Both green tea and ginger have been touted for their health benefits, which scientific evidence does support. They have a long history of use as culinary and medicinal products coupled with a rich array of folklore. Ginger, for example, was believed to be a preventive for death by poison. The story of green tea says that its discovery was the result of an accident, when the leaves of a shrub fell into the drink of a Chinese emperor.
Benefits
The greatest benefits of taking ginger are to relieve nausea and motion sickness. It can also help relieve dizziness, a contributing factor. Green tea's primary health benefit lies in its antioxidant properties which are believed to help prevent cancer. Both supplements are believed to be effective in the treatment of arthritis, though evidence is limited. In addition, popular belief supports the use of either for weight loss.
Evidence
The evidence supporting the health benefits of ginger is compelling. A 2006 study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, found that taking ginger could help alleviate postoperative nausea. Much of the evidence supporting other health claims of green tea such as a treatment for diabetes is lacking. However, an extract of green tea has been approved by the FDA for treatment of genital warts, according to MayoClinic.com.
Forms
You can take both green tea and ginger in a variety of forms. Either of course, makes a delightful tea giving you a pleasant way to enjoy them and their health benefits. You can also take ginger or green tea tablets. Specifically, the active ingredients for green tea are its leaves, whereas the therapeutic portion of ginger is its root.
Dosage
There are a few things you need to do in order to receive the optimal benefits of taking ginger or green tea. Taken in tea form, you must drink three to four cups of tea to receive the proper amount. In addition, you want to avoid using boiling water for green tea to avoid destroying the very compounds for which you are taking it. Taking either in a capsule form will help assure you receive the correct amount. Daily dosage for green tea is 100 mg, while ginger is 100 to 200 mg up to three times a day, according to Whole Health MD.
Side Effects
Both green tea and ginger are relatively safe, with few side effects. Green tea's side effects are primarily confined to caffeine-related issues; however, there is very little caffeine in green tea. With ginger, you may experience heartburn or diarrhea after taking it. Also, you will want to consult your doctor before taking ginger if you are diabetic or take blood thinners such as warfarin. Pregnant women should avoid taking either herbal supplement.
References
- Whole Health MD: Ginger
- Whole Health MD: Green Tea
- Mayo Clinic: Ginger
- Mayo Clinic: Green Tea
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand"; The Efficacy of Ginger in Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Major Gynecologic Surgery; T. Nanthakomon and D. Pongrojpaw; October 2006
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