Ginger Tea: Benefits And How To Use For Weight Loss

Some of our health problems have a solution right among the spices used in our kitchen. Now, it is time for us to try ginger tea for weight loss. This tea is caffeine-free, made from dried or fresh ginger roots, and it may help promote metabolism. Ginger is low in calories and is commonly used as a flavoring agent (1). However, ginger tea alone cannot work wonders in slimming you down. It needs to be complemented with a proper diet and exercise. Keep reading to know more!

How To Make Ginger Tea For Weight Loss

A 240 ml cup of ginger tea has just about 10 calories. It is also a filling beverage that you can drink between meals to keep your hunger pangs under control. You can prepare this natural tea with fresh, grated roots or dried ginger powder.

I. Preparation Of Ginger Tea With Fresh Ginger Root 

Ingredients:

• Ginger root: 2-inch long piece, peeled, finely grated
• Water: 250 ml
• Honey: to taste (optional)

How To Prepare:

1. Heat water on medium to high heat and allow it to come to a rolling boil.
2. Add grated ginger root and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and add honey, if desired.
4. Drink it warm.

II. Preparation Of Ginger Tea With Dried Ginger Powder

Ingredients:

• Dried ginger powder: ½-1teaspoon
• Water: 250 ml
• Honey or jaggery: to taste (optional)

How To Prepare:

1. Boil water.
2. Add the dried ginger powder and allow it to come to a boil.
3. Lower the flame and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Strain the tea.
5. Stir in some honey or jaggery if you so desire.
6. Serve hot.

So, does ginger tea really aid weight loss? Scroll down to find out.

Ginger Tea and Weight Loss – The Research Findings

• A systematic review of the scientific literature on ginger and weight loss has found that this herb helps reduce body weight, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and hip ratio (HR). It also showed improvement in blood glucose levels and lipid profiles (2).
• A study conducted by Columbia University and the New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center found that drinking a mixture of ginger powder and hot water helps induce thermogenesis (increases body heat). This promotes satiety and is, thus, effective for weight loss (3).
• A study was conducted in Japan on rats that were fed a high-fat diet. It found that ginger prevents fat storage in the body by increasing norepinephrine-induced lipolysis. Thus, it prevents obesity (4).

Ginger offers some other health benefits associated with weight loss. Check them out below.

Benefits Of Ginger For Weight Loss

So, how does this herbal concoction actually help you lose weight?

1. Boosts Your Digestive Power:

Ginger stimulates pancreatic digestive activity to boost digestion (5). It also curbs appetite and keeps blood sugar and serum cholesterol levels under control (2). Drink a cup of ginger tea before a meal to prevent bloating and stimulate digestion. Make sure you drink it hot, not warm, for best results.

2. Regulates Stress Levels:

Cortisolⁱ  XThe primary stress hormone in your body that is responsible for regulating mood and bodily functions like metabolism and immune response. , the stress-inducing hormone, is a major trigger for belly fat (6). Ginger is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces oxidative stress and prevents the damaging effects of free radicalsⁱ  XUnsteady atoms that pair up with other electrons, damage cells, DNA, and proteins, and speed up aging. . Ginger root contains high levels of antioxidantsⁱ  XMan-made or natural substances containing molecules that prevent or delay the cell-damaging effects of substances like free radicals. that prevent toxin build-up and reduce the internal inflammations that are common causes of weight gain (7). Thus, drinking ginger tea can shield you from cortisol-induced weight gain.

3. Peps Up Your Energy Levels:

A study conducted in Japan on mice found that black ginger boosts physical fitness performance and muscle endurance (8). Therefore, drinking black ginger tea may help you exercise more and burn more calories.

Trivia

Black ginger is a close relative of regular ginger and is native to Thailand. It is characterized by a dark purple color inside and a spicy yet earthy taste.

List Of 10 Foods That You Can Enjoy With Ginger Tea

Here is a list of the ten foods that you can enjoy with ginger tea for better weight loss results:

1. Whole wheat bread (preferably without sugar)
2. Almonds
3. Lemon
4. Cayenne pepper
5. Garlic
6. Chickpeas
7. Fresh fruits
8. Berries
9. Avocado
10. Honey

Quick Tip

Combine ginger with lemon and honey for a delicious and refreshing tea, which is perfect for rainy or cold days.

A Word Of Caution

Make sure you do not use more than 4 grams of ginger a day while preparing the tea. Excessive consumption of ginger can cause mild side effects like heartburn, diarrhea, gas, and abdominal discomfort. People on drugs for gallstones and blood-thinning medications should stay away from this herbal concoction (9). Also ensure that you get enough hydration throughout your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ginger tea be used to reduce belly fat?

There are no foods that can reduce targeted fat. It is better to aim for whole-body fat loss by drinking ginger tea and following a healthy diet plan and exercise regimen.

Is drinking ginger tea every day good for you?

You can drink ginger tea on a daily basis. Drinking two cups of ginger tea per day is advisable to lose weight, detox, and boost your metabolism and immune system.

Which is better; green tea or ginger tea?

Both green tea and ginger tea are known for their numerous health benefits. Green tea helps enhance brain function and lowers the risk of heart disease. Ginger may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. You can choose as per your needs and preference (9), (10), (11).

Can you drink ginger tea before bed?

Yes, ginger tea can be consumed at any time of the day.

Is ginger tea good for the kidneys?

Yes, research studies indicate that ginger may protect against renal cell dysfunction and lower nephrotoxicity (decline in normal kidney function) (12). However, more research studies are warranted to support his claim.

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Madhu SharmaRD

Madhu Sharma is a member of the National Executive Committee of IDA. She has been associated for almost three decades with Pediatric Nutrition at PGI while serving in the Gastroenterology Department (20 years) and then the Advanced Pediatric Center (10 yrs) at PGIMER, Chandigarh. She is former Senior Dietitian from PGIMER, Chandigarh, retired in 2012.   Madhu has been closely...more

Priyanka SadhukhanNutritionist, CDE

Priyanka is a nutritionist and a Certified Diabetes Educator. She has over 8 years of experience in nutrition and dietetics with a strong research background. She is passionate about science and how it can be applied to one’s daily lifestyle. According to her, food is the best medicine, and proper nutrition is key to achieving good health. She has also...more