avoid these 6 types of foods during pregnancy.

Moreover, according to research, there is not yet enough scientific data to conclude that ginger consumption is safe when breastfeeding. In this sense, it is strongly advised to avoid ginger during breastfeeding in order to avoid unnecessary risks.

Possibility of inflammation

Another risk of ginger: it can cause oral inflammation which will really ruin your day and annoy you

Ginger can cause inflammation of the mouth and mucous membranes, which can cause discomfort and inflammation in the oral cavity when consumed in powder, in its natural state, or infusion, for example.

In case of inflammation or mouth ulcer, these remedies can relieve you.

Effects on blood clotting

Another risk of ginger: it can inhibit blood clotting

An Australian study has shown that ginger is a powerful anticoagulant, even more effective than aspirin. The National Institutes of Health warns patients taking blood thinning drugs not to consume ginger because of an increased risk of bruising or bleeding.

If you are taking a medicine to lighten the blood, avoid ginger. Similarly, if you suffer from heart disease, it is very dangerous to consume ginger. Check out the list of natural remedies and common medicines to never mix.

Scientific studies and data are not enough to conclude that ginger can really help relieve or cure many diseases.

It has not yet been scientifically proven that ginger can cure these ailments, diseases and conditions

According to the scientific sources, data remains insufficient to conclude that ginger has virtues or beneficial effects for several ailments, conditions and diseases, including:

• Chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting
• Diabetes
• Symptoms of the day after waking
• Cholesterol problems
• Insect bites
• Irritable bowel Syndrome
• Joint pain
• Migraine
• Muscle pain after exercise
• Recovery after surgery
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Anorexia
• Baldness
• Bleeding
• Toothache
• Loss of appetite
• Cold and flu

In addition, note that the consumption of ginger can cause in some people stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea and intestinal discomfort.

More Advantages of using ginger

Important: always consult your doctor before taking any natural supplement or food.

Ginger can be consumed in various forms. You can take it as a herbal tea by brewing 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger rhizome in boiling water. Strain and sweeten.

You can also find ginger as a nutritional supplement in the form of dried ginger capsules; follow the dosage well. Make sure you know which dietary supplements are effective or not.

You can finally chew some homemade candied ginger. A piece of 2.5 cm is equivalent to 500-1000 mg of dried ginger.

Lemon health benefits

Probably from the Kashmir region on the borders of China and India, the lemon then arrived in the Middle East, and will be cultivated for a long time and then spread by the Arabs throughout the Mediterranean basin. A true Southern fruit, very cultivated in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Full of antioxidants

Like all citrus fruits, lemon is among the Champions of antioxidant polyphenols, including flavonoids and limonoids. Combined with vitamin C, also present in the fruit (51 mg / 100 g), these antioxidants seem to protect against certain cancers, especially those of the stomach and larynx, but also of the colon. Flavonoids are also said to be able to slow the proliferation of cancer cells (breast, stomach, lung, mouth, colon…) and decrease metastases.

Several international studies have also shown a preventive action against cardiovascular pathologies, reducing hypercholesterolemia, but also improving coronary vasodilation and decreasing the aggregation of blood platelets thanks, in particular, to flavonoids.

Ideal for reducing chronic inflammation

If the Lemon seems acidic, in reality it paradoxically exerts, thanks to its organic acids (citric acid, in particular), a basifying (or alkalizing) effect in the body. Indeed, these combine with potassium to form bicarbonates, which naturally compensate for the natural acidity of the body, increased by our meat diet and rich in cereals or dairy products (all of which are acidifying).

This property not only preserves calcium capital (undermined by acidity), but actively fights against chronic latent inflammation of the organism and its procession of associated pathologies (osteoporosis, kidney failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, muscle wasting, kidney stones…).

The consumption of citrus juice, including that of lemon, would also be able, in men, to slow down the symptoms related to disorders of the lower urinary tract (difficulty urinating or incontinence, often linked to an enlarged prostate). A study conducted on more than 4,000 people over 5 years in Boston (Bach cohort) showed a halving of the progression of their symptoms (an effect that could not be found in women).

Everything is good in lemon actually!

Citrus fruits are also rich in pectin, this small white skin located between the flesh and the colored part of the bark. Since it is rich in soluble fiber (satiating and reducing cholesterol), it is in the best interest to consume it and not peel the fruit too abruptly! Also beneficial are the seeds, which are rich in antioxidants, as well as the bark of the fruit: if it is difficult to eat them, on the other hand, even if it does not seem usual, recommend putting the fruit (whole and organic) in an extractor to collect the maximum of nutrients.

This is what industrial juice manufacturers do, which is an asset (but not for vitamin C, which is really fragile). In essence, the lemon sees its virtues multiplied because it is extremely concentrated : it then becomes very tonic and anti-fatigue (2 drops in 1 spoonful of honey in the morning), and helps the body fight against winter diseases.

Some of the Health Benefits of Lemonade

* True champion of antioxidant polyphenols. It protects against certain cancers, but also cardiovascular diseases and reduces cholesterol levels.

