For its flavor or its value as a natural remedy, ginger is a very popular and consumed root. It presents several health and beauty benefits, and adds to some foods an extra touch of flavor.
Ginger tea is one of the ways to get all the benefits of this root. Learn how to prepare it, what returns this drink will give you and the risks of excess.
Contents
What is ginger tea for?
Ginger tea is a natural drink and can be consumed for a variety of purposes. The main benefits sought are for aesthetic, gastronomic and medicinal purposes, helping to strengthen the body, lose weight and add flavor to the food.
Consuming frequently provides great benefits and using it in the tea version can enhance the benefits it brings.
It is the substance called gingerol that provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects.
Ginger is also a popular root in many dishes. If you are a fan of Japanese food, surely you have already tasted it. Due to its stronger flavor, it is considered a very important condiment in the world cuisine.
This root can be found in the form of capsules, oils and fresh or dry root.
Ginger tea is a drink widely consumed in autumn and winter, as it has the power to warm the extremities of the body, such as the hands and feet, in addition to being an ally in immunity – strengthening the body.
The drink has a low caloric value and contains vitamins A, B3, B6, folate, mineral salts, zinc, potassium and other properties.
Check all the nutrients that ginger contains, considering the amount of 100 grams, remembering that the daily amount should not be greater than 3 grams:
- Calories : 340 kcal;
- Total fats : 4.24g;
- Thiamine : 0.046mg;
- Riboflavin : 0.17mg;
- Niacin : 9.62mg;
- Sodium : 27mg;
- Potassium : 1320mg;
- Carbohydrates : 71.62g;
- Dietary fiber : 14.1g;
- Sugar : 3.39g;
- Proteins : 8.98g;
- Pantothenic acid : 0.477mg;
- Folic acid : 13µg;
- Vitamin B : 60,626mg;
- Vitamin C : 0.7mg;
- Zinc : 3.64mg;
- Calcium : 114mg;
- Iron : 19.8mg;
- Magnesium : 214mg.
Ginger tea slims?
Ginger is a thermogenic food and, therefore, when ingested as tea, it can facilitate weight loss. This is because the product helps to speed up the metabolism, causing more calories to be expended.
It can also help in reducing measures due to its diuretic properties, for example. They reduce swelling and improve circulation.
It is worth remembering that the consumption of ginger tea is not miraculous. He is a strong ally within a healthy life, in which the person maintains a balanced diet, has a good night’s sleep and exercises regularly.
To lose weight with ginger tea, all of these items must go hand in hand.
What are the benefits of ginger tea?
Ginger tea provides some interesting benefits for our health, which include strengthening immunity, diuretic, anti-inflammatory and metabolic action.
With this, a series of improvements can occur, provided they are combined with healthy habits. Meet the few:
Acts as analgesic and anti-inflammatory
Ginger tea has a medicinal function and helps in recovering from colds, flu, sore throats and muscle pain.
For people who play sports frequently, consuming ginger can help the body recover from physical wear and tear, for example.
Regarding its anti-inflammatory power, what provides this benefit are the essential oils that the root presents, such as thymol, eugenol and carvacrol.
That way, when we eat ginger, we are strengthening our body against possible inflammation.
Has aphrodisiac power
Ginger is also considered an aphrodisiac food. In general, it is believed that it can increase blood flow to the genitals, which facilitates stimulation.
Improves pregnancy sickness
Many pregnant women tend to suffer from motion sickness during this period. One way to relieve symptoms is to adopt ginger as an ally.
However, it is necessary to follow some recommendations. Consumption should not exceed 1 g per day and should not be ingested for more than 4 consecutive days.
In a survey of 30 pregnant women with severe vomiting, those who consumed 1 gram of ginger every day for 4 days showed greater relief than those who had experience with placebo drugs.
However, it is essential that pregnant women consult with a doctor the possibility and benefits of using tea.
Decreases cellulite
The cellulite is something very common to have, especially in the regions of the thighs and buttocks. These irregularities end up leaving the skin with some marks that can be uncomfortable for some people.
