Over the years, the Arabic, Indian, and Asian healers has used ginger as food and medicine. Ginger, Zingiber officinale share the same family with turmeric (another powerful Antioxidant). people are only familiar with the root, the rhizome (underground part of the stem) which is the part commonly used as a spice.
Ginger may be consumed raw, dried, powdered, or made into oil or juice. Read further to understand the beautiful health benefits of ginger.
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Ginger?
The following benefits may be seen by eating raw ginger everyday:
Powerful Antioxidant
Just like other foods rich in antioxidants, ginger contains antioxidant-like compounds called phytonutrients (gingerols, shogaols, and paradols) that may reduce cell damage. The roots reduces inflammation by reducing cell-signaling activity.
Helps Immune system
Gingerols known to fight inflammation also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties to help fight infections and boost your immunity. Also research suggested that daily ginger consumption may support the immune system. This may protect against chronic disease and support recovery from other illnesses, such as the common cold or flu.
Aids Digestion
Ginger helps digestion by speeding up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort. Enzymes in ginger can help break up and expel gasses that form in the intestinal tract during digestion, providing relief from any discomfort.
Helps in Weight Loss
Researches have shown that eating raw ginger everyday helps in weight loss. Ginger controls insulin levels, boosts metabolism, and aids workout recovery. Ginger helps with weight loss by giving your metabolism a boost and creating a feeling of fullness to prevent overeating. It may not do it all alone, but when incorporated
Reduces Pain
Ginger is a natural pain reliever, this makes it an excellent substitute for over-the-counter pain medications. Anti-inflammatory properties in ginger reduce the pain associated with arthritis and increase joint mobility. Arthritis sufferers are often prescribed anti-inflammation medication to lessen their symptoms, but ginger works as a natural alternative.
Out of all of the research done on ginger’s pain-relieving properties, results show it helps with menstrual pain the most. Using ginger during the first three days of your menstrual cycle helps with pain relief, and the anti-inflammatory properties relieve the bloat that is common with PMS.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Ginger has blood-thinning properties that help prevent the formation of blood clots, reducing your risk of heart Diseases and stroke. Brissette warns that if you already take blood-thinning medications, check with your doctor before including more ginger in your diet.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Ginger has been shown to improve blood pressure (in conjunction with medication) by acting as a vasodilator—it expands your blood vessels. This is helpful for increasing circulation in the body, which reduces the overall blood pressure throughout the body. Ginger also contains potassium, a mineral that research has found can help lower blood pressure.
Relieves Nausea and Upset Stomach
Ginger may relieve nausea and upset stomach (vomiting). Whether it’s from motion sickness, migraines, morning sickness, or general stomach problems, ginger helps calm an upset stomach. Pregnant women can use ginger to alleviate pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.
May Prevent Cancer
Some studies show that bioactive molecules in ginger may slow down the growth of some cancers like colorectal, gastric, ovarian, liver, skin, breast, and prostate cancer. But much more research is needed to see if this is true
Improves Oral Health
Ginger’s antibacterial power may also brighten your smile. Active compounds in ginger called gingerols keep oral bacteria from growing. These bacteria are the same ones that can cause periodontal disease, a serious gum infection.
Side Effects of too much Ginger Consumption
Though the side effects from eating ginger are rare, but the following can occur if you eat too much:
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Stomachache
- Burning sensation in the mouth.
Professionals always advice that taking ginger when on any kind of medication is bad because it can interact negatively and cause discomfort.
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