Introduction
Ginger tea is usually prepared by immersing dried or fresh ginger in hot water for a few minutes, permitting the oils of the ginger to permeate into the water and thus permitting it to release its effects. Ginger tea tastes like a warm, slightly spicy beverage. It can be easily produced by grating or slicing fresh ginger into the water or buying it in the form of dried, loose pieces or as tea bags.
What Are the Health Benefits of Ginger Tea?
Ginger tea possesses the benefits of ginger. Ginger holds more than 400 natural compounds. Out of these, gingerol is one natural component that enhances gastrointestinal motility. Consuming ginger in any form can decrease fermentation, constipation, and other reasons of bloating and intestinal gas. The various health benefits of ginger tea are as follows:
1. May Aid to Ease Digestive Discomfort: Ginger tea is usually renowned for its ability to treat and prevent digestive issues, particularly helping to ease nausea. The American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology has considered ginger an acceptable non-pharmaceutical remedy for treating nausea and vomiting. In patients receiving chemotherapy, ginger may relieve post-treatment nausea without leading to any side effects, such as those caused by anti-nausea medications. During pregnancy, women have appreciated the power of ginger in alleviating morning sickness and other problems related to pregnancy.
2. Has an Anti-inflammatory Effect: Ginger carries key phytonutrients called gingerols. Studies have proved that these can have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which, when taken as a tea, may assist in supporting a healthy microbiome. Ginger tea can help in improving the immune system and overall health.
3. May Help to Decrease Blood Pressure: A study found that those who eat ginger on a daily basis had lowered chances of developing hypertension. Though the study did not consider ginger tea specifically yet, it may be helpful to consume ginger tea if one has hypertension.
4. May Aid Weight Loss: A lot of research has been done to know the benefits of ginger associated with weight and obesity. It has been proven that ginger may have an affirmative impact on obesity through various mechanisms, such as appetite control and increased thermogenesis (heat production). Though this finding is not specific to ginger tea, it may be beneficial to have ginger tea as part of a balanced diet.
5. Alleviates Headaches and Migraines: Ginger possesses pain-relieving properties and is particularly beneficial to those who struggle with headaches and migraines. Drinking ginger tea may also aid in preventing and relieving headaches.
6. Rich in Antioxidants: Ginger is enriched with antioxidants and has been proven to have antiproliferative effects on tumor cells by killing free radicals, especially in pancreatic and colon cancers. Drinking ginger tea regularly may have a preventive effect.
7. Improves Cognitive Function: Ginger helps improve cognitive function. Ginger tea can aid in enhancing concentration and focus and can increase energy. Ginger has been used to enhance brain power in herbal medicine for centuries. A scientific study has proved that having ginger may help in both attention and cognitive processing capabilities among young women. Ginger has also been shown to have affirmative effects on Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative neurological diseases. Ginger tea may even assist in mitigating brain damage and improving memory impairment.
8. Helps Fight Colds and Sore Throats: Ginger tea can help in relieving the symptoms of common cold and sore throats. Ginger can also be used to aid in treating respiratory illnesses. Ginger tea is an excellent beverage in cold months.
9. Relieves Period Pain: A cup of ginger tea can help treat manifestations of menstruation and ease cramping. A study suggests that ginger has the property of combating pain, like over-the-counter painkillers. Another study proved that ginger successfully reduces the duration and intensity of menstrual pain.
10. Good for Oral Health: Ginger possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help in killing harmful oral pathogens. This can help improve overall health and keep the teeth healthy and safe.
How to Make Ginger Tea?
Preparing ginger tea is easy. The following steps can be taken to prepare it:
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Fresh ginger can be bought, and a piece can be cut from it.
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The tough knots and dry ends should be cut off.
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The outer skin should then be peeled.
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It should be sliced into thin pieces or should be grated.
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Some slices should be put in a cup or tea mug.
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Boiling water should be poured, and then the ginger should be immersed in it and covered.
To be able to get all the goodness of ginger, let the ginger pieces steep for at least 10 minutes. The longer the immersion time, the better it would be. Fresh lemon or honey can be added to the tea, or different flavored tea bags like lemon and ginger or ginger green tea can be used.
Ginger tea is also a healthier alternative to ginger ale, ginger beer, and other commercially canned or bottled ginger beverages. These drinks contain a lot of sugar, besides providing the benefits of ginger. It is recommended to limit these to occasional treats or opt for sugar-free options.
Commercial ginger tea bags available at grocery stores contain dry ginger, sometimes also in combination with other ingredients. The tea bags store the pieces well and are convenient to brew. Though dry ginger has strong health benefits as compared to fresh ginger, tea prepared with dry ginger may render a milder flavor. Having ginger root tea with fresh ginger is a bit of a lengthy procedure, but it tends to give a more intense and lively brew.
Ginger tea can be consumed at any hour of the day. It works well as an energy booster if taken as morning tea or as a mid-day refreshing tea, and can even help to ease digestion after a meal.
Is Ginger Tea Suitable for All?
Ginger possesses a distinctive taste, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Moreover, certain people may experience adverse effects from drinking ginger tea, like bloating or heartburn, and because of its potency in lowering blood pressure, it should be taken in moderation by those with low blood pressure or those on anti-hypertensive medications.
Conclusion:
Ginger tea is an excellent beverage to brew. Ginger tea has an old history dating back to China around 5,000 years ago when it was traditionally consumed as a health tonic. Later, it was introduced in Europe, initially as a culinary spice. It delivers plenty of health benefits and is a must to include ginger in the diet, especially in cold weather. Ginger tea can also offer relief from motion sickness. It can be consumed daily but in moderation. However, under a few circumstances, it should be consumed carefully.