Getting rid of them is not always easy, but there are some aesthetic methods that help, such as lymphatic drainage , modeling massages, as well as exercise and food.
Ginger is one of them. It is its anti-inflammatory action that helps to fight them, leaving the skin smoother.
Decreases nausea caused by chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the options for the treatment of some type of cancer .
As it involves the use of many medications, it causes some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Ginger can be an ally of these people in the face of this very aggressive treatment.
Some studies show that patients experienced improvements in the duration of nausea after consuming more ginger.
However, there is no evidence of its effectiveness in relieving other side effects, such as vomiting itself.
Relieves cough
Ginger has expectorant properties, which are aids in the treatment and recovery of cough .
In addition to being an anti-inflammatory product, tea helps to eliminate phlegm or secretions present in the throat. This helps to reduce irritation and relieve symptoms.
Has antibacterial ability
Ginger has a substance called gingerol. It is responsible for acting as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and bactericide.
It is the gingerol that gives the ginger that piquant taste. Therefore, consuming the root can help eliminate bad bacteria from our body.
In addition, it is also a strong ally to mitigate the appearance of ulcers, gastritis and stomach cancer. This is because tea acts as an inhibitor of the bacteria H. Pylori , responsible for these complications.
Acts as a diuretic
For people looking for kidney benefits, ginger also works. It has natural diuretic properties. Thus, when consuming it, it will be easier to eliminate urine, which avoids fluid retention.
Assists in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a very common degenerative disease and usually affects the regions of the knees.
Patients suffering from this condition have had their joint tissue worn out, which causes, among other symptoms, pain and discomfort.
Consuming ginger, in tea or other foods, can help with treatment.
Decreases menstrual cramps
This period can be very uncomfortable and painful for some women. Menstrual pain, also known as colic or dysmenorrhea, is felt during the menstrual cycle.
Consuming 1 gram of ginger powder daily, during the first 3 days of the cycle, helps to relieve pain.
Reduces bad cholesterol
A 2008 study of 85 people over 45 days revealed that ginger is capable of reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. The research compared the results of consumption of the root to the consumption of placebos remedies.
This means that people who consumed a specific amount of ginger every day experienced a significant reduction in blood lipids.
When bad cholesterol levels are low, the risk of heart problems decreases.
Helps in cancer prevention
A property contained in ginger called 6-gingerol has anti-cancer benefits. It is present in large quantities in raw ginger.
Although cancer is a serious disease, there are many studies focused on prevention and treatment. Ginger is one of those cases, which has been studied as an alternative treatment.
Improves brain functions
In addition to providing many benefits for the aesthetics and health of our body, ginger is also good for the head.
Some animal studies have shown that ginger’s bioactive and antioxidant compounds act as inhibitors of inflammation that occurs in the brain.
In another survey, carried out with 60 middle-aged women, the result was positive in relation to working memory and reaction time when consuming root.
Working memory is also known as working memory and is related to a kind of temporary storage of information. We use this cognitive component all the time, in various tasks throughout our day.
Despite being related to more limited and temporary information, such as needing to remember where the car parked, it requires attention from our brain and relates to long-term memories, such as keeping important addresses.
It is evident that it is necessary to take good care of this “sector” of our minds.
Diseases such as age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease are related to chronic inflammation of aging. Therefore, eating ginger for these purposes is of great value.
Recipes: how to prepare ginger tea?
Ginger is an easy product to find and it exists in several presentations, such as dehydrated, fresh powder, dry or fresh root, for example.
The most recommended to use for tea, so that all benefits are extracted, is the fresh root. You can prepare the simple recipe or its variations. Some tips are:
Simple ginger tea
Ginger tea, in its simplest and most practical version, consists of using 2 to 3 cm of fresh ginger in 1 liter of water.
It must be washed and then cut or grated. After boiling the water, just add the ginger and leave it covered, still over high heat.
After 8 to 10 minutes of boiling, turn off the heat and wait for it to cool. Ideally, strain yourself before consuming.
