Ginger and lemon tea can help fight colds or flu, due to the medicinal value of the ginger and the vitamin C in the lemon. You can purchase ginger and lemon teabags in some health-food stores, or steep a 1-inch grated piece of ginger root and 2 tsp. of lemon juice in hot water. However, this tea supplies other health benefits as well.
Gingerol Benefits
Ginger root contains gingerol, which increases the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, according to Nutrition and You. Gingerol also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Nausea Relief
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), ginger has been a treatment for upset stomach, diarrhea and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Although you can eat ginger raw, as a candy or cooked, the tea form is most common for medicinal purposes. In a study reprinted on the UMMC website, a gram of ginger daily for up to four days was shown to help relieve nausea. This relief was greater for pregnant women than for people with motion sickness or nausea from a surgical operation.
Increased Vitamin C Levels
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot produce or store; you must take it daily to avoid vitamin C deficiency. The lemon in ginger and lemon tea contains vitamin C, although the amount varies according to how much you add to the tea. Vitamin C is a factor in preventing certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach and breast. This vitamin is also an antioxidant that helps protect the cells against free radical damage -- harmful molecules that form in the body due to anything from cigarette smoke to chemicals in foods.
Cold and Flu Treatment
Ginger and lemon are both known for their vitamin C content. When you have a cold or flu, stock up on these antioxidants to help boost your immune system and recover quickly. Ginger with honey can relieve coughing, sore throat and runny nose, according to Organic Facts. Lemon is also a traditional remedy for colds and sore throat. Brew lemon and ginger tea and add honey for a cold remedy.
Member Comments