What are the benefits of drinking ginger tea?
Ginger has a long history of use as a traditional remedy. One popular way to consume it is in a tea made with either the fresh root or using a tea bag. Drinking ginger tea may have benefits for digestion, inflammation, and the common cold.
Ginger is a flowering plant of the Zingiberaceae family. Drinking ginger tea may have health benefits.
This article discusses the potential health benefits of drinking ginger tea. It also looks at who should avoid it and why.
What does ginger contain?
Ginger contains compounds, such as shogaols and gingerols, that might be beneficial to a person’s health.
According to a 2015 review, both shogaols and gingerols have anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiallergic activities.
One 2019 article states that fresh ginger contains higher levels of gingerols, which are slightly reduced in dried ginger. Dry ginger contains higher amounts of shogaols, however.
Drinking ginger tea may be beneficial. People can make ginger tea using fresh or dried ginger.
However, it is important to note that studies use different forms and amounts of ginger that may not compare to what someone might ingest in ginger tea.
The following sections will look at the potential health benefits of drinking ginger tea, and what the current research says, in more detail.
It may prevent nausea and vomiting
According to a 2015 review, recent research suggests that ginger helps relieve nausea and vomiting that results from pregnancy, chemotherapy, and motion sickness.
A 2014 study suggests that ginger is a safe and possibly effective treatment for nausea in pregnancy. However, it did not affect the number of vomiting episodes.
However, another study suggests that ginger may have adverse effects during pregnancy. These effects may include allergic reactions and anticoagulant, or blood-thinning, effects.
Pregnant people and those undergoing chemotherapy should discuss using ginger to help control nausea with a healthcare professional.
It may ease flatulence and indigestion
Ginger may also have beneficial effects for the digestive system. For example, one 2019 review suggests that ginger may help:
- decrease the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter
- reduce bloating and cramping
- prevent flatulence and indigestion
The review also notes that impaired gastric emptying contributes to indigestion, and that ginger may improve this process.
It may help soothe sore throats and colds
A 2019 review suggests that consuming ginger may help:
- prevent colds
- soothe sore throats
- ease congestion
According to an older 2011 laboratory study, ginger was more effective against the bacteria that causes streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, than some antibiotics.
The scientists behind a 2013 laboratory study further support the antiviral properties of ginger. They found that fresh, but not dried, ginger was effective against the human respiratory syncytial virus.
Some research also suggests that ginger may be more effective against microorganisms when combined with honey. People can add fresh ginger and honey to hot water to make a soothing ginger tea.
Learn more about how ginger can help with a cold here.
Insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to research. Ginger may be beneficial, as it affects blood glucose, cholesterol, and inflammation.
One 2016 study consisting of 44 people with NAFLD found that consuming 2 grams of a ginger supplement over a period of 12 weeks showed some beneficial effects, including lowering inflammation and improving insulin resistance.
However, the authors note that further studies are necessary to assess the longer-term impact.
In a 2020 study, researchers gave 1,500 milligrams of ginger in a capsule to 46 people with NAFLD. After 12 weeks, they saw improvements in cholesterol, blood glucose, and inflammation, but other disease markers stayed the same.
The authors conclude that ginger might be a complementary therapy option to reduce insulin resistance, liver enzymes, and inflammation in people with NAFLD.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties could also be beneficial for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A 2018 review suggests that ginger reduces inflammation, pain, and disability in osteoarthritis of the knee.
The study also suggests that ginger may prove useful in those with an inadequate response to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Learn more about ginger and arthritic pain here.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) note that ginger is a substance that is “generally recognized as safe.”
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggest that people with gallstone disease should use caution when consuming ginger. This is because it “may increase the flow of bile.”
People taking blood-thinning medication such as warfarin should consult a doctor before using it.
Likewise, pregnant people should always consult a healthcare professional before consuming ginger.
Ginger may cause mild digestive side effects in some people. These effects may include:
A person can drink ginger tea as a complementary remedy for nausea, digestive issues, and symptoms of the common cold.
Some research also suggests that it may help regulate blood glucose and be beneficial for NAFLD. Ginger tea may also help people with arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
People can drink ginger tea made from the fresh root, powder, or tea bags.
Anyone who is taking blood-thinning medication or about to undergo surgery should speak to a doctor before consuming ginger.
Pregnant people and individuals undergoing chemotherapy who wish to take ginger for nausea should discuss dosages with their doctor.
This article is from Medical News Today –https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ginger-tea-benefits
