Ginger Lemon Tea
Ginger is often found in many Asian and Indian dishes, and is touted for relieving digestive problems, serving as an anti-inflammatory, and boosting immune action. Phenolic compounds in ginger have long been known to relieve gastric irritation and suppress gastric contractions. Ginger also relieves nausea, motion sickness, and seasickness, with some studies demonstrating ginger’s effectiveness over some commonly used over-the-counter medications. Gingerols are potent anti-inflammatory substances found in ginger, and many people attest to their benefit in relieving inflammation related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies also show that gingerols can inhibit the growth of or kill cancer cells. As if that wasn’t enough to have to incorporating ginger into your everyday life, ginger is also an antiviral, which helps the body fight against illness and the germs that cause common colds.
Consuming Asian or Indian dishes to get the benefit of ginger may not be the best choice for our bariatric patients. For bariatric patients, keeping their caloric intake within the range necessary to promote weight loss is priority. For Dr. Shillingford’s gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients seeking the benefits of ginger without the calories of eating Asian or Indian dishes, ginger tea can be a good choice. While ginger tea is available from the grocery store, making your own with fresh ginger will undoubtedly provide more active compounds and more benefits. This recipe is good for 2 servings, and can be customized to your tastes. Skip the cinnamon if you like, or try mint leaves instead. Either way you get the benefit of ginger with a small amount of calories.
Ingredients:
2 cups filtered water
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1 tbsp honey
½ lemon, juiced and cut 2 slices of peel
1 cinnamon stick
Directions:
- Set water to boil in a saucepan.
- While you are waiting for it to boil, peel the fresh ginger with a vegetable peeler. Grate or peel the ginger.
- Once you water is boiling, turn it off and add your ginger and cinnamon stick.
- Let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Add lemon juice, lemon peel, and honey.
- Serve hot, or refrigerate to enjoy it cold.
This recipe is offered by Dr. Shillingford, M.D., P.A., a board certified surgeon specializing in laparoscopic and obesity surgery. Dr. Shillingford’s sleeve gastrectomy, lap band, and gastric bypass patients come from all over South Florida, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Parkland, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. His bariatric patients are often seeking ideas for food and drinks that are both low in calories and offer nutritional benefits to help them lose weight and stay healthy.
