We must all know this by now: not only is ginger a potent and flavourful spice, it is also one of the most powerful superfoods out there, with its health benefits being recorded since time immemorial.
Most notably, ginger is long-known as a famous Ayurvedic herb used to cure a variety of common ailments. Its magical benefits are recognised throughout, from flavouring dishes to cleaning out toxins. Chefs and doctors both swear by it.
Continue reading to learn all the health benefits of this fiery root.
Everything to know about ginger
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While ginger has long been touted as a cure-all in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient root’s general health benefits are extensive. Not to mention how adaptable it is—you can toss it in a smoothie, grate some over stir fry, add it to soup, or drink ginger tea.
Ginger is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. It’s one of the healthiest (and most flavourful) spices on the planet, with plenty of health benefits to boot. It is a part of the Zingiberaceae family and is related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal. The rhizome (underground stem part) is the most widely used spice. It’s also known as ginger root or simply ginger.
It can be consumed fresh, dried, powdered, or in the form of oil or juice. It’s a popular ingredient in cooking and is sometimes found in processed foods and cosmetics.
Health benefits of ginger
Calms nausea
The old wives’ tale may be true: Ginger helps if you’re trying to ease a queasy stomach, especially during pregnancy. It may work by breaking up and removing accumulated gas in your intestines. It may also help with seasickness or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Eases arthritis symptoms
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it lowers swelling. This might be especially beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms. You may get relief from pain and swelling by ingesting ginger or applying a ginger compress or patch to your skin.
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Eases menstrual pains
If you find yourself clutching your abdomen in pain every month, ginger may be worth a try. Experts believe ginger is one of the most effective natural medicines because it helps in a variety of inflammatory processes. It inhibits the generation of chemicals that cause your uterus to contract and cause pain.
Lowers cholesterol
Ginger, according to experts, can help lower LDL cholesterol levels (the bad kind! ), lowering your risk of heart disease. Small research confirmed these findings, showing that control groups that consumed three grams of ginger (approximately half a teaspoon) three times a day had a significantly higher reduction in triglyceride and cholesterol than the placebo group.
Relieves indigestion
If you suffer from persistent indigestion, commonly known as dyspepsia, ginger may provide some relief. Ginger before meals may encourage your system to empty faster, giving food less time to sit, and causing difficulties.
May help prevent cancer
There is increasing evidence that ginger may help prevent cancer as well as act as an adjunct therapy to cancer treatment. This is due to gingerol, a compound found in fresh ginger that has anti-cancer properties.
Though numerous research support this, larger studies on ginger’s anti-cancer properties are needed.
May lower blood sugars
There is also some evidence that ginger can help diabetics control their blood sugar levels by enhancing glucose uptake in muscle cells without the need of insulin.
A small study published in an Iranian publication in 2015 looked at the effects of ginger on people with type 2 diabetes. It was discovered that taking 2g of ginger powder per day improved blood sugar indicators.
Another 2018 study discovered that ingesting ginger capsules decreased blood glucose levels in women with gestational diabetes.
Fights germs
Fresh ginger contains chemical compounds that help your body fight germs. They are particularly effective at inhibiting the development of bacteria such as E.coli and Shigella, and they may help keep viruses such as RSV at bay.
How to add ginger to your diet
- From making ginger tea to baking spicy-sweet goodies, here’s how you can add ginger to your everyday routine.
- Adding a few pieces of fresh ginger to hot water to make tea
- Adding finely chopped fresh ginger or powdered ginger to curries or stir-fries
- Mixing a bit of ginger into your morning smoothie
- Add it to baked goods
- Try a palate cleanser: Pickled ginger
- Ginger can be used in a gamut of detox drinks, fruit punch and juices too
If you dislike the taste of ginger, you can purchase ginger capsules at your local pharmacy. While ginger is quite safe, it is best to consume the recommended dose of ginger per day otherwise you may feel throat burn, heartburn, or gas.
Side effects of ginger
While the flavourful ingredient is known to have plenty of health benefits and the ability to alleviate a variety of common diseases, you may be surprised to learn that ginger can also induce side effects. While the majority of the side effects are caused by an excessive intake of ginger, it also aggravates health problems in many cases.
Leads to diarrhoea
Ginger can induce diarrhoea if consumed in large quantities. Do you know why? Experts say it accelerates the transit of food and faeces through the intestines and generates unrest, which typically leads to restlessness and weakness.
Unsafe during pregnancy
Consuming ginger in excess of the recommended daily limit of 1500 mg may raise the chance of miscarriage, according to gynaecologists. To be safe, refrain from eating too much ginger during pregnancy or consume it only after consulting a doctor.
Affects heart
Experts suggest people taking blood pressure medications to avoid the intake of ginger. A high dose of ginger is thought to worsen cardiac problems and lead to irregular pulse.
May lead to gastric stimulation when consumed on an empty stomach
Ginger is a strong ingredient that, when ingested on an empty stomach, can cause gastric stimulation, which can cause digestive distress and upset stomach.
All Images: Courtesy Shutterstock
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Since ginger may help combat germs, illness, inflammation, and cancer-causing molecules, consuming a small amount every day can benefit your overall health. Ginger is a natural root, so drinking it will also give you added nutrients.
Answer: Ginger is a staple in alternative medicine since it is so versatile. For generations, people have used it to improve many aspects of heart health, including circulation, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Ginger has been found in both human and animal research to lower blood pressure in a variety of ways.
Answer: Ginger water is full of antioxidants, which help your body deal with free radicals and lower your risk of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Potassium is another mineral found in ginger water. Consuming the recommended quantity might benefit one's overall health.
Answer: People with heart disease, diabetes, or gallstones should consult their doctor before consuming ginger supplements.
Answer: Most detox plans include ginger because of its ability to cleanse the body by stimulating digestion, circulation, and sweating. Its digestive actions may help to cleanse the colon, liver, and other organs of waste and toxins.
Answer: Ginger, according to experts, can help lower LDL cholesterol levels (the bad kind! ), lowering your risk of heart disease. A small research confirmed these findings, showing that control groups that consumed three grams of ginger (approximately half a teaspoon) three times a day had a significantly higher reduction in triglyceride and cholesterol than the placebo group.
Answer: While the flavourful ingredient is known to treat a variety of common diseases, you may be surprised to learn that it can also induce side effects. While the majority of the side effects are caused by an excessive intake of ginger, it also aggravates health problems in many cases. Read on to know more.
Answer: Ginger is beneficial to the female body in a variety of ways. It has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating nausea and vomiting after surgery, dizziness, menstrual pain, arthritis, preventing morning sickness. Ginger has also been used for weight loss as well.
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