Starting your morning with a walk is a great way to boost energy levels and improve overall health. But pairing it with a cup of ginger tea might make it even more beneficial.
Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties, ginger tea can enhance your morning routine in surprising ways. An expert explains in detail how this beverage impacts the body, and whether it is suitable for everyone.
Five benefits of drinking ginger tea before your morning walk
Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, gives five reasons why sipping on some ginger tea before your morning walk might be a great idea:
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Kickstarts your metabolism (and some weight loss): Think of ginger tea as a gentle nudge to your metabolism. Its natural compounds can fire up your body’s engine, encouraging it to burn a little extra fuel — a nice complement to your walk. Plus, it can help your body ditch any extra water weight.
Soothes achy muscles: Ginger has serious anti-inflammatory powers. If you’re prone to feeling stiff in the mornings, a cup of ginger tea might help loosen things up and make your walk feel smoother.
Keeps your tummy happy: Nobody wants tummy troubles on a walk! Ginger is a fantastic digestive aid. It can help calm your stomach, reduce bloating, and keep everything moving the way it should, so you can focus on enjoying your surroundings.
Wards off morning queasiness: Some people are sensitive to movement or walking on an empty stomach. If that’s you, ginger tea can be a lifesaver. It’s known for settling the stomach and keeping nausea at bay.
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Gives your immune system a little love: Ginger is packed with good-for-you stuff like vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants. So, while you’re getting your steps in, you’re also giving your immune system a little boost.
Some people are sensitive to movement or walking on an empty stomach. If that’s you, ginger tea can be a lifesaver. (Source: Freepik)
Potential drawbacks to drinking ginger tea on an empty stomach before exercise
Malhotra states, “While ginger tea can be a great pre-exercise drink, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone, especially on an empty stomach. Ginger revs up your digestive system — it gets those digestive juices flowing. But if there’s no food to work on, that increase in stomach acid could lead to heartburn, bloating, or just general tummy grumbles for some people. We’re talking about the gingerol in ginger potentially irritating the stomach lining when it’s bare.”
Malhotra adds a key point: ginger has natural compounds that can thin your blood a bit. That’s usually a good thing for heart health, but if you’re already on blood-thinning meds, it could increase your risk of bleeding slightly.
“So, what’s the takeaway? Start slow! Try a small cup of ginger tea before your workout and see how you feel. If you notice any discomfort, try having it with a light bite (like a banana) or just skip it altogether. And of course, chatting with your qualified dietitian is always the best way to make sure it’s a good choice for you. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your individual health history,” recommends the expert.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
