Ginger is a key ingredient in the kitchen. It’s a versatile spice that can be used in making food and also for treatment. It’s the largest flowering plant in the Zingiberaceae family. It originated from Southeast Asia and is believed to be first domesticated by the Austronesian peoples. Today, it’s consumed worldwide. Did you know it’s more than just a spice? In this post, we examine the health benefits of ginger.
It Contains Medicinal Properties
Ginger’s medicinal properties come from gingerol. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects that give it the healing power, to treat nausea, flu, and aid digestion. Normally, people smash it on a pestle and motor and combine it with hot water. They sieve out the ginger residue and use the mixture. Alternatively, some chew it raw to alleviate their flu.
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Treats Morning Sickness and Nausea
Expectant women should consider taking ginger to treat morning sickness. However, when you’re going through pregnancy, you should always talk to your healthcare providers before using it. It can also reduce nausea induced by chemotherapy, but consider talking to your doctor before using it to avoid negative side effects.
Aid in Weight Loss
For those who are looking for weight-loss foods, consider adding ginger. A review by PubMed finds that it helps with weight and hip ratio reduction. This property is attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.
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Effective for those with Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is the degeneration of the joints that causes pain. A Scient Direct review found that ginger can ease the pain caused by the condition. It has also been found to reduce menstrual pain. Its pain relief abilities are believed to be more effective long term.
Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
Gingerol regulates blood sugar levels, thus lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It also helps your body absorb more glucose which is beneficial for these patients because they don’t produce enough insulin.
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Helps With Indigestion
Ginger helps to fasten the passage of the food to the stomach, hence aiding digestion. It also produces enzymes that clear the gases building in the intestinal tract, reducing the discomfort.
Supports the Immune System
Many people use ginger when they have a cold and it seems to clear it out by boosting the immune system. However, this is derived from anecdotal evidence. A PubMed study shows that fresh ginger protects the respiratory system and dried ginger doesn’t have the same influence. Another shows that daily intake of ginger supports the immune system.
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Reduce Cancer Risk
Gingerol, antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory carry properties that help reduce the risk of cancer, particularly colorectal, liver and pancreatic cancer. A PubMed study shows that it inhibits certain types of cancer cells from growing and causing the death of others.
Helps With Your Oral Hygiene
Ginger compounds called gingerol prevent oral bacteria from growing which helps with your oral hygiene. This means you avoid diseases like periodontal disease.
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Improve Brain Function
Research shows that ginger improves brain function by preventing mental conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The compounds in ginger prevent inflammation in the brain, which inhibits cognitive decline.
Side Effects of Ginger
It’s best to use ginger in moderation and if you have ongoing medical issues, consult your specialist before incorporating it into your diet. If used in large amounts it can have the following effects:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Throat irritation
- Abdominal upset
- Blood clot
- Allergic reactions
- Acis reflux
These are some of the health benefits of ginger. It’s a useful plant that is used as a spice but also for medical purposes. However, be cautious if you want to use it to alleviate some discomfort. Ask your doctor for advice to avoid worsening your situation. How has ginger benefited your health?
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