Ginger Root Tea: Cholesterol Control

Ginger root, scientific name Zingiber officinale, is quite possibly among the most cultivated spice plants in any part of the world. But as it turns out, ginger root is also among the most versatile medicinal plants around— providing treatment for over a hundred different health conditions.

Apart from being a kitchen staple, ginger root is increasingly gaining popularity as a main ingredient for tea. Mostly because of relevant scientific studies that delve into ginger root tea and its amazing health benefits.

With the right preparation—best fixed with a splash of fresh lemon or a dash of cinnamon—ginger root tea offers a calming and soothing flavor, one that comes with a distinct bite that keeps you awake and alert altogether.

The best part is that teacupful of this ginger root concoction comes with prominent herbal health benefits, including better digestion, reduced motion sickness and nausea, lower blood sugar along with more efficient insulin release, and potent supply of natural antioxidants, among many others. A growing body of medical research suggest that, quite possibly, ginger tea is good for cancer treatment.

Keeping Cholesterol Levels In Check

Ginger root tea is increasingly becoming more popular these days no less than because it is the gentlest form of ginger consumption. And with this comes high concentrations of vitamin C, improved respiratory and cardiovascular functions, better blood circulations, and—perhaps the most coveted among its many medicinal properties—lower cholesterol levels.

If you have elevated levels of cholesterol, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by fixing yourself a cup of ginger root tea. To prepare a fresh cup of ginger tea is also fairly simple. All you need is a cup of hot water and ginger root—all other ingredients are basically flavor enhancers and are therefore optional.

Relevant studies suggest that regular ginger consumption can lower bad cholesterol levels while simultaneously improving good cholesterol levels of the body.

A 2008 paper published in Saudi Medical Journal documents a controlled study where several participants, each having elevated levels of cholesterol, were divided into 2 groups. The first group was given 3 grams of ginger daily via three 1 gram capsules. The second group, on the other hand, were given lactose capsules instead.

Upon concluding the 45-day study, researchers report that participants who were made to regularly consume ginger saw a more significant drop in their bad cholesterol levels compared to those were given lactose capsules. Researchers believe that this cholesterol lowering property of ginger comes from its natural tendency to reduce cholesterol absorption that happens in the liver, thus consequently reducing the amount of fats in the blood.