There has been a lot of interest in using ginger in the clinic for its purported health benefits. Like turmeric and cardamom, ginger is a member of the ginger family. Ginger, a plant native to South Asia, India, and China, is highly prized for its aromatic, culinary, and medicinal uses, and is therefore an essential part of the regional cuisine.
And while ginger is most often associated with sweet treats like gingerbread and ginger cookies, it has also been used medicinally for centuries.
Health advantages of fresh ginger
- A fresh ginger root 10-gram serving provides:
- 4 kcals / 9 kJ
- The reduced protein content of 2g
- 1g fat
- Carbohydrate content: 8 grams
- 2g fiber
- Potassium content: 42mg
What are the benefits of ginger?
Simply looking at it, ginger doesn’t seem like a superfood that would help your body out. Ginger is consumed by chewing on its root which looks like a cross between a little sweet potato and a twisted tree trunk.
On the contrary, ginger is a potent weapon. It’s a healthy choice because it has vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, among other nutrients. The advantages include:
1. It can reduce pain
According to research, ginger includes gingerols, which switch off pain-causing molecules in the body and reduce inflammation. However, if you suffer from persistent discomfort, it’s best to consult a medical professional about a more permanent solution, as plants may not be the answer.
2. Reduce vomiting and nausea
Although the mechanism by which ginger alleviates nausea and vomiting is unknown, it has been utilized for this purpose for quite some time. It’s possible that ginger aids with digestion by increasing the rate at which gastric juices are secreted, making it less likely that food would sit undigested in the stomach and cause problems like bloating, gas, nausea, and indigestion. In addition, ginger may counteract motion sickness by acting on specific types of serotonin receptors in the brain. If you still facing issues then consult a stomach specialist.
3. Eases Arthritis
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help reduce edema. That has the potential to be useful in relieving symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ingesting ginger or applying a ginger compress or patch topically may help reduce discomfort and edema.
4. Antibacterial Properties
Clinical studies have shown that ginger has antibacterial effects against a wide variety of germs, including some that are resistant to many antibiotics. Ginger has significant potential in the treatment of various microbial disorders (including those caused by Bacillus and E. coli).
5. Improves blood sugar regulation
It’s possible that gingerol is responsible for ginger’s ability to maintain constant blood sugar levels. The latter is crucial for managing the health risks associated with Type 2 diabetes. Ginger aids glucose (sugar) metabolism by decreasing enzymes that break down carbohydrates.
Insulin is essential for moving glucose around the body and keeping it from building up in the blood, and people with Type 2 diabetes often don’t make enough of it. This is another issue that ginger can assist with: There is no need for additional insulin when using ginger, as it promotes glucose absorption in the muscles.
6. Reduces Symptoms of Menstruation Pain
Menstrual discomfort is known to be distressing for many women. There are over-the-counter drugs designed to treat this particular type of pain, but ginger may also be helpful.
Among the treatments for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), ginger has been shown to be just as effective as ibuprofen. Dysmenorrhea is characterized by severe menstrual cramping, particularly in the lower abdomen and back. The good news for women continues. Try using ginger the next time you get painful period cramps.
7. Improve brain health
Sixty middle-aged women participated in the trial, and those who took 400–800 milligrams of ginger once a day for two months showed significant improvements in mental function compared to those who took a placebo. A similar conclusion was reached in a trial of postmenopausal women who took a ginger supplement for three months.
8. It can support your immune system.
Are you familiar with ginger’s signature flavor and aroma? This is because gingerol is an antioxidant-rich molecule that aids in immune system function. If you need a quick pick-me-up for your health, try drinking ginger tea or preparing a salad dressing with ginger.
9. Improvement of heart health
The potential for the ginger extract to protect against cardiovascular disease has been supported by preliminary research.
Daily ginger use may offer protection against a variety of chronic diseases, according to the research of 4,628 adults published in 2017. These diseases include coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular illness, and fatty liver disease. Based on their findings, the scientists think ginger could be useful as a preventative treatment.
More research is needed to confirm whether or not ginger can help patients being treated for cardiovascular disease.
10. Could help relieve cold symptoms
When you first feel the symptoms of a cold coming on, ginger tea is an excellent remedy. Because of its diaphoretic properties, it can be used to reduce fever in those suffering from illnesses like the flu or the common cold. It seems that, like the powder, the fresh root can inhibit virus replication.
Conclusion
Among its possible benefits, ginger has been shown to aid digestion, lessen inflammation, and ease the pain.
Still, researchers frequently use extremely large doses of extracts in their experiments. Incorporating more ginger into one’s diet might not necessarily improve one’s health.
Consult your doctor before incorporating ginger into your diet to avoid bad effects.
FAQs
1. What happens if you have ginger every day?
Ingredients in ginger are so potent that they reduce blood sugar and protect the heart from illness. Daily ginger use has been shown to normalize insulin secretion in type 2 diabetics. Because of its cholesterol-lowering properties, ginger protects against cardiovascular disease and stroke.
2. Is ginger good for the skin?
Using ginger regularly can help you get more radiant skin by increasing the suppleness of your skin and reducing the unevenness of your skin tone. In addition, the lactic acid in yogurt is a natural exfoliant that helps speed up cell turnover while also being gentle on the face.
3. What’s the upper limit for ginger intake?
Ginger can be consumed every day without risk, however, it is best to stick to the recommended 3–4 grams (or 1 gram if you’re pregnant) per day. It has been scientifically proven that consuming more than 6 grams of ginger per day can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
