Ginger is the root of Zingiber officinale and is one of the most used spices in many countries. For centuries it’s also been used to treat issues like nausea, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation and asthma.
Ginger root contains both essential volatile oils and non-volatile pungent compounds. The non-volatile pungent parts gingerols, shogaols, paradols, and zingerone.
Among them, shogaols are the major bioactive constituents in dried ginger. Because when you dry ginger to make tea, gingerols are converted to shogaols. Zingerone is also mostly absent in fresh ginger but cooking or heating transforms gingerol to zingerone.
The biological activities of the pungent parts provide the numerous health benefits of ginger tea.
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Antiinflammatory |
Ginger reduces inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing the inflammatory molecules released from cells that contribute to an inflammatory response. |
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Antioxidant |
Ginger scavenges damaging free radicals like reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxides, and other oxidants. It also inhibits an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which generates reactive oxygen species. |
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Anti-Obesity |
Ginger increases heat production, calorie burning and the breakdown of fats. It suppresses the formation of fat and intestinal fat absorption, and controls appetite. |
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Antidiabetic |
Ginger reduces insulin resistance, and helps control glucose and insulin levels. |
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Anticancer |
Ginger causes cancer cell death, and reduces cell growth, cell division and survival. This includes the PI3K/AKT pathway that promotes the survival and rapid increase of tumor cells in many cancers. Ginger also causes the destruction of cells that aren't functioning properly and activates proteins that suppress tumor development. It's also been shown to decrease the size of tumors. |
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Protects Your Liver |
Ginger can protect your liver from the effects of chemical exposure. It reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. It’s also been reported to reduce liver fibrosis (scarring) and liver cell death and support your body’s antioxidant and detox systems. Plus, because it lowers triglycerides it can also improve a fatty liver. |
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Improves Gut Health |
Ginger has a protective role in gastric ailments and irritations like ulcers, vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, stomach ache, spasm, ulcerative colitis and gastrointestinal cancer. It also stimulates digestion and the absorption of micro-nutrients and reduces inflammation. |
Ginger tea bags typically contain 1.5 to 2 grams of ginger. And based on the research, taken daily, that's enough to reap the health benefits of ginger.
To derive the most benefits cover your cup and steep for 10-15 minutes.