Ginger tea with lemon
For those who want to add the lemon to the recipe, just cut it in half and squeeze its juice along with the ginger and the hot water. It can be added with the peel as well.
After boiling for 8 to 10 minutes and covered, it is also necessary to let it cool down a little and then strain. It is possible to add a little cinnamon to the recipe.
Ginger tea and honey
This version is widely used for people who seek the analgesic function of ginger.
Preparing this tea with honey helps to deal with the symptoms of curing flu, colds, joint pain and poor digestion.
To prepare it, a recipe tip is to boil 1 liter of water, add a piece of approximately 5cm of ginger – grated or chopped – and leave it covered for 10 minutes.
Honey and lemon should be added after the tea has been strained. The amount is to taste and the lemon can be replaced by orange.
Ginger tea with chamomile
Chamomile tea is an old acquaintance of the people. It is consumed for many purposes, but also for its flavor, which appeals to many.
Here, it joins ginger to form a drink with many health gains, with the beneficial properties of the root.
To prepare chamomile tea with ginger, it is necessary about 2 to 3 cm from the root (or 5 tablespoons of it squeezed) and 2 to 3 dessert tablespoons of chamomile.
In a liter of water, add the ginger and boil in a covered pan. After 5 to 10 minutes, add the chamomile. Afterwards, wait for it to cool down a bit before straining.
Ginger tea with goji berry
This variation of ginger tea is a more refreshing option, as it is consumed chilled. His advantage is that none of the properties are lost compared to hot tea.
There is also the sum of the benefits of goji berry, a fruit that also has many health improvements, as an aid to weight loss.
To prepare this version, you need 2 to 3 cm of the root (fresh or mashed), 2 dessert spoons of goji berrys and 1 liter of water.
Leave the ingredients over low heat, in a covered pan, and wait 5 to 10 minutes to strain.
After this simple process, just wait for it to cool down to take it. It is also possible to add 1 lemon juice to the recipe.
Ginger tea with pineapple peel
Contrary to popular saying, peeling a pineapple is not that bad. In addition to the fruit being tasty and refreshing, the peel can also be reused, as to make this ginger tea.
In the same way as the other versions of the drink, you need 2 to 3 cm of ginger for 1 liter of water, 1 lemon and, in this case, pineapple peel.
Boil all the ingredients over low heat and a covered container, wait a few minutes to strain and you’re done. Remembering that, to prepare it, it is necessary to wash the skin of the fruit very well.
Ginger tea with cloves, cinnamon, orange, mint and turnip
This tea is indicated for those who suffer with back pain or for those with any type of discomfort. However, because it contains a greater mixture of ingredients, its flavor may not please everyone.
However, its consumption is worth much for the return it brings to health. The quantities used are:
- 1 to 2 cm of ginger;
- 2 oranges;
- ½ cinnamon sticks;
- 2 slices of turnip;
- 3 mint leaves (dried or fresh);
- 5 cloves;
- 700mL of water.
All ingredients must be added to the water and boiled over low heat in a covered pan, with the exception of mint leaves and orange juice.
Mint leaves should be added after turning off the heat, at which point you should wait between 5 to 10 minutes to strain. In sequence, add the orange juice.
Ginger tea with lemon, mint, eucalyptus and cinnamon
If you have a cold, a cold , a stuffy or runny nose, this ginger tea with lemon, mint, eucalyptus and cinnamon may be a good option to recover from your symptoms.
In this variation you will need:
- 2cm of ginger;
- 1 whole lemon;
- ½ cinnamon sticks;
- 3 eucalyptus leaves;
- 3 mint leaves (dried or fresh);
- 700mL of water.
First, it is necessary to boil the water over low heat and then add ginger, cinnamon and half a lemon with peel.
It is possible to add eucalyptus leaves and mint at this time, if they are fresh. If not, add only after a few minutes. After hanging up, wait a few minutes to strain and you’re ready.
