Did you know that some home remedies are more effective when taken on an empty stomach? One of them is ginger, also known scientifically as Zingiber offinale Roscoe, an evergreen plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. Although there are different parts of this plant that can be used, it is the root (or rhizome) where all the active ingredients of ginger are concentrated. Due to this, ginger root is used both to season culinary dishes due to its spicy flavor and for the preparation of different natural preparations such as tea or ginger water, which can be taken on an empty stomach to take advantage of the different properties of ginger. this plant.
But what are the benefits of ginger on an empty stomach? If you want to know what the properties of this plant are on an empty stomach, we recommend that you continue reading this article where we will also explain how to prepare it.
Properties of ginger for health
As we have anticipated, ginger (or Zingiber officinale Roscoe ) is grown mainly in the warm areas of South Asia. This plant (especially its root) has traditionally been used as a condiment to prepare different culinary dishes, as well as a natural remedy for different ailments due to its nutritional composition. Specifically, this is the nutritional composition of ginger root :
- Resins: here we find the main active ingredients of ginger root such as shogaol, gingerol and zingibain. In addition, they are the nutrients that give it the characteristic spicy flavor.
- Essential oils: contains zingiberol, limonene, curcumene, zingiberene and camphene, among others.
- Acids: it has linoleic acid and ginger glycolipids, among others.
- Minerals: its contribution in silicon, zinc, cobalt, chromium, manganese, chromium and boron stands out.
- Vitamins: it has vitamin B and C.
- Others: it also has a contribution of fiber, flavonoids, amino acids and carbohydrates.
Due to this wide variety of nutrients, these are the properties of ginger for health :
- anti-inflammatory
- painkillers
- Antitussives
- antipyretics
- antihistamines
- antispasmodics
- Circulatory
- Antiemetics
- antibiotics
- digestive
- thermogenic
- diuretics
- satiating
Benefits of ginger on an empty stomach
Due to the properties that we have listed in the previous section, these are the benefits of ginger on an empty stomach :
Ginger on an empty stomach: a high dose of energy
Thanks to its properties to improve circulation and the thermogenesis it produces, drinking water or the infusion of this hot or warm root in the morning will give you a large dose of energy. It is comparable to a cup of coffee, although the effect can be more or less powerful in different people, as it depends on many factors. For this reason, it is not recommended to take it shortly before going to sleep, as it will keep us awake, nor to take it often or shortly before a cup of coffee or tea.
In addition, this effect increases if a little cinnamon stick or powder is added to the drink, since it also activates circulation and provides energy.
Ginger to lose weight on an empty stomach
One of the main benefits of ginger on an empty stomach is its properties that promote weight loss. On the one hand, it has a thermogenic effect due to its contribution of gingerols and shogaols that accelerate our metabolism and therefore increase fat burning in different parts of our body.
On the other hand, ginger also increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can cause a feeling of hunger if its levels are very low. Therefore, ginger reduces our appetite, which can help us eat less food.
Improves digestion
Consuming this remedy frequently on an empty stomach can improve the digestive process due to the increased production of enzymes. Because of this, ginger prevents other stomach problems such as flatulence, abdominal swelling and gas.
In addition to this, ginger is considered a natural antibiotic due to its antibacterial properties. Thanks to them, this plant improves the intestinal flora and prevents related problems such as constipation, diarrhea, gastritis and digestive ulcers.
Ginger for cough and throat
Another benefit that you can take advantage of by taking ginger on an empty stomach is its respiratory properties to relieve the symptoms of a common cold. On the one hand, this plant has expectorant properties that eliminate chest congestion caused by excess mucus. On the other hand, ginger has antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce both sore throat and inflammation in the nose (especially in cases of sinusitis).
ginger for the flu
Ginger infusion on an empty stomach can also speed up the healing process in cases of the flu. On the one hand, it has antibiotic properties that reduce the presence of microorganisms that are causing this infection. On the other hand, its antitussive, analgesic and antipyretic properties relieve the symptoms of this condition such as fever, nasal congestion and pain produced both in the throat and in the joints.
How to take ginger on an empty stomach
Now that we know some of the benefits that this plant can give us, below we will explain how to take ginger on an empty stomach. To do this, prepare a ginger infusion with the following ingredients and follow these steps:
Ingredients
- 2 slices of ginger root
- Lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 glass of mineral water
Preparation and treatment
- Add the water indicated in a saucepan and let it boil over medium heat.
- While the water is heating, you can cut 2 slices of a ginger root and squeeze the juice of a lemon into a container.
- Once the water begins to boil you will have to add the two slices of ginger and the cinnamon stick to cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Now turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for another 5 minutes.
- When the infusion is warm, strain the content to remove the remains of the plant and add the lemon juice that you had squeezed before.
- You will have the infusion of ginger with lemon and cinnamon ready. Take it half an hour before breakfast.
