There are numerous scientific reasons ginger is great for weight loss:
Gingerol – Bioactive Compound
Ginger contains an active phenolic compound, gingerol. It is this bioactive compound in ginger that helps to reduce weight, improves lipid profile, and reduces glucose and insulin levels.
Thermic Effect – Metabolic Booster
The thermic effect of food is the increase in metabolic rate after a meal. American scientists found that people who included ginger powder in their diet had increased thermogenesis (amount of energy expended in addition to the energy expended in the resting phase for the digestion and absorption of food) and suppressed appetite.
Anti-inflammatory – Suppresses Obesity
Inflammation is related to obesity and insulin resistance. Scientists at Columbia University have found that ginger helps reduce inflammation-induced weight gain. It acts by inhibiting the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response.
Ginger also plays an instrumental role in reducing low-grade inflammation, which helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes-related chronic complications.
Antioxidant – Detoxes The Body And Protects DNA
Ginger’s antioxidant properties help scavenge the hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions that lead to toxic build-up and DNA damage. High levels of toxins in the body increase inflammation, leading to weight gain. Consuming ginger helps nullify the toxic build-up.
Anti-Diabetic/Hypolipidemic – Better Blood Profile
According to a report published in The British Journal of Nutrition, ginger possesses blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and lipid-lowering properties. The lower your blood sugar, cholesterol, and lipid levels, the better the chances of losing weight and improving your health.
Improves Digestion – Better Bowel Movement
Researchers have also found ginger to stimulate gastric emptying and antral contractions. This helps to flush out the toxins and supports proper digestion, which, in turn, aids weight loss.
How To Use Ginger For Weight Loss
Here are a few ways you can include ginger in your diet for weight loss:
1. Pure Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- ½ inch ginger root
- 1 cup of water
Method
Use a mortar and pestle to crush the ginger root. Bring a cup of water to a boil. Add the ginger root to the boiling water and simmer it for 2 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup.
2. Ginger And Cinnamon Tea
Ingredients
- ½ inch crushed the ginger root
- ¼ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon powder
- 1 cup of water
Method
Add Ceylon cinnamon powder to a cup of water and let it steep overnight. In the morning, strain the water and boil it. Add the crushed ginger root and boil it for 2 minutes. Strain the ginger cinnamon tea into a cup.
3. Ginger And Lemon Tea
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger powder.
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 cup of water
Method
Bring a cup of water to a boil and add the ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool and add lemon juice and honey. Stir well and drink!
4. Apple Cider Vinegar And Ginger
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger or ginger powder
- 1 cup of water
Method
Stir the ginger juice or powder and apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Drink up!
5. Ginger And Honey Tea
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon organic honey
- 1 cup of water
Method
Bring a cup of water to a boil and add the grated ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes and let it cool. Add honey, stir, and drink.
6. Ginger Water Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 inches ginger, grated
- 500 ml of water
Method
Bring the water to a boil and add the ginger. Remove from flame and let the ginger steep for 10 minutes. Strain the ginger out. Drink ginger water hot or cold.
7. Cayenne Pepper And Ginger
Ingredients
- 2 inches ginger, grated or 2 teaspoons ginger powder
- Juice of half a lime
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- A pinch of turmeric
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 cup of water
Method
Bring a cup of water to a boil. Add the grated ginger or ginger powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the flame and let it cool. Add lime juice, honey, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir and drink.
Other Ways To Include Ginger In Your Diet
- Add half a teaspoon of finely chopped ginger to your Spanish omelet for breakfast.
- Add a tablespoon of grated ginger or ginger paste to roasted chicken or turkey to give it an earthy, Asian flavor.
- Add ginger to your curry to give it a nice aroma and taste.
- You can add ginger to cakes, muffins, oatmeal cookies, and biscuits.
- Add ginger to your salad dressing to make it flavorful and exciting.
- You can chew a small piece of raw ginger.
- Add ginger to soups or stir-fries to help enhance the flavor.
Ginger Dosage For Weight Loss
Consume a ½ to 1-inch ginger root every 5-6 hours. Add about a teaspoon of ginger paste to your stew or curry and about half a teaspoon of grated ginger or ginger paste to your stir-fries, salad dressing, soups, juices, and smoothies.
Other Health Benefits Of Ginger
- Relieves stress
- Prevents arthritis
- Reduces nausea
- Helps prevent cold, cough, and flu
- Acts as an anti-cancer agent
- Can help fight microbial infections
- Has joint, muscle, and menstrual pain-relieving properties
- Prevents blood clot formation
- Protects against neurodegenerative diseases
Side Effects Of Ginger Consumption
- Heartburn
- Irritation in the mouth
- Gastritis
- Stomach upset
- Dehydration
- Skin rash
- May increase the risk of bleeding if you have hemophilia
Bottomline
It is best that you talk to your doctor first before taking ginger to lose weight. Make ginger a part of your daily life and lead a healthy lifestyle. You will shed that stubborn fat and become more confident about your body.
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