Can ginger help weight loss? Yes, says my mom!

Losing weight is quite challenging, especially for those who don’t enjoy working out and love eating. Restricting the consumption of unhealthy foods and being cautious about the ingredients in your food are a must if you want to drop some pounds. One ingredient you should add is ginger, which has many health benefits. It is one of the popular home remedies for cough and sore throat. My mom says ginger can also help in losing weight. Let’s find out what an expert has to say about the benefits of ginger for weight loss!

Ginger is a spice that is fondly used in desi kitchens. Known for its unique flavour and numerous health benefits, ginger is a medicinal herb derived from the rhizome of the Zingiber officinale plant, says Ekta Singhwal, Dietician, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals.

Is ginger good for weight loss?

Ginger may aid in weight loss through several mechanisms. It can help to boost metabolism, reduce appetite and improve digestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also play a role in weight management by addressing inflammation-related weight gain, says Singhwal.

Eighty women with obesity participated in a 2015 study published in the Psychotherapy Research journal. One group had two tablets (one-gram) of powdered ginger every day for 12 weeks. The women in this group experienced significantly decreased body measurements and appetite compared with those who had a placebo.

How to use ginger for weight loss?

When you start coughing, you just need to heat a piece of ginger, rub salt on it and then place it in your mouth. For weight loss, you can mix it with other ingredients and consume it.

1. Ginger tea

If you are a tea lover, you won’t mind a little bit of ginger in your beverage. Boil fresh ginger slices in water and then add a splash of lemon or honey, suggests the expert.

2. Ginger and green tea

Green tea is great for weight loss, as it contains caffeine and catechin that can speed up metabolism. Combine ginger with green tea for a metabolism-boosting beverage.

3. Ginger and lemon water

You can begin your day with a glass of ginger and lemon water. Just mix ginger and lemon juice in warm water, and have it as a detox drink.

4. Ginger smoothie

Smoothies can be quite fattening if you don’t get the right ingredients. You can try ginger smoothie for weight loss. Blend ginger with fruits, vegetables, and yogurt for a nutritious smoothie.

5. Ginger in cooking

You might be already using ginger in your curries and other dishes. You can also incorporate ginger in your healthy recipes of dishes such as stir-fries and soups.

6. Ginger capsules

There are many health supplements that work for those who need additional nutrients. You can consider ginger supplements for weight loss, but consult a healthcare professional before using them, says Singhwal.

7. Ginger infused water

Drinking water to stay hydrated has many benefits for your overall health. If plain water is boring, add some ginger slices to your daily water intake for subtle flavour.

Who should avoid ginger?

Ginger is safe for most people, but those with certain medical conditions should avoid it or use it cautiously.

• People on blood-thinning medications need to be careful, as ginger may increase the risk of bleeding.
• People with gallstones should avoid it, as ginger can stimulate gallbladder contractions.
• Those with low blood sugar need to watch out, as ginger may lower blood sugar levels.

If you have doubts, you should consult a nutritionist for personalised guidance on using ginger for weight loss.