From the Guidelines
Consuming lemon and ginger daily may offer health benefits, but the current evidence does not strongly support its use for preventing nausea and vomiting, as stated in the 2017 American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline update 1. The potential benefits of lemon and ginger include boosting the immune system through their rich content of vitamin C, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds. A simple way to incorporate them is by drinking lemon-ginger tea or water daily, using the juice of half a lemon and a one-inch piece of fresh ginger sliced or grated in hot water. This combination may help:
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Aid digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes
- Potentially alleviate nausea and indigestion The gingerol in ginger has anti-inflammatory properties while lemons provide vitamin C which supports collagen production and iron absorption. Regular consumption might also support weight management by boosting metabolism and providing a feeling of fullness. For maximum benefits, use fresh ingredients rather than processed forms, and consider drinking this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach. However, be aware that the acidity of lemon may affect tooth enamel, so it's advisable to rinse your mouth afterward or drink through a straw. It's also important to note that while ginger has been evaluated in trials for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, the evidence remains insufficient for a recommendation for or against its use 1. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, the decision to use lemon and ginger should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual's overall health and potential interactions with other treatments 1.
From the Research
Benefits of Daily Lemon and Ginger Consumption
- The provided studies do not directly mention the benefits of daily lemon consumption, but they do discuss the benefits of ginger consumption.
- Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiulcer effects, as well as gastroprotective properties 2, 3.
- Daily ginger consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of hypertension and coronary heart disease (CHD) in adults 4.
- Ginger has also been shown to be effective in preventing gastric ulcers and has anti-emetic effects against different emetogenic stimuli 3.
- The use of probiotics, which can be found in some fermented ginger products, may also be beneficial for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), such as regurgitation and heartburn 5.
Gastrointestinal Benefits
- Ginger has been shown to be beneficial for nausea relief, with a daily dosage of 1500 mg being effective 2.
- Ginger has also been shown to possess free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its gastroprotective effects 3.
- The gastroprotective effects of ginger may be beneficial for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, such as GERD, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy 3, 5.