Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is a root that has been consumed for millennia. This plant has the most impressive health benefits to boost the health and wellness of your body to the next level. Some healthy and nutritious ginger supplements stand the test of time, and Ginger root is no food fad! From improving digestion to helping prevent heart disease, ginger is critical to your diet. Ginger are really brimming with health benefits whether it’s fresh raw ginger, ginger extract, ginger powder and even ginger supplement.
To start with, let’s resolve any misconceptions or preconceived notions about Ginger you may have. That is your sweet tooth talking. It is the ginger plant that gives those delicious gingerbread cookies their flavor.
Its gnarly shape makes it a bit weird-looking, but it hides some nutritional surprises. Just ask the ancient Greeks, or the people of ancient China or India, who all used Ginger for many valuable purposes. It was considered a medication in ancient times.
If you wonder how Ginger made its way to America, you can thank the Silk Road for that. If you’re unfamiliar with the Silk Road, it was the passageway for trade more than 2,000 years ago. Both religions and goods traveled the passageway from east to west and vice versa. Ginger is closely related to cardamom and turmeric. According to Encyclopedia Britannica (2022), Ginger was used historically to hide the taste of preserved meat.
- Gingerol is a natural oil found in Ginger that aids in digestion, minimizes nausea, and helps fight off colds and the flu. Gingerol is what gives Ginger its flavor and fragrance.
- Ginger aids in treating nausea and vomiting, especially if taken before some types of surgery or for nausea associated with chemotherapy.
- Ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- It helps you lose weight! A literature review revealed that Ginger reduces the waist-hip ratio for people suffering from obesity. Another study indicated Ginger lowers insulin levels and reduces body mass index.
- Ginger helps with osteoarthritis, joint pain, and stiffness. One body of research claimed that combining cinnamon, sesame oil, and Ginger into an ointment help people suffering from OA of the knee.
- Can lower blood sugars and prevent risk factors associated with heart disease.
- It helps you lose weight! A literature review revealed that Ginger reduces the waist-hip ratio for people suffering from obesity. Another study indicated Ginger lowers insulin levels and reduces body weight index.
- Ginger helps with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, and stiffness. One body of research claimed that combining cinnamon, sesame oil, and Ginger into an ointment for pain relief and help people suffering from OA of the knee.
- Can lower blood sugar and blood pressure and prevent risk factors associated with heart disease.
- It helps with chronic indigestion because it speeds up stomach emptying. When your stomach has delayed emptying, it causes indigestion.
- It can aid in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. One study found that Ginger lowered bad (LDL) cholesterol levels by almost 18% over 90 days.
- Ginger may be useful in treating in cancer treatment and other gastrointestinal malignancies such pancreatic cancer and liver cancer, according to some, albeit scant, evidence.
- May improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process and age-related cognitive decline.
- Ginger can help prevent infections. Ginger inhibits the growth of many different types of bacteria, especially bacteria associated with gingivitis and periodontitis. Fresh raw Ginger may also be effective against respiratory infections.
How to Make The Best Ginger Tea
- Peel and thinly slice fresh ginger (about 1 inch per cup)
- In a saucepan, combine one cup of water per serving with the ginger and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes (less time if you want weaker tea)
- Strain the ginger out of the tea with a sieve.
- Place a slice of orange on the rim of the teacup. You can also add a teaspoon of honey or a sprig of mint.