Antioxidant-rich tea fights inflammation and protects against heart disease and diabetes

A popular herbal tea could have multiple health benefits, including fighting inflammation, according to research. Ginger tea has long been used as a remedy against nausea.

However, its uses could go far beyond this. It is thought this is due to one active compound found in ginger called gingerol, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

On top of this, ginger contains a myriad of vital vitamins and minerals. In a report on the health benefits of herbal tea, experts at recommended trying ginger tea.

"Best known as a trusted nausea remedy, ginger tea has a spicy and full-bodied flavour," they said. "It contains the antioxidant gingerol, which is the main bioactive disease-fighting compound found in ancient ginger root.

"Ginger also contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B3 and B6, iron, potassium and vitamin C." They referenced research linking ginger to certain health benefits.

"Despite a lack of scientific research on ginger tea, there is research on ginger itself as it has been used as an herbal medicine for a variety of health problems," they continued. "Ginger has been shown to boost the immune system and combat inflammation.

"A recent systematic review of ginger's effects on human health supports its ability to help treat a range of ailments, such as gastrointestinal function, pain, inflammation, metabolic syndromes, and more."

Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to an increased risk of various diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. And an anti-inflammatory diet is often recommended for those suffering from arthritis.

The metabolic syndromes referenced in the study is a group of conditions, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and excess abdominal fat, that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In the study, which was published in in 2020, the authors analysed multiple existing studies on the subject.

They said: "The effectiveness of ginger in anti-inflammation and metabolic syndromes has been well studied. For instance, it has been found to significantly reduce symptoms in patients with arthritis-related diseases."

They added: "Regarding metabolic diseases, many studies have demonstrated that ginger can improve blood biochemical parameters and lipid profiles, which can additionally help in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

"For instance, ginger supplementation has been found to notably reduce fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and insulin resistance. Additionally, lipid profiles (e.g., total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), C-reactive protein, obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors have been found to reduce with ginger intake.

"In general, ginger has been found to indicate a beneficial effect on high dosage and long-term treatment in metabolic diseases." However, they noted that the effect of ginger on metabolic syndromes had only been tested on 50 people and further research was needed.

However, there are some warnings that come with consuming ginger. Harvard Health advised that people on certain drugs should avoid it.

It said: "Ginger may slow blood clotting, and can be potentially dangerous for people taking antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) or anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Also ginger can cause extra bleeding during and after surgery.

"If you have a health condition or you are pregnant, consult with your doctor to determine whether drinking ginger tea is safe for you."