In the new section Nutrition under the microscope we share a scientific view of nutrition. The internet is full of claims about nutrition and health, but are they true? We provide clarity with the help of various experts. We start the section with the question: does a cup of ginger tea help if you have a sore throat?
You may also be lying on the couch under a rug right now, with a steaming cup of ginger tea next to you. Ginger tea is always at the top of tips to nip colds and flu in the bud. Ginger is said to have a positive effect on your cold, chills and sore throat, but has this been scientifically proven?
Metro spoke with Iris Groenenberg, expert in the field of nutrition and health at the Nutrition Center.
Does Ginger Tea Help Sore Sore Throats?
Groenenberg: “There is a difference between using ginger as a seasoning in your food and using ginger as a medicine. Much has been said about the health effects of ginger, such as that it can help with sore throats. This would be due to substances in ginger with an anti-oxidative or anti-inflammatory effect. But if you look at the scientific research that has been done, then there is no good scientific substantiation.”
It can be concluded from this that a cup of ginger tea unfortunately does not help with a sore throat. What about other foods? Groenenberg: “Unfortunately, there are no specific foods that can increase your resistance or remedy sore throat complaints.”
According to Groenenberg, the best thing you can do is sit out the cold. “Coughs and sore throats usually go away on their own. Drinking regularly can provide relief from coughing and sore throat. If you have a sore throat, you can drink cold water. When coughing, you can drink something warm, such as tea. You can opt for ginger tea, but you can also choose another tea.” If you have serious complaints or if they do not go away, it is wise to contact your doctor.
What can you do for a sore throat?
So it has not been scientifically proven that drinking ginger tea specifically helps prevent sore throats. That is why you want to make and keep your resistance as high as possible to prevent getting sick. Groenenberg shares the following tip about this: “Try to eat as healthy as possible, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. This is how you support your resistance. And with a good resistance, your body is better able to fight pathogenic bacteria and viruses.”
To support your resistance as best as possible, and thus minimize the chance of getting a sore throat and a cold, Groenenberg shares the following advice:
- Eat a lot of vegetables and fruit; daily at least 250 grams of vegetables and 2 portions of fruit;
- Choose especially whole wheat, such as whole wheat bread, pasta and couscous and brown rice;
- Eat less meat and more plant-based. Vary with meat, fish, legumes, nuts, eggs and vegetarian products;
- Eat enough low-fat and semi-skimmed dairy, such as milk, yogurt and cheese;
- Eat a handful of unsalted nuts daily;
- Use soft or liquid spreading and cooking fats, such as oil, low-fat margarine and liquid shortening and frying fat;
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as tap water, tea, and coffee.
Curious about the answers to other questions about nutrition? Then we would like to refer you to this article full of interesting information: 21 facts and fables about your diet and a healthy lifestyle selected. Enjoy reading!
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Nutrition under the microscope: does a cup of ginger tea help if you have a sore throat?