Experts say 'add this to a morning cup of tea and watch your belly fat shrink'

Woman drinking tea
-Credit: (Image: john slater/getty)


Experts say adding a common kitchen cupboard item to your tea can aid with weight loss. According to several studies, ginger, especially fresh root ginger, is packed full of nutritious benefits that could help you shift unwanted pounds.

Adding ginger to your diet could be as simple as dropping a couple of slices into a cup of hot water to enjoy as part of your morning breakfast routine. You can also buy boxes of ginger teabags or packets of ginger powder that only need to be added to water.

You could add a slice of lemon too for extra flavour and health benefits. To take advantage of ginger and lemon in terms of hydration and appetite control, try having a lemon-ginger drink two to three times daily.

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Research indicates that ginger possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which might assist individuals in burning fat and managing their blood sugar levels. This is because ginger is comprised of two compounds called zingerone and shogaols, both have been found to help curb appetite, making it easier for individuals to shed pounds as part of a balanced diet.

Research has also shown these compounds can boost metabolism and stimulate the body to burn more energy. A 2017 study discovered the compounds can play a major part in positively impacting processes in the body that burn and store fat.

Ginger tea with lemon and honey
Adding lemon and honey to ginger tea can enhance its flavour -Credit:Getty

In a separate study in 2015, women with obesity were asked to consume two 1g tablets of powdered ginger daily for 12 weeks. The results showed the group had a notable reduction in both appetite and body measurements when compared to those who didn't take the tablet.

A different small study involved 10 men who consumed 2g of ginger powder mixed in a hot beverage during breakfast. The results showed that the participants felt less hungry and had an increase in thermogenesis - this is known as a process of generating heat through calorie burning.

You can add a slice of ginger to your cup of tea for breakfast
You can add a slice of ginger to your cup of tea for breakfast -Credit:Getty

Although the existing evidence regarding ginger's impact on weight loss is encouraging, further research is necessary for scientists to reach definitive conclusions. It's not recommended to consume ginger beer or ginger ale if you're looking to lose weight, as they often have a lot of added sugar.

Individuals who are on blood-thinning medications, like warfarin or aspirin, should consult their doctor prior to using ginger. The recommended daily intake of ginger is a maximum of 1 g for those who are pregnant and up to 4 g for everyone else.