Tips for improving ginger tea
Some tips are important to follow and will interfere with the taste and functioning of the tea. Find out which ones:
- Pay attention to the temperature and the time that the ginger remains on the boil. High temperatures can damage the root, causing it to lose its properties;
- Grating the ginger helps the substances to be released more easily. However, when grated, it becomes more sensitive to temperature;
- To make it healthier, sweeten it with honey or brown sugar;
- To have the diuretic benefits of tea, consume with lemon peel;
- Peel of fruits, such as lemon and orange, contribute to the increase of fibers in the drink, which helps in the feeling of satiety, control of hunger and reduces anxiety;
- If the tea tastes too strong for your palate, add more water or honey;
- To enhance the effects of tea, replace water with green tea or matte tea, both are diuretics;
- Store ginger tea to drink throughout the day. You can reserve in the refrigerator after preparation and reheat afterwards;
- When buying the root, pay attention to its color and consistency. When still green, it is softer and moist, which means that the bark can be preserved. Ginger, when ripe, has a harder skin. The ideal, in these cases, is that it be withdrawn;
- To avoid waste when peeling, try scraping the peel with a spoon.
Read more: Green tea: plant extracts may decrease obesity risks
Does ginger tea have contraindications?
Everything in excess should be avoided or, at the very least, questioned. Ginger is also like that. Despite providing many benefits for those who consume it, it can cause side effects if used in exaggerations.
When ginger is consumed in high doses it can cause heartburn , diarrhea , mouth irritation and stomach upset .
Read more: Drinking too hot tea may increase the risk of esophageal cancer
In addition, it should not be consumed by people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking medicines to thin the blood, such as aspirin.
It should also not be consumed in cases of high fever (above 38ºC), if the patient has inflammation of the skin, ulcers and gallbladder stones.
The consumption of this root can be harmful because it interacts with the use of other medications, which causes side effects. Some combinations to avoid are:
Ginger and blood thinners
Mixing these elements increases the risk of bleeding, as ginger is a vasodilator. Therefore, consumption should be with medical advice. Be aware of the use of anticoagulants such as warfarin , clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid .
Ginger and diabetes medications
Ginger causes a reduction in the blood sugar level. This is beneficial, but when mixed with diabetes medications it can be dangerous.
Consumption can lead to hypoglycemia , which is when the blood glucose level drops a lot compared to the values considered ideal.
Ginger and high blood pressure medications
Ginger can cause pressure drops, especially if it is consumed by people who use antihypertensive drugs.
What precautions should I take?
Know some precautions that must be taken, according to the age group or group you are part of:
Kids
Ginger tea, or pure ginger, is not suitable for children under 2 years of age. For older children, ginger should still be used with caution and the amount must be controlled, being less than the daily dose indicated for adults.
Adults
For adults, the intake should be a maximum of 4g of ginger per day. For pregnant women, the ideal is not to exceed 1 g per day.
Common questions
Can you have ginger tea at night?
The most suitable is that ginger is consumed closer to the morning or afternoon, due to the possibility of the root affecting sleep, especially in sensitive people or who already have insomnia problems or difficulty sleeping, for example. In addition, taking it before exercising can optimize the effects.
Therefore, anyone who wants to lose weight or reduce some measures should choose to consume the tea before doing physical activities or consuming throughout the day.
Can you drink ginger tea every day?
There is no rule. It is important for each person to observe how the body reacts to ginger. Moderation is always important, so if consumption is frequent, the amount ingested per day should be less and accompanied by a nutritionist.
Who has high blood pressure can drink ginger tea?
Overall, yes . But attention is needed to the form and amount of consumption. The high pressure alone does not necessarily preclude the consumption of tea, but it is always necessary to have care and medical advice.
Ginger tea is a drink with many health benefits, as it helps anyone who is looking for weight loss, combats and prevents inflammation, is bactericidal and even helps to reduce cellulite.
However, some precautions must be taken, as there are certain contraindications, such as taking with diabetes medications, medications that dilute the blood and in excessive amounts,
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