Ginger is root plant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The top health benefits of ginger include its ability to help with arthritis and osteoarthritis, relieve nausea and pain, prevent cancer, improve respiratory conditions, and reduce flatulence. It also helps boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, and increase appetite. Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet .It is loaded with nutrients and bio active compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. This spicy root is also good for enhancing sexual activity, mitigating obesity, and relieving the pain related to menstrual disorders. Ginger is one of the very few “superfoods” actually worthy of that term.
What is Ginger?
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant, whose root or rhizome is used as a spice. It can be consumed in many forms, fresh, dried, powdered, and in the form of oil and juice
Uses of Ginger
Fresh raw ginger root is a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine. Pickled ginger is offered as a palate cleanser. World over, it is also used to flavor beverages. such as . Ginger cookies, candied ginger, and the gingerbread man are popular favorites. Ginger juice and ginger chews are , often given to alleviate nausea and digestive problems. It is often used in herbal products such as soaps, shampoos, oils, and perfumes.
Relieves Nausea
Ginger helps in curing nausea and vomiting connected with morning sickness in pregnancy. It has long been used as a preventive measure for motion sickness and seasickness. Cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy may benefit from this root as it may relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Its quick absorption without any side effects. This is concluded in a research study by Dr. Charles Heckler, University of Rochester Medical Center, US.
Treats Cold and Flu
Ginger has been prescribed to fight illnesses and infection like cold and flu in all ages. It can be used in the form of tea for keeping the body warm. The tea acts as a diaphoretic and induces sweating, which removes toxins from the body and makes you healthy as before.
Aids in Digestion
Ginger has been discovered to be a facilitator of the digestive process. It helps in regulating high sugar levels and soothing the stomach, thus, maintaining its regular rhythm. Along with that, it has a number of compounds that improve the absorption of nutrients and minerals from the food we eat. This is why ginger is frequently used as an appetizer or an aperitif since it can stimulate the appetite while preparing the digestive system for an influx of food.
Removes Excess Gas
Ginger is a very strong carminative, assisting with the elimination of excess gas. Excess gas does much more than leaving you in an uncomfortable situation. Excess gas may place pressure on delicate organs in the torso. Chewing on a small piece of ginger may alleviate and also prevent additional gas from building up again.
Stomach Ulcers
Consuming ginger regularly may help improve the gut health, says a research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research journal. It prevents the occurrence of ulcers, which are generally characterized by bleeding and acute gastric irritability. In addition, it also inhibits the growth of H. pylori bacteria, thus keeping your stomach healthy. Anti-inflammatory properties of ginger aid in treating these issues.
Reduces Arthritis Pain
Ginger is known to boost bone health and relieve joint pain associated with arthritis. It contains gingerol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Gingerol has been directly associated with improvements in osteoarthritis, knee inflammation, and rheumatoid arthritis, as cited in a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism journal.
Relieves Asthma
Ginger has been used traditionally as a medicine to treat respiratory disorders. Recent studies on it have also seconded its anti-inflammatory property. Research shows that the allergic airway inflammation is majorly caused by Th2 dominance and the spicy root is successfully able to suppress it.
Liver Protection
People suffering from tuberculosis may benefit from ginger, as it helps prevent hepatotoxicity. It may also protects against the liver-damage. Its essential oil exerts a protective effect against the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurring because of obesity.
Prevents Obesity
Ginger can aid in accelerating weight loss and managing obesity by helping boost your metabolism . It increases endurance capacity, which has its own benefits.
Assists with preventing Cancer
The organic compounds like gingerol, in ginger aid in the prevention of breast cancer and many other types of cancer. Anti-inflammatory properties , help prevent carcinogenic activity in the colon which may lead to colorectal cancer.
Improves Cognition
Ginger is known to delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia , Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. These harmful factors are also to be blamed for the age-related cognitive decline .The root, with its powerful nutrients, mitigates the risk of brain damage and keeps your memory intact.
Relieves Muscle Pain
Ginger is well-known for reducing muscle pain and soreness caused due to exercising. The anti-inflammatory properties of this root are to be credited for this benefit.
Reduces Menstrual Cramps
Ginger helps reduce the levels of prostaglandins in the body, hence it aids in relieving cramps. Scientists believe that high levels of prostaglandins contribute to increased menstrual cramps. Cramps are the body’s way of alarming an individual to some type of danger or damage. In this case, prostaglandins, which are hormones that function as chemical messengers, are the key activators of symptoms such as cramps, pains, and fevers.
Boosts Heart Health
Ginger protects cardiovascular health by lowering the LDL cholesterol levels and increasing the HDL cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of blood clotting, thereby helping regulate hypertension and keeping your heart healthy.
Controls Diabetes
Ginger helps regulate the blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Detoxifies the Body
Ginger is good at promoting sweating. Sweating cleans out the pores and allows your body to eliminate toxins. Research has also shown that sweat includes a germ-fighting compound, named dermcidin. It has been positively connected to reduced bacterial and viral infections.
Prevents Infection
Ginger is known to inhibit bacterial, viral, and fungal infection, owing to the presence of gingerol in it. It also helps in maintaining oral health by killing the pathogens in the mouth and keep the teeth and gums intact. Its antibacterial properties help ward off pathogenic bacteria that cause urinary tract infection (UTI), bronchitis and pneumonia.
Treats Diarrhea
Ginger has been used since ancient times to cure diarrhea since it prevents stomach spasms and gas that contribute to and stimulate it. In China, the powdered form is given to those with diarrhea and this traditional practice is followed for thousands of years.
Skin Care
Ginger may assist in alleviating the symptoms of eczema owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally it may assist with chronic skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis .
Increases Sexual Activity
A known aphrodisiac, ginger has been used for years to arouse desire and enhance sexual activity. Its scent has a unique allure that helps in increasing fertility and establishing a sexual connection. This root also helps increase blood circulation .
Associated usage Risks
- Acid-reflux: It may worsen acid reflux in some people.
- Gallstones: It can increase bile production, which may cause the stone to create a block in bile flow. Talk to your doctor before using it.
- Diabetes: It can affect your insulin and blood sugar levels drastically so make sure you talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet.
- Blood-thinning: It should not be eaten with blood-thinning medicines or aspirin as it may affect blood clots.
Pregnant women: Intake of ginger has been connected to a miscarriage. Though it is generally considered safe, consult your doctor before making any change in your diet.
