What Happens to Your Body If You Drink Ginger Tea Everyday

Ginger is a flavorful root that many cultures have been using in their cuisine for centuries. It adds a spicy kick to many sauces, stir-fries, dressings, and soups. It is also a common ingredient in tea. Not only does it taste great, but there are also a number of health benefits of ginger tea.

From easing the symptoms of a cold to helping you lose weight, continue reading to learn how this spicy root can improve your health.

The Health Benefits of Ginger Tea

Researchers have not thoroughly studied all of the following benefits of ginger tea, however, the suspected benefits are numerous. While we may not know exactly how ginger performs some of these functions in our bodies, it is clear that it has a positive impact on our health.

1. Helps Prevent Nausea

Admittedly, most research has found that ginger is not as effective as conventional medication for preventing motion sickness. It has, however, been used in folk medicine for this purpose for years, and one older study did find that it can help reduce nausea associated with motion [1].

Additionally, some research has shown that ginger can help reduce nausea for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. It can also help reduce nausea for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who can’t tolerate other anti-nausea drugs [2].

2. Protects Against Heart Disease

Research has shown that ginger can help protect against heart disease through the following mechanisms:

• lowering blood pressure
• preventing blood clots
• relieving heartburn
• lowering cholesterol
• improving blood circulation

Drinking a mug or two of ginger tea every day, then, can help you keep your heart healthy. It is important to note, however, that drinking ginger tea does not replace heart disease medication. If you struggle with high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before adding ginger tea into your regime [3].

3. Helps Control Your Blood Sugar

Some research has suggested that drinking ginger tea can help you improve your blood sugar control, and reduce A1C, insulin, and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes. Ginger has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, making it a possible treatment for prevention of diabetes complications [4].

Again, ginger should not replace diabetes medications prescribed by a doctor. If you have type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about the benefits of ginger tea and how you can safely add it into your diet.

4. Helps Relieve Joint Pain

Humans have been using ginger to relieve inflammation and joint pain for centuries. Today, there is a growing body of evidence to support its efficacy in this area. For this reason, ginger tea may be beneficial for anyone who suffers from arthritis or other types of chronic pain. It may also help alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, and sore muscles [5].

If you suffer from chronic pain, talk to your doctor about how ginger might be able to help relieve your symptoms.

Read: Doctors Warn Not to Use Ginger If You’re On Any Of These Medications

5. Helps With Weight Control

There have been a number of animal studies demonstrating ginger’s ability to manage obesity. This suggests that the root may be effective at helping humans control their weight as well [6]. 

A 2012 study from Columbia University found that men who drank hot ginger tea experience increased feelings of fullness and reduced hunger. This can help them control their weight by controlling their appetite [7].

If you are struggling with your weight, consider drinking ginger tea throughout your day to increase your feelings of satiety from your meals.

6. Increases Immune Support

Ginger contains a significant number of antioxidants. These compounds can strengthen your immune system and reduce stress. Ginger tea, because of its hot steam, may also help relieve nasal congestion and respiratory issues associated with the common cold.

Many test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated that ginger has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties [8]. There have not been as many human studies, but it is reasonable to assume that people can benefit from the immune-boosting properties of ginger tea.

7. Helps Prevent Cancer

Researchers have demonstrated in the laboratory that ginger is effective at fighting several different kinds of cancer cells, including pancreatic cancer and colon cancer. This is thanks to its functional components like gingerols, shogaol, and paradols [9].

Medical experts are still learning how ginger can be incorporated into cancer treatment to improve patient outcomes. For this reason, it is important to note that ginger tea cannot replace cancer treatment, and you should talk to your doctor before adding anything into your daily regime if you are undergoing cancer treatment.

How to Make Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is extremely easy to make. All you need is ginger, lemon, and hot water, and you can begin experiencing the benefits of ginger tea in minutes. This recipe gives you easy, step-by-step instructions for making your own ginger tea at home:

Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 sliced knob of fresh ginger
• 1 and a half cups of water
• A Lemon
• Mint

Instructions:

1. Put ginger, and water into a pot and bring it to a boil, steeping it for 15-20 minutes
2. Pour it over a few mint leaves
3. Squeeze as much lemon juice as your heart desires into the tea
4. DRINK!

Keep Reading: Signs You’re Lacking in Vitamin D and How to Get More To Boost Your Immunity This Winter