GINGER WITH A GINGER ALE RECIPE

This statement about Ginger from the Ayurvedic (traditional Eastern Indian medicine) says that ginger 'fires' the body's digestive hearth to make the stomach and colon more efficient in metabolizing food.  

Ginger also contains tumor inhibitors.

Try this recipe for Ginger Ale with Frozen Grapes since it is important to make your own when using ginger ale for medicinal purposes.  Most store-bought ginger ale only contains a minimum amount of ginger!

GINGER ALE WITH FROZEN GRAPES
4 cups water
2 cups sliced fresh, unpeeled ginger
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp honey
frozen seedless grapes
sparkling water
mint springs for garnish, optional

In a saucepan bring the water and ginger to a boil; lower the heat, cover, and simmer 1 hour.  Uncover and simmer another 30 minutes.  Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and discard the ginger.  Stir in the lemon juice and honey.  Allow to cool to room temperature.

For Ginger Ale (per serving) add 1/4 cup of the mixture to a glass with the frozen grapes.  Fill the glass with sparkling water.  Add a mint sprig, if desired.

For a Hot Beverage stir 3 tablespoons of the mixture into 1 cup of hot water.  Add more honey and lemon to taste, if desired.

Store the syrup in refrigerator for up to a week.  Make drinks only as wanted rather than making up all the mixture at once.

GREENS HELP PROTECT FROM STOMACH FLU

The stomach flu or what doctors sometimes call acute gastroenteritis is a nasty thing dreaded by one and all. With school starting and our kids exposed to this dreaded vomiting and diahhrea malady here is some info on helping to prevent an outbreak at your house. The 'stomach flu' is easy to catch because it is caused by a highly contagious group of 'bugs' called noroviruses. One of the best preventatives is frequent hand washing. But how about some green veggies to also help?

The digestive tract produces its own immune cells that are highly capable of quashing noroviruses if you have enough of them. According to British researchers you can triple your body's ability to produce these infection fighters in your digestive tract by eating cruciferous vegetables daily.  Cruciferous veggies include kale, broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc. The researchers suggested 1 cup a day (for adults) for optimum results.

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