Ginger Tea: Health Benefits

Ginger tea is a spicy conventional beverage that is consumed and enjoyed daily throughout Asia and also popular across the world. Treat yourself to a cup of piping hot ginger tea, a healthy drink that’s great for digestion.

Health Benefits of ginger tea:

Heart Health. Ginger tea may help reduce the risk of blocked arteries, a common cause of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. It increases circulation and supports good blood flow. Some studies show that drinking ginger tea regularly can also help reduce cholesterol levels, essential for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.

Cancer Treatment. Preliminary studies show that ginger may help shrink cancerous tumors and lessen the risks of cancer spreading in patients in remission. Other studies have shown ginger to kill ovarian cancer cells and slow the growth of colon cancer cells. Ginger may also be a useful treatment for nausea associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. More studies are necessary to prove the effectiveness of ginger and ginger tea in cancer treatment.

Soothes Menstrual Discomfort. Drinking ginger tea can ease the painful cramps associated with female menstruation. A warm cloth drenched in ginger tea and then placed over the uterine area is believed to relax muscles and ease menstrual discomfort as well.

Digestive Aid. Ginger tea aids in the absorption and digestion of food after eating. It helps the body release gastric acids necessary for digestion and may help soothe stomachache and ease the bloating often associated with overeating.

Antibacterial. Ginger contains an active compound called zingiber, which kills salmonella and other types of bacteria. Additionally, the commonly consumed lemon-ginger version of ginger tea provides two more bacteria fighting compounds from its lemon content: limonene and pectin.

Antiviral. Ginger tea may offer antiviral properties. It is believed that fresh ginger destroys virus cells that cause the common cold and flu.

Respiratory Health. Ginger tea may be beneficial for a variety of respiratory conditions. Often used to treat colds, coughs and soar throat, it loosens phlegm and helps the lungs expand properly.

Anti-Inflammatory. Used as a soak, ginger tea can reduce swelling and ease the pains associated with joint and bone discomfort such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is recommended as a treatment for athlete’s foot to ease the discomfort of burning and itching.

Reduces Stress. Ginger tea has a natural calming quality that is known to help reduce stress levels.

Immune System Support. The antioxidants in ginger tea help support an active, healthy immune system.

Here’s how to make the tastiest ginger tea:

Ingredients:

• 4-6 thin slices raw ginger
• 1 1/2 – 2 cups water
• juice from 1/2 lime, or to taste
• 1-2 tbsp honey, or to taste

Preparation:

1. Peel the ginger and slice thinly to maximize the surface area. This will help you make a very flavorful ginger tea.
2. Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger.
3. Remove from heat and add lime juice and honey to taste.
4. The secret to making a really flavorful ginger tea is to use plenty of ginger – more than you think you will need – and also to add a bit of lime juice and honey to your ginger tea. You will also probably want to add more honey than you think you will need as well.

Enjoy your homemade hot ginger tea! Remember, Ginger tea should be consumed in limited quantities according to the requirements of a body as anything consumed over dose can be harmful to your health.

Source: healthdiaries.com, vegetarian.about.com