Let's face it, 2021 has thrown a lot at us and we are all on hyper alert for building and maintaining a strong and healthy immune system...This little power couple, we call Gingon, see what we did there ;), AKA Ginger and Lemon are pack a lot in to a small package when it comes to helping fight of colds, flu and infection.
Lemon and ginger have long been incorporated into warm beverages and herbal teas. This combination was traditionally used to soothe the digestive system, settle the stomach and relieve mild nausea. It was also thought to be a support to the immune system, making it an important winter wellness drink. These days, we know a lot more about each of the key ingredients and the benefits they can provide.
- Lemon is a source of Vitamin C, which is an important vitamin for supporting the immune system and helping to protect cells from free radical damage. Lemon therefore makes a great addition to meals and hot drinks, particularly during the winter months.
- Lemon is a natural diuretic that helps purge unwanted water weight. It also causes your stomach to pucker when consumed, so your stomach is smaller for a time. That means if you drink it before a meal, you will feel full after eating less food.
- Lemon also freshens your breath, boosts your immunity, improves your skin, and helps with digestion, among many other benefits.
- Ginger root is well-known for its warming properties and for supporting healthy circulation, thought to be due to its mild spice. It is also used as a natural alternative to ease nausea, settle the stomach and soothe digestion.
- Ginger works as a detoxifier, helping remove unwanted chemicals from your body. It is also known to improve digestion, suppress your appetite, and keep your metabolism fired-up all day.
- The powerful healing properties in ginger have a long list of health benefits including cancer prevention and increasing your sex drive.
Know you know WHY you should be incorporating lemon and ginger in to your seasonal diet, here are a few ideas as to HOW to incorporate them in to your meals.
Ginger and Lemon Tea
Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1 cup hot water
• 2-3 teaspoons raw honey (skip this ingredient if using as a detox tea)
Instructions
- Boil water in a kettle.
- Use a large coarse grater to shave fresh ginger into a mug. Place a wedge of fresh lemon in the mug. You can place both in a tea infuser to strain the tea if you like. Pour boiling water into the cup and let the lemon and ginger steep for 5 minutes before serving.
- Add honey to taste if drinking for enjoyment. Skip the honey (or use very little) if drinking as a detox tea.
- Make an entire pot: Make as instructed above using 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger, 1 small sliced lemon or 1/2 large lemon, 6 cups boiling water, (optional) 4-5 tablespoons honey.
What is this tea good for?
Relief from Nausea and Indigestion
- Motion Sickness
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Both ginger and lemon assist with the better absorption of food, preventing post meal belching and bloating
Lowers the effects of diabetes:
Drinking lemon and ginger tea can reduce kidney damage related to diabetes.
The high levels of zinc found in ginger play a prime role in the production and secretion of insulin. = better blood sugar control.
Improve skin and hair
- Rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins which are beneficial for healthy, glowing skin, hair and health.
- Improvements in digestion can result in smooth and flawless skin.
- Antibacterial and antiseptic properties protect skin from outbreaks and infections.
- Vitamin A and C are recommended in plenty for those with hair issues, as they combat the production of DHT in the scalp that in turn triggers hair growth.
Lemon-ginger Salt
This zesty lemon ginger salt is a wonderful addition to fish, buttered corn or popcorn.
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup grated lemon zest (from about 5 large lemons)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Method:
Preheat oven to 200°. Pulse salt, lemon zest and ginger in a food processor until blended. Transfer to an 8-in. square baking dish. Stir in lemon juice. Bake, stirring occasionally, until dry, 20-25 minutes. Cool completely. Stir with a fork to break up. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Honey & Ginger Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
• 1-1/2 pounds fresh carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Directions
• Place carrots in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook, covered, 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and return to pan.
• Add raisins, honey, butter, lemon juice, ginger and salt; cook and stir 4-5 minutes longer or until carrots are tender. Just before serving, sprinkle with almonds.
Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
FROSTING:
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
• Preheat oven to 180°C. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and molasses. In another bowl, whisk the next 8 ingredients; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
• Shape into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake until tops are cracked, 8-10 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• For frosting, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add remaining ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost cookies. Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Lemon Ginger Energy Balls
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cup oatmeal quick cooking
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter no sugars added
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup real
• 3 stevia 100% stevia with no fillers
• lemon zest zest from 2 lemons divided in half
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
• 2 teaspoons ginger fresh finely grated
• 1 teaspoon tumeric
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. First, add the oats to your food processor and process until a fine flour forms. Toss in the raw cashews and pulse until finely ground as well.
2. Add all remaining ingredients except for half of the lemon zest to the food processor and pulse until a thick, uniform dough forms. This will take about a minute or two.
3. Use a 2 tbsp scoop to measure out each ball, and roll each ball in between your hands until it forms an even circle. Roll each ball in the other half of the lemon zest to coat lightly.
4. Store these bites in the fridge for up to 10 days, or in the freezer for up to a month. If you opt for the freezer, let each ball thaw for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.
