It’s always a good idea to shed those extra pounds and feel lighter! There are many natural agents which can support you in this journey and Ginger is one among them. The benefits of Ginger for weight loss have gained the attention of many health experts and enthusiasts, who claimed to have experienced positive results with it.
Ginger or Adrak is a rhizome grown extensively in tropical countries like India, China etc. It is a root plant that is widely used for its culinary and medicinal properties. Recent studies also show that ginger, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise helps you lose weight. Let’s study this ingredient in detail to understand it’s effects, limitations and ways to use it.
Will Ginger Help Me Lose Weight?
Ginger contains certain antioxidant compounds called Gingerols and Shogaols. Both of them play a significant role in increasing the metabolic rate and boosting the digestion process. Also, studies have shown that Gingerols can fight obesity that is caused by lifestyle disorders, such as high-fat diet and contribute to weight reduction. They are also reported to curb flatulence and excessive hunger, which can have a slimming effect on your abdominal region (1)
What Are The Benefits Of Ginger For Weight Loss?
Apart from the above-mentioned advantages, Ginger root can help you lose weight in these ways:
1. Antioxidant-Rich:
According to research, antioxidants have obese-fighting properties, by fighting with free radicals and controlling inflammation. (2) Ginger is rich in these agents and eating it on a regular basis have shown effective results in maintaining the overall body weight and fat.
2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels:
In a particular study, it was confirmed that Ginger has powerful effects on the lipid profile. It can lower your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, which are bad for your body. That’s not all, it can boost your HDL or good cholesterol levels (3). This can have significant effect on your body weight.
3. Thermogenic Nature:
Ginger is known to increase thermogenesis, a process in which the body temperature surges slightly for better calorie burning, which helps to weight loss. Also, studies suggest that this very effect is responsible for the feeling of satiety or fullness to curb your food cravings and limit your calorie intake. (4)
How To Use Ginger For Weight Loss?
Here are some of the simple Ginger recipes to try as part of your weight loss diet:
1. Ginger and Lemon:
Combining Ginger with lemon is known to speed up your weight loss results. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which is also a natural antioxidant. It works along with the agents present in Ginger to allow for faster fat burning and reducing the body mass. Also, a tea prepared with these ingredients can have detoxifying effects on your system.
Ingredients:
- Grated Ginger – 1-inch root.
- Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp.
- Water – 1 Cup.
How To Prepare:
- Heat some water in a pan.
- Add coarsely grated ginger to the water and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat after 3-5 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and add some lemon juice.
- Serve it warm with honey for good taste.
How Often Should I Do This?: Once or twice everyday.
See More: Does Pomegranate Help In Weight Loss
2. Ginger With Green Tea:
Green tea is one of the most popular weight loss drinks in the world. It is rich in polyphenols and other agents which have a fat burning effect on the body. Adding ginger not only enhances the flavour of this drink but also delivers efficient results in weight loss. Ginger green tea is known to have a soothing effect on the body and mind.
Ingredients:
- Grated Ginger – 1-inch root.
- Green tea bag – 1.
- Water – 1 Cup.
How To Prepare:
- Boil water in a vessel and some ginger.
- Allow the flavour to seep in for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and strain the liquid.
- Add a green tea bag in a cup and pour this ginger water on it.
- Wait for 3 minutes and remove the bag.
- Serve it hot with a lemon wedge.
How Often Should I Do This?: You can have 2-3 cups everyday.
See More: How To Use Cinnamon For Weight Loss
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Ginger:
Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is a powerful drink for losing weight. It also helps in better digestion by improving the gut flora. Adding ginger to this ingredient can increase the antioxidant levels, which contribute to better results on weight loss.
Ingredients:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp.
- Ginger – 1 inch.
- Water – 1 Cup.
How To Prepare:
- Prepare Ginger tea with water and ginger piece.
- Wait for it to cool down.
- Add ACV and mix well.
- Serve it immediately.
How Often Should I Do This?: You can have 1- 2 cups everyday. People with sensitive stomachs might experience discomfort. So, avoid overdosage.
4. Ginger Juice:
Ginger juice is a potent drink that is spicy and extremely pungent in taste. The undiluted ginger juice is highly concentrated in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which contribute to significant weight loss. However, it can be quite harsh on your stomach and hence is recommended to dilute it with water and honey
Ingredients:
- Ginger Root – 1 small-sized root.
- Water – 1 Cup.
- Honey – 1 tbsp.
How To Prepare:
- Boil ginger root in some water.
- Once it gets softened, grind it and extract the juice.
- Now add the desired amount of water and honey.
How Often Should I Do This?: Have it one or two times a day before meals.
See More: Use Of Jeera Water For Weight Loss
5. Ginger Tea:
Ginger weight loss tea is also called Ginger water and is a refreshing beverage. It can destress your body and mind, along with helping you reduce some extra pounds and belly fat. This herbal concoction can also stimulate your digestive system and gives you a fuller, yet lighter feeling. Along with this recipe, you can also use dry ginger powder boiled with water to attain the same benefits.
Ingredients:
- Ginger Root – 1 small piece crushed.
- Water – 1 Cup.
How To Prepare:
- Heat up some water in a pan.
- Add the ginger piece and bring it to a boil.
- Turn off the heat and wait for 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and have it warm.
How Often Should I Do This?: This can be had everyday limiting to 3 cups.
Precautions When Using Ginger For Weight Loss:
Although Ginger plays a very important role in weight loss, it is not fully free from side effects. Consuming this root in large amounts can lead to many health hazards listed below:
- Constipation and stomach disorders.
- Taking ginger on an empty stomach may lead to burning and ulcers.
- People with gall bladder issues many experiences increased the production of bile juice.
- Ginger dilates your blood vessels if you are on blood thinners avoid it.
Although we have plenty of evidence to prove that Ginger promotes weight loss, you must note that these studies are only selective and doesn’t fully support the statements. Ginger is not a miracle ingredient and cannot alone fulfil your weight goals. You must take it as a part of a balanced diet and a medium intensity workout to achieve the desired results. Also, speak to a doctor before taking ginger if you have chronic health problems.
