Refreshing Ginger Iced Tea

The hot summer months are here, and it’s really important to stay hydrated for increased energy and to help keep weight down. One of my favourite things to make is ginger iced tea.

Ginger is high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-microbial (helps kill bacteria). It also stimulates circulation which means it helps to cleanse and detoxify the blood, helps to lower cholesterol, may help to prevent heart attacks; relieves indigestion; is excellent for nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness; helps with constipation; helps with hot flashes; relieves headaches; reduces arthritic pain; and supports kidney health. Ginger is also high in potassium which makes it alkalizing, helping to reset the metabolism.

Here are some refreshing ways that I use ginger for its beneficial properties and also as a great way to increase my hydration levels.

Recipe: Ginger Iced Tea

1. Wash and peel a chunk of ginger. (I use a big chunk because I really enjoy the spiciness of it). Then, cut into 5 or 6 pieces.
2. Fill a pot with clean water. Add the ginger. Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover.
3. I like to let it sit on the stove with the heat off all day so it becomes really strong. (Best to do this in the morning before you leave the house, so you can make a fresh drink to wind down your day.)
4. A few hours later or when back home, when the water has cooled down. Strain the ginger water into a pitcher.
5. Add a few drops of stevia if you wish for natural sweetness, and then squeeze some fresh lemon into the mixture (half to one whole lemon depending on your preference). Make sure you use FRESH lemon; the bottled version has chemicals added to it.
6. Store in the fridge if you would like it nice and cold.

This recipe can also be good as a hot tea. Sometimes I like to add sparkling water and lime instead of lemon, and I call it ginger beer!!

Refreshing, hydrating, and healthy, of course!