Health Benefits of Salabat

Salabat’s health benefits have long been known in many cultures. Filipinos, most especially, will likely agree that ginger tea is a natural remedy. When you were younger, your parents may have forced you to drink hot ginger tea to soothe sore throats and ward off colds. As you get older, you simply get used to enjoying its earthy, spicy taste and start craving its warmth on chilly nights. But did you know salabat can offer medicinal properties beyond preventing a cough and a cold? Here are some of the surprising health benefits of salabat or ginger tea.

The Health Benefits Of Salabat (Ginger Tea)

Salabat is a popular natural health remedy in Asia, including the Philippines. Made from fresh ginger root, the hot drink is packed with nutrients and compounds that have soothed and healed aging and sick bodies for generations. 

The secret to salabat’s health benefits lies in gingerol, a phenolic compound found in ginger root. According to Science Direct, gingerol provides ginger’s signature spice and several medicinal properties, including heart support, nausea relief, antioxidant, blood-thinning, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help prevent chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer. Here are several ways gingerol in salabat can benefit your health: 

Salabat Supports Digestive Health

Ginger has long been known for its ability to aid digestion. Salabat can help relieve nausea, making it a go-to remedy for morning sickness, motion sickness, or upset stomach. Ginger’s natural antiemetic properties can also prevent vomiting, bloating, and constipation. If you’ve overindulged at a meal or often feel uncomfortably full, salabat can settle your stomach and ease discomfort.

Salabat Boosts Circulation 

Feeling cold or sluggish? A cup of salabat can do more than just warm you up. Ginger improves circulation, boosting energy levels and promoting better blood flow in your body. Try steeping some ginger tea on a chilly day or when you’re recovering from an illness. You’ll get a natural energy boost and warm your body from the inside out. 

Salabat Offers Potential Anticancer Properties

One of the most exciting benefits of gingerol is its potential in cancer prevention. Research has shown that gingerol can inhibit the growth of tumors, particularly in the colon and skin. In animal studies, gingerol has been found to prevent the development of skin tumors, offering promising evidence for its anticancer potential. While more research is needed, gingerol’s ability to target cancer cells and stop their proliferation is an area of active study.

Salabat Lowers Blood Pressure

Do you suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease? You can actually lower your blood pressure naturally by drinking salabat. Regular consumption of ginger has been linked to a reduction in blood pressure, lessening the risk of cardiovascular diseases. If you’re concerned about your long-term health, avoid alcohol and high-sugar food and add salabat, daily exercise, and healthy weight maintenance to your health plan.

Why Salabat Holds A Special Place In Filipino Homes

Here are some reasons why your cupboards should always have a steady supply of ginger tea:

Salabat Is A Known Natural Remedy

Ginger or luya in the local dialect, has been a staple in Filipino kitchens for centuries. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, ginger is an effective remedy for colds, coughs, and digestive discomforts. Many Filipinos turn to a warm cup of salabat as a natural way to soothe sore throats, reduce nausea, and even relieve headaches.

Salabat Is Part Of Filipino Meals And Gatherings

Salabat takes on an even more cherished role during the holidays. Caroline Joan Picart shares in her book Inside Notes from The Outside that the comforting tea often finds its place on the Christmas table, alongside traditional Filipino and foreign-influenced dishes. Filipino holidays will serve hot salabat alongside softdrinks, wine, spaghetti, adobo, queso de bola, and Filipino kakanin, adding a unique touch to the celebration. Salabat is not limited to the holidays though. On any occasion, sharing a pot of ginger tea invites everyone to slow down and enjoy a moment of warmth together.

Salabat Aids In Digestion 

After consuming a huge meal at a festive Filipino gathering, try serving salabat as a digestive aid. Healthline warns that carbonated drinks are common culprits that cause bloating. Instead, of simply avoiding unhealthy drinks, experts at Everyday Health recommend replacing them with nutrient-rich items. Salabat is a perfect choice. Hot ginger tea settles bloated stomachs and offers numerous health benefits, making it an ideal post-meal drink after a rich feast. 

Salabat Production Impacts Local Culture And Economy

Salabat supports the livelihoods of Filipino ginger farmers across the country. The Philippine Information Agency reports that in San Remigio, Antique, the Stone Cave United La Union Farmers Association (SCULFA) cultivates ginger with the aid of government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture.  By buying salabat products, consumers can support Filipino ginger farmers and contribute to the local economy.

How to Make Salabat a Part of Your Health Routine

Do you want to include salabat in your wellness routine? Adding ginger tea to your daily schedule is easy:

• Early start - Start the day with a warm cup of salabat to kickstart your metabolism and promote good digestion. Add a squeeze of calamansi or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor and immune support.
• After lunch energizer - Need a quick pick me up after lunch? Replace your afternoon coffee with a cup of salabat for a natural, non-addictive energy boost. 
• Evening soother - After long day stuck in traffic, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy salabat as a calming tea at night. Its anti-inflammatory properties ease muscle tension and prepare you for a restful night’s sleep.

Where to Buy the Best Instant Salabat Ginger Tea

For those who want to enjoy salabat conveniently without the time-consuming preparation, Sanlo Premium Salabat offers an instant option that combines the health benefits of moringa, a nutrient-packed superfood, and ginger. Sanlo’s premium blend is sourced from high-quality, locally-grown ginger and malunggay. By choosing Sanlo, you can enjoy a quick, easy, and potent cup to power through your day at the office or relax in the comforts of your home.