Ginger and lemon are both known for their weight loss benefits – but to get the best out of them, there is a certain way they should be consumed, experts say
For those looking to ditch the pounds, combining a zesty twist of lemon with fiery ginger could help your efforts. Both ingredients come chock-full of health benefits including appetite control and a vitamin C surge.
Experts at Healthline recommended simply adding a squeeze of lemon or some lemon juice to ginger tea or other ginger drinks. They explained: “Drink a healthy lemon-and-ginger beverage two or three times a day to maximize the hydration and appetite-suppressing properties of ginger and lemon.”
You can have this hot, as a tea, or cold. Or you could try creating a spicy ginger shot, providing lots of benefits in just one gulp. To sweeten, you could add honey or agave, before adding the crucial lemon twist.
The combination packs a powerful punch for weight loss because of the unique nutrients in both ingredients. Lemon is known as an appetite suppressant, packed full of vitamin C and can be easily added to almost any drink.
Lemon water, a zesty and calorie-free substitute for sugary beverages, might not just tickle your taste buds but also help keep blood sugar levels in check, potentially aiding those weight loss goals, according to some studies.
Meanwhile, ginger is packed with compounds like gingerols and shogaols, boasting benefits that include anti-cancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties. Although these perks don’t directly shrink your waistline, they do tackle obesity-related side effects and break down barriers to a healthier lifestyle.
For instance, ginger can keep you feeling full, which helps curb the urge to snack, supports cardiovascular health to boost your workout routine, and enhances digestion.
A modest study from 2013 found a link between ginger intake and weight reduction in overweight men, primarily because it “reduced feelings of hunger”.
While ginger is generally safe for most, those with gallbladder issues should proceed with caution due to its potential to stimulate bile flow. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on blood thinners, it’s wise to consult your doctor before incorporating ginger into your diet.