Knock Knock Ginger

I've learned something in recent months that's been so beneficial, I simply must share.

Like me, you’ve probably heard or read about the benefits of ginger water. Last February, I decided to give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose? It’s inexpensive, easy to make, and tastes nice. Every article I read assured me it couldn’t hurt, and the potential benefits were staggering. Besides aiding digestion, the antioxidant properties of ginger may help to prevent heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and symptoms of aging. Some studies show it helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It can help you maintain a healthy weight and, of course, hydrate you because you’re taking it in water. Its ability to reduce inflammation covers a host of nastiness.

Not really expecting any obvious results, I started drinking it every day, determined to give it six weeks like the articles said. After about a month, one day it occurred to me. Nothing hurt! I woke up in the morning without aches and pains. I wasn’t stopping to stretch out sore muscles every half hour seeking relief, because nothing needed relief! When I did stretch, I could stretch farther. What had changed? The only thing I could think of was the ginger water. So I’ve stuck with it.

Here’s what I do. Ginger root is available in the produce section of your grocery store—don’t look for something pretty, or you’ll never find it. Last time I bought some, I paid seventy-two cents, and one piece goes a long way. At home, I cut off a chunk about the size of a ping pong ball, scrub it under running water, and thinly slice it into a three-quart pot. I fill the pot with water, bring it to a boil, turn down the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for fifteen minutes. Then I remove it from the heat. It can sit there overnight with no ill effect. 

When it’s room temperature, I strain it into a pitcher and keep it in the fridge, covered. Some people add a bit of lemon or honey for extra flavor. Just beware that adding honey will add calories you may not want. I throw away the ginger, but I’ll bet there’s some good use for that, too. One average-size chunk of ginger root will last me a month or more, and I’m making it about every third day.

Each morning, I fill my one-liter water bottle about three-quarters full of ginger water and then fill it to the top with tap water. I sip on it throughout the day, making sure to finish it before bed. 

There you have it. I’m now a ginger water drinker and enjoying the benefits. It may not be a cure-all, but as long I’m alive on this planet I’d just as soon eliminate as many aches and pains as possible. Maybe I’ll even increase my mobility enough to catch the neighborhood kids who occasionally ring my doorbell and run away before I get there.