Benefits Of Ginger Tea And Lemon

Both lemon and ginger are well known for their versatility. One of the ways you can add lemon and ginger to your diet is through a warm cup of lemon ginger tea which has been enjoyed for centuries in many countries around the world. This herbal tea can be easily prepared at home and has a range of health benefits. 

Lemon ginger tea: What is it

Lemon ginger tea is an infusion of fresh ginger and lemon.

Lemon belongs to the Rutaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia. It is a citrus fruit and is known to have various health benefits including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.¹

Ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is native to South Asia. In many countries, fresh ginger is used as a spice and condiment to add flavour to food. Ginger is also often used to treat many health problems as it has many health-promoting properties. For example, ginger is high in antioxidants that can boost your immune system.

Health benefits of lemon ginger tea

Together, lemon and ginger have tremendous health benefits.

Immunity boost

Both lemon and ginger have antioxidant properties that can protect the body against free radicals and increase your body’s immunity. Fresh ginger root contains a very high level of antioxidants (3.85mmol/100g). Ginger works by decreasing age-related oxidative stress markers which boosts your body’s immunity by decreasing inflammation.²

Lemon is also a good source of vitamin C which has excellent immunity-boosting properties. Vitamin C itself is an antioxidant and works by protecting the cells against damage, and is also involved in wound healing and stimulating the activity of white blood cells in the immune system.³

Anti-cancer properties

Interestingly, citrus fruits like lemon are abundant in phytochemicals that protect the body against many types of cancer. Research shows that daily consumption of citrus fruits is associated with a reduced risk of gastric cancer. Lemon also contains flavonoids which are bioactive compounds that interact with molecules involved in the propagation of cancer cells. They work by suppressing oxidative stress, which reduces DNA damage and results in a lowered risk of developing cancer. In addition, ginger has been found to have cytotoxic effects against human breast cancer cells by inhibiting their growth. Ginger is also effective at reducing the risk of colorectal, gastric, ovarian, liver, skin, and prostate cancer.⁴

Relief from nausea

Fresh ginger and lemon are often used to treat nausea and vomiting. Ginger’s anti-nausea properties work by breaking up and expelling intestinal gas. Several studies have found that ginger is an effective remedy for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. In one of the studies, women receiving ginger (250mg capsules) experienced less nausea and vomiting compared to the control group which received a placebo. The effectiveness of ginger has been compared to vitamin B6 as both are effective at reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.²

Relief from indigestion

Drinking lemon ginger tea is an excellent remedy for indigestion, especially if you deal with chronic indigestion or discomfort after a heavy meal. Ginger contains a chemical compound called shogaol, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juices in your stomach and also causes minor contractions in your stomach. This helps ease indigestion by moving food through the digestive system more quickly. Also, lemon contains a plant compound called limonene which aids in digestion by helping move food along your digestive tract. ^2 5

Heart health

Lemon is a good source of potassium which contributes to heart health. A study involving 100 middle-aged women showed that daily lemon juice intake was effective in reducing high blood pressure.5 In addition, ginger is known to reduce cholesterol and improve lipid metabolism, which helps to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.²

Lowers the effects of diabetes

New research shows that drinking this herbal tea can lower the effects of diabetes and reduce kidney damage. Ginger contains a high level of zinc, which plays a role in the production and secretion of insulin. Also, the antioxidants found in lemon ginger tea prevent the effects of diabetes, such as high blood pressure and heart problems. Moreover, a study on diabetic rats which were given ethanol extracts from lemon peel for 12 days found that this was effective at reducing blood sugar levels as well as reducing wound healing time and increasing tissue growth rate.^2 5

Nutrition

There are many nutrients found in a cup of lemon ginger tea, such as:

· Magnesium

· Manganese

· Calcium

· Vitamin C, B6 and E

· Antioxidants

· Caffeine

· Potassium

Lemon contains citral, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and limonoids which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.⁵ Ginger also contains over 40 different chemical compounds which contribute to its health benefits, including:

· Shogaols – a strong-smelling chemical substance found in ginger. It helps to reduce pain, joint inflammation, nausea, and has antioxidant properties.

· Gingerols – another strong-smelling chemical compound that has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease menstrual pain, arthritis, and pain from nerve damage.

· Zingerone – a major flavour component of ginger that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.⁶

Side effects and other concerns

Lemon ginger tea is generally considered safe, but it may cause some side effects such as:

· Allergic reaction 

· Blood thinning – ginger can interact with blood thinning drugs taken for hypertension and diabetes. Ginger should be avoided if you have a blood clotting or bleeding disorder or diabetes.

· Caffeine – lemon ginger tea contains caffeine, so children and people who are sensitive to caffeine should avoid this beverage.

If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to consult your primary care doctor.⁷

How to prepare lemon ginger tea at home

Lemon ginger tea is readily available in many grocery stores in tea bags, but it can also be easily prepared at home with simple and fresh ingredients. Here is a simple lemon ginger tea recipe:

1. Finely slice one-inch length of fresh ginger (or use grated ginger) and add it to boiling water. Allow it to steep for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can also use green tea as a base.

2. Slice one lemon into fine pieces and add that to the boiling water. Allow this to steep for another 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Strain the tea and add sweeteners like honey if needed. This can either be served as a hot beverage or as iced tea.⁸

Summary

Overall, lemon ginger tea is a popular beverage that can be easily prepared at home and has many benefits that can improve your health. The antioxidant properties of both lemon and ginger can boost your body’s immunity and prevent the risk of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Both ginger and lemon have anti-cancer properties, and studies show that they work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, which in turn reduces the risk of developing cancer. In addition, this herbal tea also provides relief for nausea and indigestion by helping move food along the digestive tract. Lemon ginger tea also improves heart health and lowers the effects of diabetes. This herbal tea is generally considered safe to consume, and is therefore a great addition to your diet.