Keeping your gut healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. Many ingredients in your kitchen serve multiple purposes for cooking and creating delicious drinks. Today I’ll share my recipe for a spicy nonalcoholic beverage I created this morning for a tasty treat!
Lemon Benefits
Lemons are believed to have originated in Asia, particularly in regions like India and China. They were first cultivated in the Middle East and spread to Europe and the Americas over time.
In ancient Egypt, lemons were used for their medicinal properties. They were also noted by Greek and Roman writers for their health benefits and as a symbol of luxury and purification.
Lemons are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports immune function, helps in the repair of tissues, and acts as an antioxidants. Lemon juice can stimulate the production of digestive juices, aid in digestion, and alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating. Lemons are thought to aid in detoxification by supporting liver function and promoting hydration.
Lemons have a rich history of use and continue to be valued for their broad range of health benefits.
Cayenne Benefits
Cayenne pepper has a rich history of use across various cultures both in food and medicine. Indigenous peoples in the Americas have used cayenne pepper for thousands of years, both as a spice and for its medicinal properties. It was integral to their diet and traditional medicine
Cayenne has also been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicines as an oral remedy for stomach problems, poor appetite, and circulatory problems. It has also been applied to the skin for arthritis and muscle pain.
The hot and spicy taste of cayenne pepper is mostly due to a substance known as capsaicin, which helps reduce pain.
Capsaicin has powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the skin. It reduces the amount of substance P, a chemical that carries pain messages to the brain, in your body. When there is less substance P, the pain messages no longer reach the brain, and you feel relief.
These historical uses reflect its long-standing value in culinary and medicinal practices across different cultures.
Ginger Benefits
Ginger has been used for over 5,000 years. It was a staple in ancient Chinese and Indian medicine, where it was valued for its healing properties. Greek and Roman texts mention ginger as a medicinal herb. It was used to treat digestive issues and as a spice in cooking.
Ginger is well-known for its ability to relieve nausea, motion sickness, and indigestion. It stimulates digestion and helps alleviate bloating and gas.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Ginger contains antioxidants and can boost the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses. Ginger can also improve circulation and may help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health. The antioxidants in ginger help protect cells from oxidative damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine and continues to be valued for its wide range of health benefits.
Recipe
1 packet Lemon Tea (steeped in 4 oz water)
1 tsp honey added & stir into tea while steeping
Fill a glass with ice, pour tea over to chill & add ice to keep glass full
1 tbsp lemon juice
5-8 dashes of hot sauce (I prefer cayenne based)
Top with 4-6 oz of ginger beer
Stir slowly
Add fresh lemon slices for garnish
Conclusion
Keeping our diets full of nutritious whole foods while adding in nutritious-dense supplements can keep our bodies strong and healthy. The benefits of many everyday kitchen ingredients can be a surprising addition to our toolbelt of home remedies that can also be fun experiments.
Hope you enjoy this recipe!
Lee