Iced tea is a staple of the summer. But, if you have blood sugar concerns, you often give it a miss. Sometimes you can feel limited in your drink options if you are watching your blood sugar. But, iced tea doesn’t have to be packed with sugar to be delicious. While we usually think of either sweet tea, if we’re from the south, or sweetened tea, if we’re from the north, you can make an iced tea from many things other than black tea!
We’ve spoken about green tea, hibiscus tea and cinnamon tea before. Today, we’re looking at another option: ginger tea. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold for a spicy and refreshing drink! You simply add one cup of boiling water to one teaspoon of grated or finely chopped ginger root and steep for five to 10 minutes before removing the ginger. It’s that easy! You can sweeten it if you like, add lemon or even pepper, but that is optional. If you would like to have it chilled in this summer heat, allow it to cool before adding ice, so you don’t dilute the flavor.
We love that this drink has a kick of flavor and that people flavor it so differently. You can really make it your own. Staying hydrated is so vital for good health. If you feel limited in your beverage options, you may not drink as much as you should.
In addition to being delicious and hydrating, ginger tea has beneficial properties. It’s well known that ginger can help nausea from motion sickness, pregnancy and some medications. It also fights inflammation and pain in the joints. It supports immune health and promotes healthy blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
On top of all these benefits, research has found that ginger tea may help weight and blood sugar control. Ginger tea can promote a feeling of fullness and lower hunger. Studies have shown ginger may improve fasting blood sugar levels. Other research found it suppresses the metabolic process that causes the body to store fat and reduces the amount of fat the intestines absorb.
Ginger can thin blood. If you take blood thinners or that is a concern for you, ginger tea might not be suitable for you. It’s important to talk to your doctor before adding things to your healthy routine. If you have surgery coming up, it can be a concern.
Ginger tea is delicious. Consuming less than two tablespoons a day is considered safe. For most people, it is a healthy drink that might offer you some health boost. Even if you don’t reap any large rewards, it will nice to have another drink that won’t upset your blood sugar in your regular rotation this summer!
