7 Benefits of Ginger Water — Weight loss, reduced bloating, healthier skin and more

If your grandmother ever told you to drink ginger water when you got sick, she was nudging you in the right direction. The benefits of ginger water are plentiful, from reducing inflammation and boosting immunity to even helping with weight loss.

“Ginger water is increasingly recognized for its impressive health benefits, making it an excellent addition to your daily routine. Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, ginger is a natural metabolism booster that can help with weight control. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to manage their weight effectively.” says clinical dietician Vedika Premani of Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.

The root, a daily staple, has traditionally been a strong component of medical sciences such as Ayurveda and homeopathy. Infusing it in water is the easiest way to ingest it, because let’s face it, no one wants to bite into a raw piece. To this end, think of ginger water as a natural elixir that will transform your overall health. This is how you do it.

7 Benefits of Ginger Water — Weight Loss, Reduced Bloating, Healthier Skin and More

1. Weight loss and improved metabolism

Drinking ginger water regularly can help absorb nutrients better and release energy fully. This will help curb your appetite and keep you fuller for longer.

In addition, research published in the European Journal of Nutrition suggests that ginger can boost metabolism by increasing thermogenesis, which is the body’s process of burning calories to produce heat. This is why some people choose to drink ginger water on an empty stomach to kick-start their metabolism, which will further enable weight loss.

2. Anti bloating and inflammation

One of the main benefits of ginger water is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The root traditionally contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol that help reduce inflammation in the body. Ginger is also rich in antioxidants, which, according to a study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, play a crucial role in strengthening the immune system.

“For those struggling with bloating, ginger water is a soothing agent. Its carminative properties help eliminate gas, reduce bloating and promote smoother digestion. By soothing the digestive tract, ginger water provides relief from discomfort, making it an excellent drink to enjoy after meals.” says Premani.

3. Healthier skin

Have you ever imagined that consuming ginger water would guarantee healthier skin? The root is packed with the antioxidant gingerols, which can fight free radicals in the body, giving you an instant glow-up. It also helps to tighten the skin. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties can fight all kinds of infections and make your skin healthy and clean. It can also help reduce acne and other skin rashes.

4. Remedies for colds, coughs and other respiratory diseases

This is among the more commonly known ginger water benefits. The antioxidants in ginger, which help strengthen the immune system, also protect the body against respiratory diseases such as colds, coughs and flu. Ginger has a unique ability to clear mucus, reduce congestion and soothe the throat; that’s why adrak chai holds a special place in Indian households.

5. Helps fight nausea

If you feel tired, make yourself a glass of ginger water right away. Ginger has natural compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which help to soothe the stomach muscles and regulate the digestive system, thus reducing the signals that trigger nausea. For this reason, ginger has been popularly used as a popular remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy, as well as motion sickness.

6. Regulates blood sugar

Among the many benefits of ginger water is its ability to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. This is done by improving insulin sensitivity, which means the body becomes more efficient at using insulin and managing glucose levels. Ginger also helps promote glucose uptake, preventing excess glucose from circulating in the bloodstream, thereby helping the body maintain stable blood sugar levels. According to some studies, drinking ginger water can also help lower fasting blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.

“In addition to weight management, ginger water also helps regulate blood sugar levels. The bioactive compounds in ginger, especially gingerols, help improve insulin sensitivity.” adds Premani.

7. Reduces muscle pain and soreness

Ginger water is also a good post-workout drink as it helps reduce muscle soreness due to its gingerol and shogaol components, which contain anti-inflammatory properties.

“With its ability to address multiple health concerns from weight loss and blood sugar regulation to digestion, ginger water is a simple yet powerful addition to a healthy lifestyle.” says Premani.