Lemon Ginger morning detox drink
Article by: Deborah from The Harvest Kitchen
This Lemon Ginger Morning Detox Drink is something that I’ve been making for years. Sometimes I drink it warm and sometimes I fill a couple of mason jars with it to keep in the refrigerator and drink it chilled. Years ago, a woman that I used to work with turned me on to this recipe. She told me that she drinks it every morning, so I decided to take up her ritual and make it my own. Today this woman is 78 years old and going strong. She still works at a full-time demanding job, and she works because she wants to, not because she has to. She does pilates every Saturday (she used to do ballet on Saturdays) and she’s as fit physically and mentally sharp as she was years ago when I first met her.
No, I’m not giving this drink all the credit to her good health…. this woman is totally into nutrition (she eats right and gets lots of exercise) and she may have pulled from a good gene pool.
But, since this post is about this Lemon Ginger Morning Detox Drink, let’s look at the run-down of all of the benefits for making this your morning ritual as well.
Lemons are an excellent source of Vitamin C, and they contain flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory that offers protection against colorectal cancer, it possibly induces cell death in ovarian cancers, and it gives a boost to your immune system. As for turmeric, it’s in the ginger family and it’s a great anti-inflammatory. It offers cardio protection, it helps lower bad cholesterol. It protects against Alzheimer’s disease, and it may help to prevent certain types of cancer, and studies have shown that it inhibits cancer cell growth and metastases (meaning it keeps cancer from spreading). I recently shared about the benefits of turmeric here.
Before I wrap this post up….I want to share something with you. I received a call the other day from my good friend, Malcolm with some really bad news. He has a 31 year old nephew who has just been diagnosed with Stage IV Stomach Cancer. Stage IV! His nephew is a paramedic so he’s physically fit. I’m sharing this news with you because I want you to know about Helicobacter Pylori. It is a major risk factor in developing stomach cancer. At any age. If you or anyone you know has any of these symptoms… an ache or burning pain in your abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, bloating or unintentional weight loss – you might want to get checked for Helicobacter Pylori. BUT….often times a person can be infected with pylori and have NO symptoms at all. They can test for it with a simple blood test during your next physical. And the treatment is a simple one – antibiotics and a couple of other meds for 10 days or so. And yes, there are other causes of stomach cancer as well…. but I’m guessing if you’re reading this site – you’re not eating a bunch of pickled, salty, nitrate rich foods. And I’m betting you don’t smoke either. I just want you to know about it in case you’ve never heard of it. It’s worth getting tested for it at your next physical or if you’re having any symptoms.
LEMON GINGER MORNING DETOX DRINK
yield: 2 servings
total time: 35 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
2-1/2 cups boiling water
1 organic Meyer lemon cut into slices
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons honey (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Bring the water to a boil.
Turm the heat off and add the lemon, ginger and turmeric.
Let steep for 30 minutes.
Strain and drink at room temperature or reheat (but don't bring to a boil).
