Ginger Tea Benefits - Our Hot Steaming Cup to Good Health
Ginger tea brings up warm and happy memories for many of us. Popularly known as 'adrak wali chai' in India, a piping hot cup of ginger tea along with a plate of ‘pakoras’ are a must have, especially during the monsoons and winters. Endless cups of ginger tea do the rounds when friends catch up. However, there is more to this tea apart from the bonding and bohemia it creates. Being a great source of Vitamin C, magnesium and other minerals, ginger tea benefits us in many ways.
We all know the spice ginger. It is a frequently used ingredient in Asian cooking. Its spicy and pungent flavour enhances the taste of the dish and adds a complexity and depth to it.
The benefits of ginger do not end at adding flavour and character to a meal. The ginger root is enriched with oils that have been used in Asian medicine since centuries and is now being recognised by modern science as well. Therefore ginger tea is not just a spicy, sweet beverage but can dramatically improve our health.
Let us find out a few ways in which ginger tea benefits us
Strengthens the immune system:
The high levels of antioxidants found in ginger tea boost our immune system, which helps the body to fight effectively against infections.
Boosts the brain function:
Studies conducted among healthy middle-aged people have shown that drinking ginger tea as a daily routine helps to improve the attention span and cognitive functioning of the brain. Alzheimer’s is an illness associated with inflammation, cognitive decline and ageing, that builds up over time. Ginger can help in bringing down the inflammatory response that occurs in the brain and thereby assists in managing Alzheimer’s.
Helps in calming the nerves:
The powerful aroma and healing properties of ginger tea boosts our mood and keeps us refreshed. It has proven calming effect and helps in lowering stress and tension.
Brings relief from nausea:
A cup of ginger tea benefits us greatly if consumed before travelling. It is said to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Ginger tea also helps in soothing headaches and migraine and helps in getting rid of the jet lag after a long flight.
Improves digestion:
Ginger tea aids in digestion and absorption of food and brings relief from the bloating after overeating.
Reduces inflammation:
Inflammation is a primary symptom with many illnesses including arthritis, heart disease. Ginger tea’s anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal to be used as a home remedy to alleviate inflammation and fight muscle and joint problems. It helps significantly in reducing the swelling and puffiness of sore muscles and joints and improves the quality of life of a person living with these diseases. Ginger tea also helps in preventing pain, burning and itching associated with athlete’s foot.
Fights respiratory problems:
Ginger tea is a favourite beverage to have in case of a runny nose and sore throat. It fights congestion and respiratory issue like asthma effectively and is beneficial against environmental allergies.
Improves blood circulation and heart health:
Drinking a cup of ginger tea boosts the blood flow, prevents fever and chills as ginger is diaphoretic in nature, which means it can make one feel warm from within. The vitamins, amino acids and minerals present in ginger tea benefit us by improving the blood circulation. This further helps in lowering cardiovascular issues as the improved blood circulation will prevent fat from depositing in the arteries thereby preventing heart attack and stroke.
Brings relief from menstrual cramps:
Soak a towel in warm ginger tea and spread on the abdomen. It will relax the pelvic muscles and bring instant relief during menstruation. Along with this, drinking a cup of hot ginger tea with honey is very comforting at this time and eases the pain significantly
Ginger tea is beneficial in fighting many illnesses and keeping us in good health. Arthritis, cancer, cognitive functioning or many other ailments, ginger tea can bring relief. Extensive research has shown that ginger is a safe and effective alternative to conventional medicines like painkillers and antibiotics.
So go ahead and buy some fresh ginger or good quality ginger powder and make yourself a hot steaming cup of ginger tea and sip to your good health.