Ginger is a flowering plant that is mostly cultivated for its root, which is used in cooking and baking. Ginger has properties that decrease inflammation, stimulate digestion, and suppress appetite, which lead some people to believe that ginger may promote weight loss. Here are some ways to use ginger for weight loss:
1. Ginger Tea
- Add a little honey or a squeeze of lemon to 1 cup (8 ounces) of brewed ginger tea, stir in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and drink.
- Drink once or twice per day, keeping in mind that green tea does contain caffeine.
- Here is how to make a simple ginger tea: chop up a piece of ginger the size of a person’s little finger, place chopped ginger in 150 milliliters of boiling water, simmer for 5–10 minutes, then strain before drinking.
2. Ginger Juice
- Ginger juice typically includes other ingredients to dilute the pungent, spicy taste of pure ginger. These extra ingredients — honey, lemon juice, and water — happen to have hydrating, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties themselves.
- To make ginger juice, blend fresh ginger with water and strain the mixture.
3. Ginger Powder
- Compared to fresh ginger, dried ground ginger (ginger powder) contains a higher concentration of gingerols and shogaols, the compounds that stimulate several biological activities in your body when you consume ginger.
- Ginger powder can be added to smoothies, soups, and other recipes.
Its important to note that solely adding ginger to your diet will mostly not result in significant weight loss. Ginger can work along with a healthy diet and exercise to help you reach a healthy weight. Additionally, ginger may have potential side effects, such as skin irritation and mild blood thinning, so its best to talk to your doctor before including ginger in your diet, especially if youre on blood-thinning medication.
