What Does Ginger Do to Your Body When You Drink It?

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to scientific reviews, ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine for millennia, used to treat everything from digestive upset to inflammation. Drinking ginger tea or ginger water introduces the body to a host of potent compounds, but what does ginger do to your body when you drink it?

Quick Summary

A warm ginger drink provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive support. It can soothe nausea, relieve muscle pain, and may assist in regulating blood sugar. The effects depend on how it's prepared and the concentration.

Key Points

Reduces Inflammation: Gingerols and shogaols in ginger drinks inhibit pro-inflammatory markers, helping to soothe pain from conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness.
Soothes Nausea: Drinking ginger is a time-tested remedy that effectively calms and relieves symptoms of nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness.
Aids Digestion: It encourages more efficient gastric emptying and reduces fermentation, which helps alleviate bloating and intestinal gas.
Rich in Antioxidants: Ginger's antioxidants combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, protecting cells from damage.
Supports Heart Health: It can help improve circulation due to mild blood-thinning effects and has been shown to potentially lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Assists Blood Sugar Management: Some studies indicate that ginger can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Preparation Matters: Fresh ginger has more gingerols, while heating it converts these to shogaols, which are more potent anti-inflammatory agents.

A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant

Ginger's bioactive compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, are the primary drivers of its health benefits when consumed in a beverage. When you drink ginger, these compounds circulate throughout your body, helping to manage inflammation and fight oxidative stress.

Combatting Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress, caused by an overproduction of free radicals, can lead to cell damage and contribute to various chronic diseases. The antioxidants in ginger effectively neutralize these free radicals, protecting your body at a cellular level. Studies have shown that consuming ginger can increase the body's natural antioxidant defense systems. For example, a 2015 study showed improved antioxidant status in diabetic patients who consumed ginger powder daily for 12 weeks.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases, including arthritis and heart disease. Gingerols and shogaols work by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory markers and suppressing inflammatory pathways. This makes drinking ginger an excellent way to help manage inflammation and its associated symptoms, such as pain from osteoarthritis or menstrual cramps.

Soothing Digestive Discomfort and Nausea

Drinking ginger is perhaps most famous for its ability to settle an upset stomach. The compounds in ginger stimulate gastric motility, helping food move more efficiently through the digestive system. This encourages efficient stomach emptying, which can relieve a number of digestive issues.

Easing Nausea

Ginger is a well-documented remedy for nausea and vomiting, particularly for morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Clinical trials have shown that ginger can significantly reduce nausea symptoms, sometimes as effectively as certain medications but with fewer side effects.

Reducing Bloating and Gas

By encouraging efficient digestion and reducing fermentation in the gut, ginger can help relieve the discomfort of bloating and intestinal gas. This carminative effect makes a warm cup of ginger tea an ideal drink after a heavy meal.

Potential Effects on Blood Sugar and Heart Health

Beyond its well-known digestive benefits, drinking ginger may offer advantages for blood sugar management and cardiovascular health, although more research is needed.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Some research suggests that ginger can help improve blood sugar control. A 2015 study in diabetic patients found that daily ginger powder supplementation improved fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels. It is believed that ginger enhances insulin sensitivity and slows the digestion of carbohydrates.

Cholesterol and Circulation

Studies have indicated that ginger may help manage cholesterol levels. A 2018 review noted that ginger supplementation could help lower total cholesterol and triglycerides. Furthermore, ginger's natural blood-thinning properties can improve circulation, though this requires caution for those on anticoagulant medications.

How Your Body Reacts to Different Preparations

Both raw and cooked ginger offer benefits, but the chemical composition changes with heat, altering the properties your body absorbs.

Fresh vs. Dried/Heated Ginger


Feature	Fresh Ginger (Raw)	Dried/Heated Ginger (Tea, Cooked)
Key Bioactive Compounds	High in gingerols.	High in shogaols (converted from gingerols) and some zingerones.
Potency	Rich in antioxidants and compounds beneficial for fighting some inflammatory markers.	Shogaols are known for more potent anti-inflammatory effects. Boiling can also change antioxidant profile.
Best for	Soothing nausea and general digestive aid.	More potent for deep-seated or chronic inflammation and pain relief.
Nutritional Content	Higher levels of heat-sensitive vitamins, like Vitamin C.	Some heat-sensitive vitamins are degraded.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While generally safe in moderation, excessive ginger consumption can cause side effects like heartburn, bloating, or diarrhea in some individuals, especially those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing acid reflux. High intake can also have a blood-thinning effect, so those with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulant medications should consult a doctor. Pregnant women should also discuss ginger intake with a healthcare provider, as very high amounts might be a concern.

Conclusion: Making Ginger a Part of Your Routine

Drinking ginger, whether in a simple tea or infused water, is a simple and effective way to harness its impressive health benefits. From calming a queasy stomach and aiding digestion to powerfully fighting inflammation and oxidative stress, this ancient root has modern science backing its traditional uses. Incorporating ginger drinks into your routine is an excellent way to support your overall wellness. By understanding how different preparations affect its properties, you can tailor your intake to meet specific health goals. As with any herbal remedy, listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider for any concerns, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are on medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

While generally safe, it's wise to consume ginger in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to mild side effects in some individuals. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine an appropriate amount for your needs.

Both forms offer health benefits. Fresh, raw ginger is rich in gingerols, known for their antioxidant properties. However, boiling or drying ginger converts gingerols into shogaols, which are known for their more potent anti-inflammatory effects. The best approach is to consume a variety of preparations.

Some people with sensitive stomachs may experience heartburn or stomach irritation when consuming ginger on an empty stomach due to its ability to increase stomach acid production. If this occurs, it is recommended to drink it with or after a meal instead.

While generally safe, high intake of ginger can cause mild side effects like heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, or mouth irritation. Individuals with bleeding disorders, those on blood-thinning medications, or pregnant women should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts.

Some studies suggest that ginger tea can aid weight loss by promoting digestion, increasing thermogenesis (calorie burning), and helping with appetite control. For best results, it should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

For generations, pregnant women have used ginger to help with morning sickness. In moderate amounts, it is often considered safe, but consulting a healthcare provider is recommended, especially before taking concentrated supplements.

Ginger's compounds, gingerols and shogaols, have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It inhibits pain-causing compounds and inflammatory enzymes, which can help relieve pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps.