Ginger tea: useful properties and contraindications

Ginger is one of the most popular spices in both Eastern and European cuisine. Since ancient times, people are aware of its useful properties. It is most popular in Western India and Southeast Asia. By the way, these two regions are considered its homeland, it is there that the ideal conditions for its maturation - heat, moisture and shade - were formed. This is what singabera (as botanists call it, using the native Sanskrit definition, which translates to "horny root") requires.

Ginger, or "white root" as it was called in Rus, can be used both fresh and dried, and as part of dishes. But the most popular is ginger tea, because in this form the useful substances are best absorbed.

Composition and calories

The energy value of ginger tea depends on what specific ingredients it contains. If you take its most popular version, that is, with ginger, lemon, without sugar or honey, then 100 g contains only 2.4-2.5 kcal.

The main component of ginger tea is the "white root" itself. It is believed that it came to Europe from China and was brought by the famous Venetian traveler Marco Polo. Ginger has a subtle spicy aroma and a spicy, but quite pleasant taste, which it conveys to this drink.

Thanks to this component, ginger tea contains a lot of zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium, as well as useful amino acids, including quite rare ones, such as tryptophan and valine. Also worth mentioning are essential oils and various vitamins. This unique composition caused the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of the tea. It is because of this composition that ginger tea is recommended to drink in the off-season, as it serves as an excellent preventive against flu and other viral diseases. But ginger tea also has other beneficial properties. Therefore, we should consider the chemical composition in more detail.

Ginger tea contains such substances:

1. Fats (ginger root contains up to 4% of them).
2. Complex carbohydrates.
3. Essential amino acids, which include the already mentioned tryptophan and valine, as well as methionine and lysine.
4. B, C and A vitamins. While vitamins A and C are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects, B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system.
5. Macro- and micronutrients: phosphorus, iron, magnesium, etc. All of these components are involved in metabolic processes, in the endocrine system, in strengthening the bones, that is, their benefit to humans is difficult to overestimate.
6. Gingerol. This component is contained in the resinous substances from the root to the water. It is responsible for the burnt taste of ginger, but has other beneficial properties as well. It is a natural antipyretic, can relieve pain, and is also used as an expectorant. A number of studies have shown that it can stop nausea no matter what it is caused by. This is why experts sometimes recommend ginger tea to patients after chemotherapy.
7. Essential oil. Its composition includes substances from the group of sesquiterpenes, mainly borneol and cingiberene. They have a marked anti-inflammatory effect. They are responsible for weight loss, as they accelerate the metabolic process. They also have a stabilizing effect on the internal secretion of the stomach, that is, thanks to them the production of gastric juice is normalized.

Ginger tea also contains other components, such as zingerone, which is also responsible for its characteristic flavor and pungency.

What are the benefits of ginger tea

General benefits

In ancient times, it was believed that ginger tea is useful to drink for migraines and for joint disease, which today is called rheumatic arthritis. Modern science has proven the analgesic properties of ginger tea as well as its tonic and antispasmodic effects. In some cases, this drink helps cure stomach cramps, but you should be careful if you don't know what caused them. In addition, if there is an overdose, ginger tea itself can provoke colic.

The antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of ginger and ginger drink have been confirmed by studies. So when medieval Europe healers considered ginger tea a preventative against the plague, they were not as misguided as is commonly thought.

Many believe that since ginger tea is good for the nervous system, it has a calming effect, but this is not true. In fact, this drink tones you up and excites you a little. But due to the fact that it contains many B vitamins, it ensures the normal speed and quality of the passage of nerve impulses. This means that those who regularly consume ginger tea do not feel the constant fatigue and irritability, so typical of the inhabitants of modern metropolitan areas.

Of all the ways to use ginger, why do physicians most often recommend tea? Because it is physically impossible to eat a lot of fresh root. And the nutrients from it are more difficult to absorb. While ginger tea contains them in an easy to digest form, and in addition they can be supplemented with other beneficial ingredients contained in supplements - mint, lemon, cinnamon, sea buckthorn, etc.

For women

For the fair sex, this tea is useful for several reasons.

First, it contains substances that help normalize the hormonal background. This means that the tea will help get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of PMS. It also relieves the pain of menstruation. Finally, during menopause, it helps to stabilize the hormonal background, eliminate headaches and gets rid of irritability caused by imbalance.

Secondly, ginger tea is a wonderful preventive and curative agent against pelvic inflammatory diseases. This does not mean that you can refuse antibiotics, but ginger enhances their effect.

Third, ginger tea is known as a good tool for weight loss. If you do not add any additional ingredients to it, it can become the basis of a detox program, which will help cleanse the body of accumulated toxins. Also, the tea accelerates metabolic processes.

And finally, ginger tea contains many vitamins, minerals and essential oils. It has beneficial effects on the skin at any age, allowing it to fight acne, various rashes. It makes the skin more elastic and firm, tones it, gives it a healthy color.

For men

For members of the stronger sex, ginger tea is also useful.

First, it is an anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, it is recommended to take it for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis. However, there are scientific studies that show that ginger can prevent prostate cancer, so here it has a double benefit.

Secondly, ginger tea is useful for those who are actively engaged in sports. Studies have proven that it relieves muscle pain. An experiment was conducted in which participants performed a set of strength exercises for 11 days. Those of them who consumed the ginger drink objectively suffered less muscle pain. And ginger has no effect on the muscles themselves, but it relieves inflammation, which often develops during such exercises.

Third, ginger helps to combat erectile dysfunction, because it has a positive effect on blood circulation. In this case, ginger tea, although it is not an aphrodisiac, but plays the role of a tonic, which also will not be superfluous.

For pregnant women

As noted above, the gingerol contained in ginger tea helps to cope with nausea. Sometimes this drink is even recommended as a remedy for seasickness or blood pressure fluctuations caused by hangover syndrome. But for future mothers, this property of ginger tea is useful because it helps to cope with toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy.

In addition, in the first trimester begins a serious hormonal restructuring of the body, which gives a negative psychological effect. You can not stop it, it would harm the baby. But ginger tea has a different effect: it softens the influence of hormonal imbalance on the nervous system and removes irritability.

Ginger tea also helps to improve the work of the digestive system, which is very important during pregnancy. At this time, many expectant mothers face the problem of constipation, even if they have not experienced any difficulties before. But to run this problem in the hope that everything will somehow normalize on its own, you can not, because with bloating and constipation can increase uterine tone. So, ginger tea with its light natural laxative effect becomes the perfect solution to the problem.

Finally, this drink protects pregnant women from colds and viruses, relieves swelling, has a mild antispasmodic effect.

But it should be used with caution. Ginger tea is contraindicated for those expectant mothers who were hypertensive before pregnancy. And because in this period all women may experience an increase in blood pressure (because the volume of blood in the body increases), then it is possible to drink this tea only after consulting with your doctor. At the end of the third trimester this drink should also not be used, because it may slightly thin the blood. Usually it is not dangerous, but during labor it can lead to bleeding.

Prepare ginger tea for pregnant women should be as follows: take a small piece of ginger root (literally 2 cm), peel from the skin and grind on a grater. This amount should be poured with a glass of boiling water and let it infuse for 10 minutes. Before using, strain the tea, and to improve its taste, you can add 1 tsp. honey (if you are not allergic to it).

When breastfeeding

In folk medicine, ginger tea is considered an excellent remedy for improving lactation. This is not entirely true - the amount of milk depends on prolactin, and the drink has no effect on its production. But ginger tea has a tonic effect, thanks to it the milk ducts expand, and the milk flows more easily.

Some young mothers are afraid that ginger tea can harm the baby. But if you do not abuse this drink (and one cup a day will be more than enough), then there should be no allergies. Unless the child has a hypersensitivity to the components included in the tea. By the way, it is not recommended to add honey to the drink, because it can cause allergies.

To prevent colds and improve lactation drink should be prepared as follows - take a piece of ginger root, peel it, grind it on a grater, select 1 tbsp. and pour 350 ml of boiling water (that's about a cup and a half). The tea should infuse until it becomes warm. But you can not drink this amount at once. It can be taken only half a cup 30 minutes before feeding.

If a mother who uses ginger tea, notices that the child has a rash on the skin or stool disorders began, other things being equal, then the drink will have to be abandoned. It should also be remembered that moms of babies who already suffer from excessive excitability of the CNS and hyperactivity, should not use ginger tea, because it will only increase agitation in such cases.

For babies

Many moms would like to give ginger tea to babies to strengthen the body's defenses. Indeed, children find this drink useful, and they drink it with pleasure, because it tastes much better than medicine, even if it is sweet. First, it provides the body with vitamins and natural antiviral agents. Secondly, while the child drinks warm ginger tea with lemon, the essential oils contained in these drinks reach the mucous membranes and there effectively fight viruses.

Ginger tea for children is useful in cases such as:

• For colds and coughs;
• for headaches, including those caused by viral diseases;
• for various types of nausea;
• In disorders of the digestive system, including constipation.

But still most often ginger tea with lemon is given to children with a cold. It helps to eliminate inflammation and swelling of tissues, facilitates the separation of mucus formed, treats the cough, has a antipyretic effect.

Allergies to ginger are rare. But young children's digestive system is usually not yet so well developed to normally accept this drink, so kids under the age of two it is contraindicated.

For older children, it can be given. But in this case, you need to reduce the volume of each component compared to the recipes used for adults.

An important point - children never make ginger tea from dried spice, ground into a powder, and use only fresh root, so you can get the desired effect. In addition, children should not drink ginger tea on an empty stomach, only after a meal.

So, for babies, ginger tea is prepared as follows - a small piece of ginger root is peeled and grated on a fine grater. Take 1 tsp of this spice and pour a glass of boiling water, and then boil it for another 10-15 minutes. Decoction is removed from the heat, cool and strain. Before giving it to your child, you can squeeze the juice of a lemon circle and add a little honey. The resulting volume of drink (it is a glass of 250 ml) divided into two equal portions and given to a child in the morning and evening, provided that he has no colds.

If a child has a virus, you can prepare two glasses at once and give your baby 100-125 ml four times a day. And you can not even wait for the doctor, and give the tea immediately after the appearance of characteristic symptoms - cough, runny nose, sneezing, etc. It is important that the tea is not hot, but well warm.

Ginger tea for weight loss: cooking recipe

Ginger tea is very useful for weight loss. It contains the above mentioned substance - gingerol. This is a unique compound that has versatile action. In particular, it helps to increase blood circulation and activate the metabolic processes.

Ginger tea for weight loss is useful for its complex action, due to the presence of gingerol, which also helps to normalize the level of cholesterol in the blood. But, in addition to this substance, it also contains vitamins and minerals, which help with digestive processes and help with cardiovascular problems. It also relieves stress, which is often the cause of overeating and gaining excess weight. The phytoncides and essential oils that ginger tea contains have a restorative effect on the body.

However, for all the benefits that ginger brings, it is very important not to overdo it, because if there is an overdose, ginger tea can cause diarrhea. Of course, it will also help to get rid of some amount of fat deposits, but it is better not to do this.

It is not recommended to drink ginger tea on an empty stomach, an hour or two before a meal. However, if you drink a cup just before a meal, it will allow you to experience a feeling of fullness faster and curb your appetite.

There are several variations of ginger tea for weight loss. The most effective are considered to be oriental recipes:

1. The Korean version: for 0.5 cup of previously peeled and grated ginger root take 1.5 liters of water and 2 cinnamon sticks. You should boil water, then add ginger and cinnamon, bring it to the boil again, then simmer on low heat for an hour. The pot should be covered with a lid. Strain the drink and drink it warm, but not hot. Before serving, you can add a little honey and even a couple of pine seeds.
2. Thai recipe: add 1.5 liter of water, 1 lime and 5 tablespoons of dark honey to 0.5 cup of peeled and grated ginger. Bring the water to a boil, then take it off the heat. At the same time, cut the lime into thin slices and throw it together with the ginger into the boiling water. Cover this mixture with a lid and infuse for 20-40 minutes. After that, you can strain the tea, add honey and mix it all thoroughly. Such a drink can be consumed both warm and cold.

Whichever recipe you choose, you should remember that this volume of liquid should not be drunk in a gulp, but in small, equal portions, throughout the day. If there are no contraindications, a healthy person can drink 1.5 liters of tea made from 140 g of ginger per day, no more.

Ginger tea in medicine

As already noted, ginger tea is useful in that it reduces the level of bad cholesterol and has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system of the body, strengthening the heart muscle, making the blood vessels more elastic and thinning the blood. Ginger tea is also good for digestion. It helps flush out toxins, prevents excessive gas, and protects the liver from harm. Studies also show that it stimulates brain activity and can be used in the prevention and treatment of colds.

In Diabetes Mellitus

Recent studies have shown a connection between the active ingredients in ginger tea and blood insulin levels. Diabetics are said to benefit from drinking 1 cup of this drink a day. But here it is important not to overdo it. In large quantities, ginger tea can lower sugar levels too drastically.

Important: The glycemic index of ginger is 15 units.

For pancreatitis.

The only way to consume ginger for pancreatitis is with ginger tea. And only if the disease is in remission, because this drink activates the production of gastric juices. In general, half a cup of tea a day will help to get rid of chronic inflammation. But it is necessarily necessary to consult a doctor.

With gastritis.

It should be noted that ginger tea itself can cause increased production of gastric juice. Therefore, it is recommended for gastritis with reduced acidity. As for the form of the disease with hyperacidity, in this case, ginger tea can be drunk only in chronic disease in remission. In this case, prepare a hot drink differently. You need to brew 1 tsp. of ginger root in a glass of water, insist for 15 minutes, mix with a glass of milk and drink in small sips.

For constipation

Ginger tea has a mild laxative effect. That is why it is recommended to drink it when you are constipated. One cup a day, which is drunk before breakfast or lunch, is enough. You can add lemon and honey to this tea.

When you have gout

Coffee and black tea are forbidden in this disease. But ginger tea not only contains no purines, but also helps to relieve joint pain, so when you have gout, it becomes the perfect alternative to these drinks. But do not drink it more than one cup a day.

For colds

Ginger tea is a classic remedy for colds because it relieves fever, eliminates pain, has a diaphoretic and expectorant effect. You can drink ginger tea with honey, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, sea buckthorn, prepared according to the recipes below. Also this drink will be very useful for angina.

For potency

Ginger tea has a mild stimulating effect, normalizes blood circulation, including in the organs of the reproductive system, so it will be useful to drink it half an hour before a romantic date. If you drink this tea regularly, it will protect against prostatitis.

Harms and contraindications

Despite the fact that ginger tea is very useful, it has a number of contraindications. These include:

• high blood pressure;
• The presence of inflammatory skin diseases (they may be exacerbated);
• gastric or intestinal ulcers in the acute stage;
• The presence of internal bleeding;
• hemorrhoids;
• certain liver diseases.

Although the gingerol in tea helps reduce fever, it is not recommended for fevers. Just as in all situations where a tonic or warming effect can be detrimental.

Recipes for making ginger tea

For all of the recipes below, it is very important to properly peel and slice or grate the ginger root. Experts advise not cutting off the skin with a knife, but rather scraping it gently with a teaspoon while following the natural curves of the root. It costs quite a bit, and a knife or potato peeler will only remove the layer of useful pulp. Be sure to slice the root into thin slices.

With lemon

The preparation requires 4-6 peeled ginger slices for 2 cups of clean water, half a lemon and 1 tbsp. honey. The ginger is peeled as described above and cut into thin slices, as this makes it easier to brew. If you want, you can cut it into small sticks. Bring the water to a boil, add the ginger and keep on medium heat for 10 minutes. Then the decoction is strained, lemon juice is squeezed into it, and honey is added. If you want honey, you can replace it with no less useful agave syrup. This is a natural sweetener that helps fight intestinal bacteria and promotes weight loss.

With honey

There are different recipes. If the tea is drunk for detoxification, take the following - for 1 tsp of crushed ginger root 1 tsp of green tea, a glass of water and 2 tsp of honey. Green tea is brewed in the usual way. Pour 150 ml of water over the ginger, then bring it to a boil and leave it on low heat for 10 minutes. After that, mix green tea and strained ginger broth, cool a little, add honey, stir again and pour into cups.

