7 health benefits of drinking ginger tea in moderation
There is evidence that ginger tea helps alleviate ailments ranging from nausea to menstrual cramps, and it also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Health benefits of drinking ginger tea
Ginger has been used as medicine for thousands of years due to its perceived health benefits, and there is now data demonstrating some of its potential benefits. Ginger tea is a beverage that offers many health benefits.
However, according to Kantha Shelke, PhD, a certified food scientist, dean of the food science department and research firm Corvus Blue LLC, and senior lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, the potential benefits of ginger tea depend on several factors, including the strength of the blend, what it's served with, the type of ginger, and how often it's consumed.
Therefore, Dr. Shelke recommends drinking ginger tea in moderation and noting its potential interactions with blood thinners and blood pressure medications, as well as in people with bleeding disorders. People with certain conditions, such as those with gallstones, diabetes, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may also consider talking to their doctor before using ginger.
Source of vitamins and minerals
Regularly sipping ginger tea can be a great way to incorporate important minerals and vitamins into your diet. Ginger contains vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, fiber, and water.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body's normal growth and functioning. For example, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, maintain tissue health, and heal wounds. Meanwhile, vitamin B6 supports red blood cell formation and maintains brain function. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, such as nerve and muscle function.
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger
Numerous scientific studies suggest that ginger's anti-inflammatory effects are one of its benefits. Research indicates that several active compounds in ginger may reduce inflammation, including by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and downregulating the induction of inflammatory genes.
For example, studies have shown promising evidence that ginger may help reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis caused by the destruction or damage of joint cartilage.
Treatment of nausea and vomiting
Historically, ginger has been used to help reduce nausea and vomiting, and current scientific evidence has proven its effectiveness in this regard. In particular, studies show that ginger may be helpful in alleviating nausea symptoms during pregnancy. A separate study showed that ginger was more effective than medication in reducing nausea and vomiting after procedures performed under general anesthesia. However, each individual should consult their doctor when determining which treatment is right for them.
Supports digestion
Dr. Shelke stated that ginger is often "used to influence gastrointestinal motility – that is, the speed at which food moves through the digestive tract." Studies have found that ginger has a positive impact on the amount of time it takes a person to digest food, as well as on dysmotility, a disorder that impairs the movement of food through the digestive system.
However, it's important to note that negative effects of ginger on some people may include gastrointestinal effects, such as bloating or general discomfort.
Reduce menstrual cramps
Another benefit of ginger tea is that it helps treat menstrual cramps, or the pain that occurs during menstruation.
In fact, a review of evidence from six different trials showed no significant difference between ginger and NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, in treating menstrual cramps, although further research is needed.
Potential metabolic benefits
Dr. Shelke stated that "the warming effect of ginger is used in weight management-related products" due to its "metabolic effects," referring to evidence of ginger's thermogenic properties, which can stimulate the metabolic rate (the number of calories your body burns). According to one study, ginger may reduce obesity through several mechanisms including thermogenesis, appetite control, and inhibition of fat absorption in the gut, among others.
In addition to its potential effects on weight, older studies have found that ginger may help lower cholesterol. It may also prevent blood clots, which could help prevent heart disease. Furthermore, ginger has been found to help improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Protecting brain health
Additionally, ginger has the potential to "protect brain health from oxidative stress," a benefit supported by scientific research. Oxidative stress is a condition that can occur when there aren't enough antioxidants to eliminate an excess of free radicals in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage. This is linked to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Specifically, studies suggest that ginger's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may contribute to reducing oxidative stress as well as markers of inflammation.
For the reasons above, ginger tea can be a great addition to your diet without requiring much time-consuming preparation. Ginger tea is an easy-to-make beverage yet offers many beneficial effects.