* Anti-inflammatory. It reduces the acidity of the body and removes diseases of inflammatory origin.

* A lot of pectin (contained in its small white skin) and is rich in fiber and antioxidants.

How to choose the best lemons?

* Lime is in the same fruit family of the lemon species and is actually a predecessor of lemons. They both come from the West Indies, Mexico or North America, and are extremely fragrant but lime is often a little less juicy.

• It is better to buy it organic, which allows you to use its zest (it would be a pity to lose it because the zest of the lemon and other citrus fruits is full of flavors, vitamins and beneficial oils!) .You can even toss the entire fruit to the blender or juice extractor, to fully enjoy its benefits.

Nutrition. 34 Cal/100 g (fresh lemon pulp) • fat 0.3 g • carbohydrates 2.45 g • protein 0.8 g * fiber 2 g

So, after we got to know a bit more about the risks and benefits of ginger and lemon: here’s how to properly use and consume these gifts of nature.

Easy Homemade Sparkling Ginger Lemonade with Honey Recipe

This ginger lemonade is obviously very easy to prepare – we are not going to complicate our lives unnecessarily. I am simply offering you a recipe because I have tested different versions before getting the right ratio between the ingredients, and the right duration of infusion of ginger, so let me save you this effort. That said, you might prefer your lemonade a little sweeter — I love what’s acidic — so feel free to adjust accordingly.

If you like sparkling water as much as I do, but don’t like to carry it home or recycle all those plastic bottles, you might want to (make) yourself a Sodastream fountain, which makes it possible to gasify the fresh water at the push of a button.

We’ve had ours for years — a great gift from my sister and brother-in — law-and it always brings me the same joy every time I use it. (Well, actually, I don’t use it much anymore these days, because my sons are arguing about this privilege.)

And if you or one of your friends does not drink alcohol, this lemonade is also a very good option as an aperitif.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

Makes for about 1 liter.

Ingredients

• 1 piece of ginger 5 cm, about 40 g, cut into thin slices (no need to peel it)
• 3 tbsp artisanal organic honey or agave  syrup (or other sweetener of your choice)
• 3 organic lemons
• 600 ml of carbonated water stored in the refrigerator (optional)
• Ice cubes, to serve (optional)

Instruction

1. Put the ginger in a heat-resistant bowl and add 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 15 minutes.
2. Remove the ginger slices, add honey and mix to dissolve.
3. Squeeze the juice from 2 of the lemons and add their juice to the bowl. You should have about 350 ml in total.
4. Cover and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can prepare this mixture a few hours in advance.
5. When ready to serve, cut the last lemon into thin slices. Fill glasses up to a quarter with the lemon-ginger mixture, add a slice of lemon, and top with the soda water.

Enjoy!

You can add a few fresh mint leaves or a stick of ceylon cinnamon for ever better taste and benefits.

Even if, in the summer, I drink rather with cold herbal teas without sugar, once in a while I love to make barely sweet drinks that appeal to a wider audience.
This one may not please the younger ones with the piquant side of ginger, although, very sincerely, if you do not infuse ginger for too long, thanks to the small amount of sugar, the drink is not at all piquant and really very refreshing.

Those who had enjoyed ginger beer should just as much enjoy this ginger lemon recipe, even if I find it a bit more refreshing.

In these hot summer days, you can also try the iced coffee latte or frappé, fig water with orange blossom, the Strawberry mojito which can also be made in “virgin” version without alcohol and of course the ginger beer (non-alcoholic drink) which I mentioned above.

Some tips for making the recipe :

You can choose to add still or carbonated water. I prefer with still water. If you like bubbles, reduce the infusion water and add more sparkling water when adding the supplement.

To preserve the vitamins of lemon juice, wait until the ginger/zest mixture has completely cooled to add the juice of the lemons and squeeze them at the last moment.

You don’t have to infuse the zest. Personally, what I like about Lemon is mostly the scent of zest, but it brings a tiny bit of bitterness (hardly if you don’t boil the water) and it might displease some.

If you want a more “full-bodied” and fragrant ginger lemonade you can boil the zest and (or) ginger with water for a minute or two. Be careful all the time, because the Lemonade will be much stronger in taste and effects as it’s a fresh and not boiled version of the drink.

Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. I find that this ginger Lemonade recipe is well balanced but some may prefer with more sugar and others with less. You can also replace sugar with a substitute, I recommend using birch sugar also called xylitol which is the most neutral sugar, in my opinion, in terms of taste and glycemic index or agave syrup. You can also try adding some homemade pomegranate syrup too.

You can also make this lemonade with lime. Despite my love of lime, I actually prefer and mostly make this ginger lemonade recipe with the lemon.

At the first symptoms of flu or runny nose, I recommend consuming this hot preparation by replacing sugar with honey(this is actually the recipe for invigorating herbal tea). I assure you that it is super effective for snacking and that it is delicious.

Have you made this easy ginger lemonade recipe at home before? Let me know in the comments below.