Ginger root has been in use since ages for its medicinal properties. An essential ingredient used in making all Indian curries, ginger has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking ginger tea helps with a variety of problems ranging from motion sickness to cancer prevention.
Origin of ginger
Ginger
belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric,
galangal and cardamom. Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, as
oil or juice.
Here are 13 health benefits of ginger tea, which will compel you to have it daily.
Motion sickness
Ginger
tea can help soothe motion sickness symptoms like vomiting, dizziness
and cold sweats. An older study says that ginger helps in decreasing
motion sickness. So, if you feel dizzy or nauseous in a moving vehicle,
try having some ginger tea next time.
Nausea caused chemotherapy and morning sickness
The
active compound in ginger - phenol compounds and volatile oils also
called gingerols can relieve pregnancy, surgery and chemotherapy related
nausea.
It is one of the best alternatives to traditional anti-nausea drugs people consume. It is the best remedy for pregnant women and people going under chemotherapy who are advised not to take the standard drugs.
Good for heart health and blood pressure
Studies
have shown that regular consumption of ginger tea has a protective
effect on heart health and also reduces blood pressure. Consumption of
hot ginger tea helps in preventing blood clots, relieves heartburn,
lowers cholesterol and improves blood circulation.
Aids weight loss
A
study conducted in 2012 at Columbia University found that drinking hot
ginger tea increases the feeling of fullness and stops one from binge
eating. Ginger can help manage obesity and obesity-related
complications.
Helps control blood sugar level
Consumption
of hot ginger tea on a regular basis helps improve the blood sugar
levels and reduces the hbA1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Natural pain killer
Ginger
is anti-inflammatory in nature. Thus, it has shown positive results in
reducing pains like osteoarthritis. Ginger tea also helps reduce
headaches, menstrual cramps, sore throat and sore muscles.
Boosts immunity
Our
top priority right now is to keep our immunity up and tight. It is said
that antioxidants in ginger can help strengthen immunity and reduce
stress. Inhaling the steam of ginger water can also help relieve nasal
congestion and respiratory issues caused by common cold or pollution.
Helps prevent cancer
Yes,
you read that right. Consuming ginger tea can help prevent several
types of cancer cells including pancreatic cancer and colon cancer.
Improves blood circulation
The
amino acids, vitamins and minerals present in ginger tea improve blood
circulation, which reduces one's risk of cardiovascular problems. It
helps prevent fat from depositing in the arteries and thus help prevent
heart attacks and strokes.
Relieves menstrual pain
Drinking
ginger tea does wonder for menstrual pain. You can also try soaking a
towel in hot ginger water and applying it to your lower abdomen. You can
mix some honey with ginger tea to enhance the taste.
Relieves stress
Ginger
tea has a soothing effect that helps lower stress and tension. The
strong aroma and healing properties of ginger are believed to be
effective in reducing stress.
Can help treat chronic indigestion
Recurrent
pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen is a classic symptom of
chronic indigestion. Delayed emptying of the stomach is one of the major
reasons behind indigestion, Consumption of ginger tea has shown to
improve digestion and emptying of the stomach.
Improves brain function and protects against Alzheimer's disease
Chronic
inflammation and oxidative stress can accelerate the ageing process,
which is believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer's disease and
age-related cognitive decline.
The bioactive compounds and antioxidants in ginger can inhibit the inflammatory response that occurs in the brain. There is even evidence that ginger can help enhance brain function.