My absolute favorite morning drink is something I call Lemon Ginger Zinger. Not only does it taste good, it also warms me up on a cold winter morning. I’ve even used it to ward off the early stages of colds and sore throats on several occasions.
Basically it’s just one cup of warm water with ½ of a lemon squeezed in (you can even grate in a little of the zest for added zing). Then grate in a little fresh ginger (or add a few shakes of ginger spice from your kitchen cabinet) plus a scant shake of cayenne pepper (that’s the zinger – it may sound like a strange idea at first but it does add an awesome zing). *For a sweeter, less spicy variation, check the recipe below.
Here’s a list of health benefits of drinking lemon water in the morning:
- Boosts the immune system (morning dose of vitamin C and potassium)
- Improves digestion (think of it as a fresh morning flush)
- Rehydrates you after a full night’s sleep
- Natural flush (benefitting your liver, stomach acid production and bile production)
- Healthier skin (from Vitamin C, potassium and good old H2O)
- Can assist you in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight (scientific study shown here).
Note: Be sure to protect the enamel on your teeth by rinsing your mouth thoroughly, after drinking lemon water. Since the lemon can temporarily soften enamel, be sure to wait 20 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Recipe: Warm Lemon Ginger Zinger – (I like to use organic produce and spices whenever possible).
1 C warm water
½ lemon (squeeze the juice plus add a little lemon, zest if desired)
¼ inch grated fresh ginger – or a few shakes of ginger spice
1 scant shake of cayenne pepper (optional)
*For a sweet, less spicy variation: omit the cayenne pepper and add a couple of drops of honey.
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