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The Health Benefits Of Ginger

  • Last Updated On: October 15, 2024
  • 4 minute read

Ginger can be considered a ‘treasure chest’ of remedies. Ginger’s health benefits are plenty because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We have been using it for cooking and medicinal purposes for centuries. Regular consumption can help you manage weight and arthritis. It can help with nausea and stomach problems. When taken as a health supplement, it can also aid in managing the effects of type-2 diabetes. It has many healing properties.

What you need to know:

What is ginger?

Ginger can be found in a flowering plant in Southeast Asia. Its tangy flavor adds zest to sweet and savory dishes. It comes from the Zingiberaceae family and resembles turmeric, cardamom and galangal. The part of the ginger that generally gets used is the rhizome, the underground part of the plant. It is also known as ginger root or just ginger. Different forms of ginger, like dried ginger to ginger oil and juice, can be used and added to various dishes. 

This plant grows up to a height of about three feet and features clusters of greenish-purple flowers. Depending on the type of ginger plant, the color of the inside of the ginger root can vary from yellow and red to even white. While harvesting gingers, the entire plant is pulled off from the ground, the leaves are removed, and the root is cleaned.

Why is ginger a magical health herb?

Often referred to as a ‘magical health herb,’ it is believed that ginger’s health benefits come from its rich composition of about 100 bioactive compounds, such as shogaols, parasols, and gingerols. Due to its diverse therapeutic effects, this root has been a staple in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, and other indigenous practises.

10 Health benefits of ginger

Here are some of the ginger health benefits you can get by adding it to your daily diet:  

Better digestion

Ginger stimulates digestive enzymes, reducing indigestion and bloating. It enhances nutrient absorption and supports overall gut health. It has been found that consuming ginger before main meals can help you greatly to manage indigestion for people suffering from functional dyspepsia. In addition, it is also known that consuming ginger can help you to maintain healthy bowel movements through your digestive tract, resulting in a much lesser risk of constipation.      

Improves immunity

People widely use ginger to recover from colds, flu and other infections. Fresh ginger can help protect your respiratory system greatly. Daily consumption of ginger can also help in boosting your immune system. Ginger also features a lot of antioxidants, resulting in enhanced immunity against several diseases.

Eases nausea and dizziness

Ginger positively affects the stomach lining, reducing irritation that can trigger nausea. It can also help relax the stomach muscles, preventing spasms contributing to sickness and nausea. Ginger is also known to affect serotonin receptors in the gut and brain. Its interaction with these receptors can help alleviate nausea and vomiting. Consuming ginger can also help you eliminate the gas in your intestines.

May help with weight management

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Consuming ginger can keep you satiated for a long time. As a result, you can control hunger pangs, potentially leading to reduced calorie intake. Improved digestion through ginger consumption can aid in maximum nutrient absorption and reduce digestive discomfort. Efficient digestion supports your body’s ability to utilize nutrients, reducing cravings for high-calorie foods.

Can help with osteoarthritis

Ginger contains compounds like gingerol and its derivatives, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can help reduce the inflammation contributing to joint pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis. As it reduces inflammation, you can experience better joint function. Less inflammation means less swelling and stiffness, allowing for better mobility and range of motion.

Soothes sore muscles

Ginger won’t eliminate muscle pain completely, but one of ginger’s health benefits is reducing soreness over time. Ginger has vasodilatory effects on our body, opening the blood vessels to reach sore places, resulting in faster recovery.

Keeps your mouth healthy

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Keeping your mouth clean can also help with oral hygiene. Gingerols can stop oral bacteria from growing. These bacteria are also responsible for causing periodontal disease, a severe gum condition.

Lowers blood sugar

Oxidative stress can contribute to insulin resistance and impair the function of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Ginger’s antioxidant compounds can help reduce oxidative stress, supporting healthier insulin secretion and resulting in a stable blood sugar level. Ginger boosts insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to respond better to insulin’s actions and improving blood sugar control. According to research, some individuals took 1200-1300 mg of ginger daily for 13 weeks. It was found that their:

  • Blood sugar levels decreased by 12%
  • Their haemoglobin A1c levels got reduced by 10%
  • The ratio between their apolipoprotein B/ apolipoprotein A-I was 28% lower

Treats asthma

Asthma is typically caused due to chronic inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce airway inflammation, alleviating some asthma symptoms.

Helps with diabetes

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may help prevent certain diabetes complications. So, it can be an effective addition to your diabetes treatment if you use it in moderation. Eating up to 4 grams per day may help lower your blood sugar levels and regulate insulin production. Ensure to talk to your doctor before adding it to your treatment regimen.

No matter the season, this wonderful spice is readily available in all households. Its distinctive, strong flavor, has been used in foods, juices, teas, curries, and even desserts. No wonder ginger is considered one of the most vital herbs. 

Stay tuned to the Activ Living Community. Keep up to date with the latest health tips and trends through expert videos, podcasts, articles, and much more in nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and lifestyle conditions like Asthma, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Diabetes.

 

Stay tuned to the Activ Living Community. Keep up to date with the latest health tips and trends through expert videos, podcasts, articles, and much more on nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and lifestyle conditions like Asthma, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Diabetes. Activ Living ke saath sahi sehat ki shuruat ABHI karo.

 

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