Kristen Fleming holds a Master of Science in Nutrition. Over her 8 years of experience in dietetics, she has made significant contributions in clinical, community, and editorial settings. With 2 years as a clinical dietitian in an inpatient setting, 2…
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Ginger tea is a popular drink many people turn to for its healing properties. It’s often used as an ingredient in cooking and herbal remedies due to the medicinal benefits it is said to offer. Ginger tea is claimed to help alleviate pain, soothe sore throats, and reduce nausea, while also being low in calories.
As with any food or beverage, there are some health risks associated with ginger tea if consumed improperly or too much. There are few side effects of ginger tea but they can be very unpleasant. Read on to learn more about the nutrition facts of this delicious drink and how best to enjoy it.
Ginger contains compounds, such as shogaols and gingerols, that might be beneficial to a person’s health. One teaspoon of fresh ginger contains approximately:
Calories: 2
Protein: 0 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 0.4 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
It also contains trace quantities of some vitamins and minerals including:
B vitamins
Magnesium
Potassium
Copper
Ginger Tea Health Benefits
Drinking ginger tea may offer the following health benefits:
Contains Gingerol That Has Powerful Properties
The gingerols are the active components in ginger that are responsible for many of its potential health benefits. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects (1).
May Prevent Nausea And Vomiting
Ginger is known to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with post-anesthesia, cancer treatment, and motion sickness. It may also relieve morning sickness in early pregnancy (7).
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May Enhance Muscle Recovery
Although more research is needed, ginger seems to decrease muscle pain caused by exercise and speed up recovery after exercise (12). The reason lies in the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger.
Improves Blood Sugar Control
Several studies indicate that ginger might help lower blood sugar in people who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or prediabetes (11).
May Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Preliminary evidence suggests that ginger may help reduce chronic inflammation (7).
May Help Soothe Sore Throats And Colds
Ginger has long been used as a folk remedy for sore throats and colds. Some evidence suggests that it may help reduce inflammation and pain in the throat and have antibacterial properties.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver and causes inflammation. Some evidence suggests that ginger may help reduce steatosis (fatty deposits) and inflammation of the liver (9).
May Help With Weight Loss
Ginger might reduce feelings of hunger, which can help you eat less if you are trying to lose weight (5).
Some women report relief from menstrual cramps, nausea, and vomiting when they drink ginger tea during their periods (3). However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.
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Ginger Tea Side Effects
While ginger tea is generally safe for most people, drinking too many cups of brewed ginger tea per day is inadvisable. Excessive consumption may cause (4):
Heartburn
Diarrhea
Gas
Upset stomach
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ginger is likely safe in typical amounts when eaten in foods. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about using it for nausea in pregnancy. If you are taking medication for diabetes or blood-thinning medication, or calcium channel blockers or certain antibiotics, consult your healthcare provider before drinking ginger tea, as it may interfere with the effectiveness of these medications.
The Bottom Line
Ginger root tea has many potential health benefits and is generally thought to be safe. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before drinking ginger tea. Ginger tea can be brewed fresh or bought pre-packaged. Enjoy a cup today!
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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