There’s nothing better than a steaming cup of tea to start your day. While green tea has its benefits, why not switch it up a little and give ginger a try. After all, the health benefits of ginger tea are amazing. And if you’re still craving your matcha, you can always grab another cup in afternoon. Here are 6 reasons to drink ginger tea at least once a day.
6 Health Benefits Of Ginger Tea
Ginger is a powerful root that really deserves a second thought.
1. Anti-inflammatory
Chronic inflammation has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, pulmonary diseases and autoimmune diseases (1). Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which protect the body from these ailments and eases inflammatory pain in the muscles and joints.
2. Boosts Immune System
Ginger contains active compounds called gingerols, and gingerdiol, which have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Additionally, ginger also boosts the body’s ability to naturally fight off infection, making it the perfect cure for the cold and flu (2). This has to be one of the top health benefits of ginger tea.
3. Helps Digestion
Ginger contains gingerols and shogaol, which stimulate the natural process of digestion and increases nutrient absorption.
The root also prevents constipation, heals gastric lesions and fights bloating, nausea, vomiting, cramps and diarrhea (3).
4. Promotes Circulation
Ginger keeps your blood flowing normally by fighting markers of cardiovascular disease, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
It also prevents stroke and heart attack by clearing away arterial plaque, a sticky mix of fatty substances and calcium which builds up in the lining of the artery wall and restricts blood flow.
5. Fights Cancer
By fighting inflammation, ginger works against the development of cancer by preventing the promotion, survival, proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells.
It’s been shown in laboratory settings to work against lymphoma, liver, prostate, pancreas, lung, colorectal, breast, skin and bladder cancer (5,6).
6. Boosts Brain Power
Daily ginger consumption improves memory and cognition by protecting the brain from oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation (7,8).
It’s particularly helpful in enhancing cognitive ability in middle-aged women (9). The root also acts as a sedative to helps relax an overactive mind and clear mental fog.
So those are the health benefits of ginger tea. Here’s how you make it!
6 Ginger Tea Recipes
Find out how to make ginger tea by looking through the recipes below.
1. Ginger Honey Tea
This basic recipe is the basis for all the other recipes on this list. Make sure to steep for the whole 10-15 minutes to make sure all the beneficial compound in the root make it into your tea.
You’ll need:
- A small ceramic saucepan
- 1 cup of water
- 4 to 6 thin slices of raw ginger
- Raw organic honey (to taste)
Instructions:
- In the saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat.
- Add ginger slices and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve with honey.
2. Ginger Lemon Tea
Packed with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting vitamin C, lemon is a no-brainer to add to your ginger tea. Since most of its active compounds are found in its skin and pulp, don’t forget to add the lemon scraps in your tea strainer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
- Juice of 1/4 large lemon
- Raw honey, to taste
- Slices of fresh lemon
Instructions:
- Juice lemon into your cup.
- In the saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat.
- Add ginger slices and lemon peel and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Pour into your cup and serve with honey.
3. Turmeric Ginger Tea
Turmeric, like ginger, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. The ayurvedic spice also helps with relieving gas, dispelling worms, improving digestion, regulating menstruation, dissolving gallstones, and relieving arthritis (10). For best results, use fresh turmeric.
Also, curcumin, the main compound in the root is more easily absorbed by your body when you ingest it alongside fat and pepper, so don’t skip out on the last two ingredients.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup of water use
- A teaspoon each of fresh grated turmeric (or 1/3 teaspoon ground)
- 1 teaspoon each of fresh grated ginger roots
- A slice of lemon (optional)
- Honey (to taste)
- Coconut milk (to taste)
- A crack of black pepper
Instructions:
- In the saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat.
- Add ginger and turmeric and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Pour into your cup and serve with honey, coconut, and pepper.
- Decorate with a slice of lemon.