With cinnamon

This recipe takes 2 cinnamon sticks, 6 cardamom seeds (optional), 3 tablespoons of honey, 1 lemon and 2 liters of water for 0.5 cup of grated ginger root. It is recommended to prepare the tea in a thermos. Ginger is mixed with spices and lemon slices (peel them without peeling, but should be washed), put in a thermos and pour boiling water. The tea is infused for an hour. Pour it into cups through a sieve. Honey is added at the end, as boiling water will only destroy its useful properties.

If desired, you can add a little turmeric to the spices, to get a richer golden hue. This tea is good for coughs.

With garlic

This tea is not tasty, but it is recommended for weight loss. Take 2 garlic cloves, crush them, mix them with 2 tablespoons of grated ginger and pour 2 liters of boiling water. The tea is infused for 3 hours so that all the essential oils pass into the liquid. It should be drunk in between meals.

With mint

Take 1 cm of ginger root, peel, cut into thin slices, put in a kettle with 4 tsp. green tea and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Insist for 5-7 minutes. Then add washed mint leaves to taste. Pour fresh sprigs of mint with boiling water is not recommended.

With sea buckthorn

This berry is one of the leaders in vitamin content. In combination with ginger, it should save you from any colds and viruses. From these ingredients are made warming winter drinks. And you can take sea buckthorn both fresh and frozen. And it will be wonderfully combined with other spices that are traditionally used with ginger.

The proportions are as follows - for 1 tbsp. grated ginger root take 100 grams of sea buckthorn, a couple of stars of badjan, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 tbsp. honey. It is recommended to grind sea buckthorn in a mortar or ceramic mortar beforehand, so that it does not oxidize. The resulting pulp is mixed with grated ginger. We get a puree, which poured 3 cups boiling water, add spices and infused under cover for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey before serving.

With orange

There are several recipes, the most tonic is considered a combination of ginger and black tea. This mixture consists of 100 grated ginger, 4 oranges, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder and 3 tbsp. honey for 500 ml of ready flowed tea. Juice is squeezed from the oranges and pour it into a tea-brew, then add the ginger and cinnamon, bring the mixture to a boil and immediately turn it off. Infuse the drink for 15 minutes, strain and add honey. It makes a wonderful warming tea.

With milk

This ginger tea recipe is popular in India. It requires 4 cups of pure water, 3-4 liters of black tea leaves, 2 tsp of crushed ginger, a couple of cardamom capsules, 3-4 cups of regular milk, and 2 tbsp of honey. Put cardamom and ginger in the water, bring to a boil, leave on the fire for 5-6 minutes until it becomes yellowish in color. Then they add black tea and leave it on the fire for 2-3 minutes more. After this, hot milk is poured in and the drink is strained. If desired, you can use soy milk.

With green tea

Green tea can be combined with ginger and other spices. For example, for 1 tsp. of unflavored green tea take about 4 grams of grated ginger root, 2 boxes of cardamom and half a lemon, 3-4 pieces of cloves and a cinnamon stick. Green tea is brewed in the usual way, strained, then in the resulting liquid add ginger and other spices, bring to a boil and leave on low heat for 20 minutes. Then lemon juice is added and left on the heat for five minutes. After this tea is strained, cool a little and add honey. The drink can be drunk both warm and cold.

How to drink ginger tea correctly

For ginger tea to be beneficial, you need to drink it in moderation and only after consulting your doctor.

Can I Drink It Every Day

Ginger tea can be drunk every day, if there are no contraindications. If you are prone to hypertension, if tea is used for medicinal purposes, it is worth monitoring your blood pressure.

Can it be drunk at night and on an empty stomach?

Because ginger tea promotes increased secretion of gastric juice, it is not recommended to drink it on an empty stomach. It is better to allow yourself a cup just before breakfast.

You should not drink ginger tea at night, because due to its stimulating effect, you may have problems sleeping.

Ginger Facts

Ginger was already known in Ancient Greece. But ginger was very expensive because merchants took it from the East and kept its origin a secret. With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the properties of ginger were forgotten for a long time, and the second time it was discovered after the journey of Marco Polo. At that time, 450 grams of ginger root was worth, if not worth its weight in gold, then it was a very respectable sum: for that money you could buy a sheep.

But in the Eastern countries, ginger was loved by everyone. Confucius described its properties in detail in his treatises. Scientific research was also carried out by Abu Ali ibn Sina, whom Europeans know as the great Avicenna.

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