The Benefits of Combining Green Tea and Ginger Tea
Green tea and ginger tea are two of the most popular teas known for their wealth of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, green tea and ginger tea each offer unique medicinal properties. Many people enjoy sipping both teas regularly for optimal wellness, but is it safe and effective to drink green tea and ginger tea together?
Understanding Green Tea
All true teas come from the same plant - Camellia sinensis. Green tea is processed differently than black or oolong tea, retaining much higher concentrations of key active compounds:
- Catechins - These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, brain-protective, and cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Theanine - An amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and has a calming effect.
- Vitamin C - Boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant.
- Fluoride - Helps strengthen bones and teeth.
The main catechins in green tea include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), and epicatechin (EC). Drinking just 2-3 cups of green tea per day provides optimal intakes of these beneficial compounds.
The Benefits of Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is an herbal tea made from fresh ginger root or dried ginger powder. It contains bioactive components like gingerol, shogaol, zingerone and paradol - all responsible for its medicinal qualities:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory
- Helps relieve nausea and vomiting
- Soothes gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, cramps and bloating
- Packed with antioxidants
- May help lower blood sugar and improve heart disease risk factors
Ginger tea has no caffeine, making it a good alternative to green tea in the evenings. It also has a spicy, energizing flavor compared to the more grassy, vegetal taste of green tea.
The Benefits of Combining Both Teas
Drinking green tea and ginger tea together combines the nutritive profile of both. This stacks on extra antioxidants, anti-inflammatory activity and overall wellness benefits. Some key advantages of drinking both teas include:
- Enhanced immune function
- Better brain health and focus
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved digestion and gut health
- Increased fat burning and weight loss
- Lower diabetes and heart disease risk
- Heightened cancer prevention
The variety can also make your tea drinking more interesting. Having both teas on hand gives you options to suit your mood and needs at different times of day.
Is it Safe to Drink Green Tea and Ginger Tea Together?
There are no known risks or side effects associated with consuming both green tea and ginger tea. However, there are some precautions to keep in mind:
Caffeine Content
Green tea contains caffeine, while ginger tea does not. Drinking both together results in a moderate caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can cause jitteriness, anxiety, insomnia and GI upset in sensitive people. Stay under 400mg of caffeine daily from all sources.
Blood Thinners
Both green tea and ginger can act as natural blood thinners. People taking prescription blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) should exercise caution combining both teas due to increased bleeding risk.
Iron Absorption
The tannins in green tea may hinder iron absorption slightly. Those with low iron levels should avoid drinking green tea with meals and get iron testing done regularly.
Acid Reflux
The caffeine in green tea may trigger acid reflux symptoms in some. Ginger tea can help ease any gastrointestinal discomfort. Avoid drinking green tea on an empty stomach.
Listen to your body's response when incorporating both teas. Consult your doctor with any concerns or unexpected side effects.
Tips for Enjoying Both Teas
Follow these tips to safely enjoy the combined benefits of green tea and ginger tea:
Moderate Your Green Tea Intake
Limit caffeinated green tea to 2-3 cups per day spaced throughout the morning and afternoon. Switch to decaf green or ginger tea in the evenings.
Add Fresh Ginger
For maximum anti-inflammatory effects, brew ginger tea using 1 tsp freshly grated ginger root instead of dried powder.
Sweeten Wisely
Avoid pouring in lots of sugar or honey, which reduces the health benefits. Try stevia, cinnamon or just a squeeze of lemon instead.
Watch the Brew Time
Don't over-steep green tea as it can get bitter. 2-3 minutes is optimal. Ginger tea can be brewed longer, around 10 minutes.
Drink Between Meals
Have your tea mid-morning or mid-afternoon, at least an hour before or after eating. This prevents any interference with iron absorption.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day. Herbal teas contribute to your daily fluid needs.
Buy High Quality Teas
Look for USDA organic teas whenever possible to limit exposure to pesticides and maximize antioxidant content.
Don't Exercise Right After
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after drinking green tea due to the caffeine. The ginger won't impact workouts though.
Monitor Effects on Stomach
Pay attention to how the combo of both teas makes your stomach feel. Cut back if you have discomfort or acid reflux symptoms.
Sample Combinations Throughout the Day
Your ideal mix of green tea and ginger tea over the course of a day might look like:
- Morning: 1 cup green tea
- Mid-morning: 1 cup ginger tea
- Early afternoon: 1 cup green tea
- Late afternoon: 1 cup ginger tea
- Evening: Decaf green tea or ginger tea
This provides a nice balance of benefits from both teas while limiting caffeine for restful sleep. Get creative and come up with your own favorite combinations.
The Bottom Line
Drinking green tea and ginger tea together is a safe, healthy way to enhance your overall well-being. The combo provides complementary antioxidants, anti-inflammatory activity and medicinal compounds from two incredible beverages.
Moderate your green tea intake, listen to your body, buy high quality teas and enjoy their multitude of benefits throughout your day!
FAQs
Is it okay to drink green tea and ginger tea at the same meal?
It's best to avoid drinking green tea with meals as the tannins may hinder iron absorption. Ginger tea can be enjoyed anytime.
Can I drink green tea and ginger tea while pregnant?
In moderation it is generally safe, but check with your doctor. Limit caffeine from the green tea to less than 200mg per day.
Will drinking both teas help me lose more weight?
Yes, the combo can boost fat burning and metabolism for increased weight loss compared to either tea alone.
Is it fine to add milk to green tea or ginger tea?
Avoid adding milk to green tea as it neutralizes the antioxidants. Milk is okay to add to ginger tea if desired.
Which tea is better - green tea or ginger tea?
Both provide unique health benefits, so enjoying a combination is ideal. Green tea offers more antioxidants, while ginger tea aids digestion.