Ginger is no less than a boon for your health, culinary spice and medicinal marvel! We have all experienced that incessant Nausea at some point in time or another. Most of us go with the first instinct of opting for over-the-counter medications; however, we don’t know that the Health Benefits of Ginger can be as effective as them and is a natural herb without any side effects.
Ginger has been used in innumerable ways as food and medicine for thousands of years in Arabia and Asia (Including India). This tropical herb belonged to the same family as turmeric and cardamom and was effectively used to relieve Nausea and vomiting caused by specific illnesses and seasickness.
There is no other place than India, which has explored and used Ginger in many ways and varieties. However, the most common usage is the Ginger Flavoured Tea most Indian households prefer regularly. This particular way of using Health Benefits of Ginger in Tea is Grandma’s antidote to combat cold and flu and strengthen the Immune system.
Ginger Is Available Mostly In These Forms
1.) Whole Fresh Roots:
Not only do they provide a fresh taste but also give the best flavour.
2.) Dried Roots:
They are majorly used for medicinal purposes.
3.) Powdered Ginger:
It is made by finely grinding dried ginger root, used as a spice and a medicine.
4.) Crystallised Ginger:
Made by cooking in sugar syrup, air-dried and rolled in sugar.
5.) Pickled Ginger:
The ginger root is sliced to paper-thin measure and pickled in vinegar or with other spices.
6.) Ginger Oil:
Used for medicinal purposes.
Here are the Top 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger –
1.) Contains Gingerol
Ginger has a high amount of Gingerol. It is a substance with powerful medicinal properties. Ginger’s exclusive fragrance and unique flavour come from its natural oils. Gingerol is one of them!
Gingerol is one of the main Bio-Active compounds in Ginger, and hence it is responsible for much of its medicinal properties. In addition, Gingerol gives Health Benefits Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
2.) Treats Many Types of Nausea
Ginger is observed to be highly effective in treating Nausea. One of the major examples is that it has been used throughout history as a natural remedy for Sea Sickness. In addition, evidence shows that it can be as effective as any prescription medicine available over-the-counter.
Ginger may also relieve Nausea and vomiting post-surgery and in cancer patients undergoing Chemotherapy. But Ginger may be most effective for pregnancy-related Nausea such as Morning Sickness.
Although generally Ginger is considered safe, it is best to consult a doctor before pregnant women consume it, as for a few people, their bodies may develop certain reactions to Ginger.
3.) Helps Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness
Ginger has been seen to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. In a study, consuming about 2 grams of ginger per day for 11 days notably reduced muscle pain in persons performing elbow exercises. When it comes to relieving muscle pain, Ginger does not have an immediate impact but may effectively relax the day-to-day progression of muscle pain. These effects are believed to be mediated by anti-inflammatory properties.
4.) Helps with Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common health problem these days. It involves degeneration of joints in the body, leading to symptoms like joint pain and rigidness. In an experiment of 250 people with knee osteoarthritis, those who took ginger extract reduced their pain, thus needing a lesser amount of pain relief medication. Another study found that a mixture of ginger, mastic, cinnamon and sesame oil can decrease pain, rigidness and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients.
5.) Maintains Blood Sugar levels
Studies have shown that Ginger has been instrumental in reducing blood sugar levels and maintaining a balance. For example, those who consumed the Health Benefits of Ginger Capsules saw a powerful impact in lowering their blood sugar levels after about eight weeks.
Ginger also helps to regulate response in people with diabetes. It works on the functioning of the pancreas and helps the secretion of the required quantity of insulin into the bloodstream. This will, in turn, lower the high sugar content and keep the sugar levels balanced in the system. Therefore, regular consumption of Ginger, either raw or in powdered form, can be effective for diabetic patients.
6.) Great for the Heart
It is now a known fact that Ginger can reduce the risk of some Cardio-vascular diseases. Various studies have shown that the people who consumed Ginger regularly had a considerable reduction in cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoprotein density. According to a few other types of research, Ginger also helps prevent blood from clotting. It helps in strengthening the Heart and providing an all-around benefit.
7.) Treats Chronic Indigestion
Chronic Indigestion or Dyspepsia, as it is called, causes recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper region of the stomach. A delay in emptying the stomach is believed to be responsible for this. Interestingly, Ginger has been shown to accelerate opening the stomach in people with this condition. So including Ginger regularly in the diet can help do this. You can also have a teaspoon of a mixture of Health Benefits of Ginger powder and honey about 10 minutes before a meal can help empty the stomach faster.
8.) Reduces Menstrual pain
Menstrual pain and discomfort, also known as Dysmenorrhea, refers to the pain experienced during the menstrual cycle. One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual. In a study involving 150 women, 1 gram of ginger powder per day was included as a supplement for the first 3 days of the monthly periods. Ginger, as expected, effectively managed to reduce the pain no lesser than any over-the-counter drugs.
9.) Lowers Cholesterol Levels
High levels of LDL Cholesterol or Lipoproteins are linked to an increased rate of heart diseases. The foods you consume have a significant impact on the LDL Cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Regular consumption of Ginger can help break down the LDL Cholesterol, making way for HDL Cholesterol Production. You can either have a cup of ginger tea every evening or consume a teaspoon of ginger powder mixed with honey early in the morning on an empty stomach condition.
10.) Cancer Prevention
Cancer, as we know, is a severe disease characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Various scientific explorations have shown that Ginger extracts have been studied as a substitutive treatment for several forms of cancer. These anti-cancer properties of Ginger are associated with 6-Gingerol, a compound found in raw Ginger.
In an alternative study of 30 individuals, 2 grams of ginger extract per day can significantly reduce the pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon. Although there is limited evidence, studies indicate that Ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
