Ginger is one of the most popular medicinal plants in history. It has been used for this purpose since ancient times. In ancient Ayurvedic medicine, it was nicknamed “Natural Medicine Chest”. Modern day researches have continued to support and prove the health benefits of ginger. So you need to have some ginger handy in your kitchen.
Ginger is a plant with yellowish green flowers and leafy stems. The ginger roots is the source the ginger spice. Ginger is natively grown mainly in Asian countries like China, Japan, and India. It is grown in the middle East, Australia, parts of South American and Africa. It is used as food and also for the wonderful health benefits.
The health benefits of ginger mainly comes from bioactive substances called gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate and so on. These are the chemicals contained in ginger which has given it wonderful health and nutritional benefits.
Health Benefits of Ginger
The health benefits of ginger ranges form mere medicinal properties to the effects of the important nutrients contained in ginger. Below are some of the possible health benefits of ginger.
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Remedy For Nausea
One of the greatest health benefits of ginger comes from its ability to relieve nausea. No matter the cause of the nausea, ginger can be a handy help. Ginger is used to treat nausea from morning sickness in early pregnancy. For this purpose it is also used while treating cancer. A slice of ginger maybe of help for those that have motion sickness too.
2. Muscle Pain Relieve
Ginger has been used from ancient period for its ability to relieve pain. Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. It is important to note the it does not have an immediate impact on pain relief. It is not as fast as your analgesics but may reduce the progression of the pains over time. So it is a more natural analgesic for a long term relief of pain.
3. Treatment of Osteoarthritis
The anti-inflammatory effect of ginger is another important health benefit of ginger. The chemicals contained in ginger does not only have anti-inflammatory functions but also has antioxidant effect. This is utilized in the treatment of osteoarthritis. You can apply ginger topically or take the ginger recipe orally. Researches have found both to be effective.
4. Treatment of Menstrual Pain
Another important health benefit of ginger is in the treatment of menstrual pain. Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period. This has been found to be effective right from the ancient period.
5. Ginger May help in Fighting Diabetes
The gingerols in ginger are widely known to naturally improve diabetes. It enhances insulin release andincreases insulin sensitivity. This is specifically important in those with type 2 diabetes where reduced insulin sensitivity is the main problem. Please note that, it does not stop you from taking the medications prescribed by your doctor.
6. Ginger May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke
Another vital health benefit of ginger is its ability to reduce the level of bad cholesterol called LDL cholesterol. This is the dangerous form of cholesterol that causes heart diseases and stroke. Ginger just like onions is said to have some slight anti-coagulating effect on blood. So as you are aging, you need to have some ginger recipes in form of ginger tea etc on your menu daily.
7. Ginger Boosts Your Immune System As Well
Ginger can be a used in warming on a cold day. It also help promote healthy sweating. This is usually employed in the treatment of colds and flus. Sweating also assists detoxification of the body thereby keeping you healthy. Ginger helps clear the ‘microcirculatory channels of the body, as well as the sinuses that can flare up seasonally or during colder months. This is one of the very ancient medicinal and health benefits of ginger.
8. Ginger May Helps in Cancer Prevention
Apart from the use of ginger to treat nausea in cancer patients on treatment, it also helps prevent some cancers. Researchers have found out that Ginger contains a substance called 6-gingerol, which may have protective effects against cancer. There has also been reports that some of the gingerols kills the cells of ovarian cancer. However, this aspect of the health benefits of ginger is still being researched. You can grab your ginger tea cup while that is on going.
9. Treatment of Malabsorption
Ginger appears to speed up emptying of the stomach. This can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort. It is also effective in treatment of flatulence or gas. Eating ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in your body.
10. Other Possible important heart benefits of Ginger
Apart from those listed above, other important health benefits of ginger may include, treatment of gastric ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease GERD, remedy to bedroom blues, improve appetite, stimulate breast milk production, tooth aches, migraine treatments, weight loss and so on.
So from the above list and possible ones to come from on-going researches, it is evident that ginger is an important spice that we should try to have handy in our kitchens. You do not need to have ginger as a medication but just like a part of your daily spices and diets.
Possible Ways To Prepare Your Ginger
There are several ways you can use your ginger. The way you choose does not affect the health benefits of ginger. Some of the common ways you can prepare your ginger recipe includes:
Ginger Tea: To make a ginger tea, just cut some slices of the ginger and add to a cup of hot water. You can add some flavour if you wish to. Raw honey and lemon to the tea can do the job. Taking ginger juice three times daily will be good for nausea and stomach upsets.
Ginger Powder: Ginger powder is a ground dry form of ginger. The Ginger powder is used in the form of spice in making your smoothie, soups, pies etc.
Ginger Oil: When we talk about the health benefits of ginger, gingerols are at the center. This makes ginger oil the best for of ginger. You can rub it topically in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis etc. The recommended dose is two-three drops daily.
Raw Ginger: Another way to use ginger is by using the raw form. Just cut, grate or slice your ginger and add to your meals. It does a lot of good.
Please Note: This article on the health benefits of Ginger does not substitute the place of your doctor. So always consult your doctor for advice.
Some Important Nutritional Constituents of Ginger
Ginger has been found to contain the following nutrients in addition to the gingerols.
- Carbohydrate – 17.77 g
- Dietary Fiber – 2 g
- Protein – 1.82 g
- Dietary Fiber – 2 g
- Sugars – 1.7 g
- Sodium – 13 mg
- Vitamin B6 – 0.16 mg
- Calcium – 16 mg
- Iron – 0.6 mg
- Vitamin C – 5 mg
- Potassium – 415 mg
- Magnesium – 43 mg
- Phosphorus – 34 mg
- Zinc – 0.34 mg
- Folate – 11 mcg
- Riboflavin – 0.034 mg
- Niacin – 0.75 mg
- Iron – 0.6 mg
Do you have any comments on the health benefits of ginger or the possible ways we can prepare our ginger recipe? Then let us know in the comment box below. Thanks.