The options are limitless: you can add blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, herbs like lavender and mint, and even veggies like cucumber.
However, if you are looking for real power drink, consider adding some ginger. This spice adds specific taste and provides numerous health benefits.
The Power of Ginger Water
Ginger is well-known for its potent effects on gastrointestinal issues. Being a carminative, it helps eliminate intestinal gas and treat heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. What`s more, it is also found to be intestinal spasmolytic, which means that it helps soothe and relax the intestinal tract.
However, ginger is not a remedy for stomach issues only! It has been also found to relieve migraines. According to a research, ginger works similarly to sumatriptan, a popular prescription drug which constricts blood vessels and inhibits the pain pathways in the brain.
Although drugs often provide immediate relief, in 40% of people the headache will return within 24 hours. Additionally, triptans cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, nausea, and serious issues like stroke, heart attacks, artery spasms, and even seizures.
In a double blind study, one group of people received 250 grams of dried ginger, while another group received 50mg of sumatriptan. It has been found that ginger was as effective as the drug, providing relief to staggering 90% of people within two hours.
Anti-Inflammatory Spice
Ginger`s ability to prevent the formation of inflammatory compounds and treat inflammation in tissues, muscles and joints is one of its best properties. As reported by Green Med Info, there are over 800 studies on the healing properties of ginger, 275 of which are related to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Gingerol, a chemical similar to piperine and capsaicin (the compounds that give black pepper and chill peppers their spiciness) is the one responsible for ginger`s anti-inflammatory properties.
According to two studies involving two groups of people, 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of people with muscular pain experienced relief from pain when using ginger.
Researchers at the University of Miami believe that ginger will eventually replace NSAIDs due to its potency and effectiveness. What`s more, ginger doesn’t cause any side effects which are typical for NSAIDs as it works on cellular level.
Ginger contains essential vitamins, such as A, C, E and beta-carotene, as well as B vitamins like pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5). It is an excellent source of copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and calcium. Ultimately, it contains over 50 antioxidants which fight off free radicals, which in turn boosts immunity and prevents various diseases.
How to Make Ginger Water
Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh, filtered water
- 1-2 inches fresh ginger root
- ½ freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Raw honey to taste
Instructions:
- Pour the water into a glass jar
- Grate the ginger with a zester and add it into the water
- Add the squeezed lemon juice
- Finally, add the honey and mix well
Use:
Drink the ginger water on a daily basis for preventative measures. To relieve symptoms, drink a couple of glasses during the day.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com
