Ginger has been known for thousands of years as a herb that has many benefits. Besides being processed into herbal medicine or into your favorite dishes, ginger can also be drunk by the water to treat various health complaints. The following are various health benefits that you can get if you are diligent in drinking ginger water.
What are the benefits of drinking ginger water?
1. Relieve pain and pain
Gingerol and phenol, chemical compounds contained in ginger, are antinyeri which can relieve pain. Both are efficacious to relieve symptoms of gastric irritation, relieve menstrual cramps, to muscle aches after exercise.
A study involving 60 adults with migraines reported that ginger water works better to relieve migraine symptoms if used as additional therapy, rather than just taking pain relievers.
2. Eliminate nausea
The prestige of ginger as a remedy for nausea and prevention of seasickness is no doubt. Drinking ginger water is also useful for relieving nausea and vomiting, including those that appear as side effects of recovery after surgery, chemotherapy, and pregnancy (morning sickness)
3. Against rheumatic inflammation and osteoarthritis
Routinely drinking ginger water can help prevent and reduce inflammation caused by joint pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
This is because a number of active components in ginger, such as gingerol, gingerdione, and zingeron work to reduce the natural substances that trigger inflammation in the body. Ginger also contains oleoresin which works against inflammation.
One study found that ginger can reduce the symptoms of inflammation caused by allergic reactions.
4 Rich in antioxidants to combat the risk of chronic diseases
Dry ginger is a high source of antioxidants that have the potential to protect you from the harmful effects of free radicals. Your body can get free radicals from the surrounding environment, such as sun exposure, radiation, ozone, cigarette smoke, air pollution from exhaust fumes, industrial chemicals, and the food and drinks you consume.
Free radicals are thought to be a risk factor for a variety of chronic diseases such as tumors, cancer, heart disease, reduced vision ability, to age-related neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease). One study found that drinking ginger water can prevent or slow kidney failure.
Free radicals also cause premature aging.
5. Control diabetes blood sugar levels
Many studies have reported that ginger can reduce blood sugar levels and help regulate insulin response in diabetics.
Well, a study from Iran added that in Iran found that ginger in particular decreased fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels in the blood. People with type 2 diabetes who take ginger supplements experience a drastic decrease in fasting blood sugar.
In addition, anti-inflammatory properties in ginger can also prevent complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy, heart disease, and stroke. Researchers report that this benefit will be more beneficial when ginger water is mixed with cinnamon powder.
6. Lose weight
A study conducted on 10 men reported that regular drinking hot ginger water after breakfast caused a feeling of fullness longer than just eating breakfast. Other studies also found that ginger can help reduce appetite.
An article in the British Journal of Nutrition reports that ginger is able to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and increase metabolic rate so that the body is more effective at burning fat.
Even so, it needs more in-depth research with a wider range to ensure the benefits of ginger for weight loss.
How to make ginger water at home
To get the optimal benefits of ginger, you should choose fresh ginger.
The general way to make ginger water at home is as follows:
- Grate 1.5 teaspoons of fresh ginger
- Boil 4 cups of water
- Add ginger to the water
- Let the ginger soak for about 5-10 minutes
- Strain the water to separate the ginger grater
- Ginger water can be drunk both hot and cold.
If the taste is too strong, you can add honey or lemon juice.
Be careful of side effects of drinking ginger water
Drinking ginger is generally safe. But when consumed in excess, ginger can make stomach ache, flatulence feels hot, until heartburn and diarrhea. You are not recommended to consume more than 4 grams of ginger per day.
The consumption of ginger in any form is also feared to cause harmful interactions if you are taking blood thinning medications. So if you are one of them, first consult with a doctor before drinking ginger water.
Likewise for pregnant women. Even though drinking ginger water does not endanger or even increases the risk of pregnancy complications, you should still consult with your obstetrician before drinking ginger water while pregnant