Ginger water provides several health benefits to the body. As an aid in weight loss and fighting diseases.
Ginger (zingiber officinale) is a root that is highly beneficial for health. This, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it has bioactive phenolic compounds, known as gingerols. Therefore, drinking ginger water can provide some benefits, for example, helping with weight loss and increasing immunity.
However, the benefits of ginger water don’t stop there. According to studies, the drink has great therapeutic power in chronic diseases. Furthermore, the root is also rich in fiber and has antiemetic action, which helps to relieve nausea and motion sickness.
Furthermore, many people turn to drinking as a way to help with weight loss. This way, just drink a glass of ginger water on an empty stomach, plus 0.5 L of the drink throughout the day. Finally, ginger works to detoxify the body, improving intestinal function, accelerating metabolism and combating fluid retention in the body.
This accelerates the loss of body fat, especially in the belly area. Therefore, the drink is a great ally for women who want to lose weight. However, even though it is a natural food, it also has some contraindications. Therefore, before consuming it, consult a specialist.
Ginger water: how to prepare
Ginger is a root originating from East Asia, however, it is cultivated in different regions of the planet. Mainly in hot and humid regions. Furthermore, the root can be consumed in different ways. For example, fresh, crystallized, dried or powdered.
According to experts, daily consumption for adults should be 4 to 16 mg of gingerols. That is, around 500 mg to 2 g of powdered ginger. And to prepare ginger water, the mixture must be made with one teaspoon of ginger for every 500 ml of water. Therefore, you can drink the drink warm or cold, as its nutritional properties do not change.
Furthermore, ginger water can be consumed before, during or after meals. On the other hand, you can also prepare ginger tea. However, the root needs to be boiled for 10 minutes, then let it rest for 5 minutes before drinking.
However, it is important to remember that the boiling time should not exceed 10 minutes. Because, its bioactive phenolic compounds are thermolabile. That is, they may lose their beneficial properties.
Finally, if you want to make the ginger water tastier, you can add lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon or saffron.
Ginger water: benefits
In short, ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in fiber, gingerol, vitamin C and B6 (pyridoxine), phosphorus, iron and capsain. In addition to thermogenic function.
However, ginger in its fresh form has more benefits than in powdered form. Therefore, ginger water provides the following health benefits:
1- Helps you lose weight
According to studies, drinking a glass of ginger water before meals helps with weight loss, that is, in reducing BMI (Body Mass Index). This happens thanks to the thermogenic action of ginger, which stimulates the metabolic process, accelerating fat loss.
However, in order to achieve the desired effects, in addition to drinking it is necessary to adopt a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
2- Acts as an anti-inflammatory
Ginger water also acts to protect muscles and the nervous system, protecting neurons. In addition to helping in the production of neurotransmitters.
3- Helps in the treatment of chronic diseases
Among the benefits of ginger water, the drink helps in the treatment and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. For example, such as diabetes, bronchitis, asthma, coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension and fatty liver.
Furthermore, it also acts to relieve coughing and shortness of breath, improving breathing.
5- Helps with the functioning of the digestive system
Ginger has several beneficial health properties. Likewise, it is rich in fiber. Therefore, it helps combat heartburn, poor digestion and intestinal gas.
6- Helps in the treatment of Arthritis
Another benefit of ginger water is relieving joint pain caused by arthritis. In addition to drinking, you can also apply warm compresses to the affected area.
7- Increases immunity
Ginger has phenolic compounds in its composition, such as 6-gingerol, which is a powerful antioxidant. In this way, ginger water works to prevent the action of substances that cause damage to cells. Consequently, it helps prevent injuries to blood vessels, neural problems and degenerative diseases. Furthermore, it also strengthens the immune system and improves mood.
8- Reduces fatigue
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger water helps reduce post-workout fatigue and inflammation. It also stimulates metabolism and improves physical and sports performance. Therefore, it is ideal for runners and triathletes.
On the other hand, it is not recommended for athletes in sports focused on bodybuilding and bodybuilding. Because, for these modalities, inflammation is very important for the process.
9- Helps with body hydration
Finally, ginger water also helps keep the body hydrated. Since you must drink the drink throughout the day, which helps to reach the amount necessary to maintain the body’s health.
Ginger water: contraindication
1- People with high blood pressure
Despite all its benefits, ginger water is not recommended for people who use medication to lower blood pressure. Or for people taking blood-thinning medications. Since ginger also thins the blood. On the other hand, in cases of gallstones, the drink can be used, as long as it is under medical supervision.
2- Pregnant women
The drink is also not recommended for pregnant women, so no more than 2 g of ginger should be consumed per day. But, the ideal is to seek medical advice.
3- Kidney problems
For people who have kidney problems, ginger water is not recommended. Therefore, excess potassium present in ginger can lead to a high concentration in the body. Which can be harmful to your health.
Ginger water: other forms of consumption
You can add some components to ginger water to enhance its benefits. Such as:
1- Ginger water with lemon
Lemon also has properties that accelerate metabolism, in addition, it is rich in vitamin C, has few calories and is an excellent antioxidant. In this way, it helps eliminate impurities, strengthens the immune system and improves bowel function. Anyway, to prepare the drink you will need:
Ingredients
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 glass of water
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Preparation mode
In short, just mix all the ingredients and drink.
2- Ginger water with mint
Furthermore, mint helps improve circulation, relieves stomach problems, headaches and inflammation in the muscles. Thus, mixed with ginger, it enhances the beneficial effects of the drink. To prepare, you will need:
Ingredients
- 4 or 5 slices of ginger
- ½ cup mint
- 500 ml of water
Preparation mode
First, boil the ginger in water. Then add the mint and let it cool. Finally, strain the drink and drink it throughout the day. Therefore, you can drink the drink warm or cold.
3- Ginger water with cinnamon
Cinnamon adds flavor and aroma to ginger water. Furthermore, cinnamon has properties that help control blood sugar, which prevents the occurrence of insulin spikes and hyperglycemia. To prepare the drink you will need:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or 5 slices of ginger
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 500 ml of water
Preparation mode
Furthermore, for this drink you have the option of boiling the ingredients or just mixing everything and letting it rest for a while. Finally, you can drink it cold throughout the day.
4- Ginger water with eggplant
Ginger water with eggplant is great for helping you lose weight. It has a diuretic effect, improves the elimination of toxins from the body, improves bowel function and reduces appetite. This is thanks to its high fiber content. Anyway, to prepare the drink, you will need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped eggplant with the skin
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 250 ml of water
Preparation mode
First, blend everything in the blender. So, if you prefer, you can add lemon zest to the drink. Anyway, you can drink it natural or iced.
Either way, these ginger water tips will help you maintain your body’s health, preventing diseases, helping you lose weight and increasing immunity. However, even though it is natural, excess can be harmful to your health. Because, as it has diuretic properties, the drink increases the amount of urine. This can cause important minerals to be eliminated in the urine. Therefore, the ideal is to seek guidance from a nutritionist who will indicate the ideal amount of consumption per day.
So, if you liked this article, read also: Teas to lose weight: the 13 best teas to lose weight and lose belly fat.
