The Health Benefits Of Ginger, How Healthy Is Ginger?
Ginger is widely considered as one of the most healthy and medicinal plant roots. Today we will be discussing the Health Benefits and some remedies of Ginger. Ginger hails from the genus Zingiber officinale and is the root of the flowering plant that is produced annually. The root of the Ginger plant is used as both a spice and a home remedy to help in treating a variety of ailments.
Ginger Home Remedies
There are quiet a few uses for ginger. In many countries Ginger is used as a reliever for stomach aches and vomiting .It is often used to make Ginger ail or tea which can be drank as a beverage in many countries. Ginger is said to possess a substance that might prevent Cancer. Ginger tea is very good for helping to sooth and calm a variety of stomach problem whenever they occur including acid reflux, gastroenteritis , stomach ulcers and intestinal problems.
Ginger Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals present in fresh ginger:
- Vitamin B3 and B6- These Vitamins help to increase cell health, energy levels and increases the chances of good digestion
- Iron- It helps to preserve many functions within the body including boasting the immune system and regulating body temperature
- Potassium-This is one of the most important minerals in the body. Potassium helps to regulate fluid balance , muscle contractions and nerve signals.
- Vitamin C- Very important for growth , development and the maintenance of bodily tissues.
- Magnesium-This is responsible for hundreds of biochemical reactions within the body.
- Phosphorus- It helps to build strong teeth , reduces muscle pain and maintains tissue cells.
- Zinc- This is a mineral that is found throughout your body. It helps to strengthen the immune system and metabolism.
- Folate- This is one of the B Vitamins and is needed for the body to be able to make red and white blood cells in the bone marrow.
What is Ginger Good For?
Ginger is one of the most healthy herbs among all the other herbs and spices . Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. Ginger Contains gingerol, which has powerful medicinal properties It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger comes from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties. Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body .
Health Benefits Of Ginger
1.Ginger May Help To lesson Cholesterol Levels
High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels. In a 2018 study of 60 people with hyperlipidemia, the 30 people who received 5 grams of ginger-pasted powder each day saw their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels drop by 17.4% over a 3-month period .
While the drop in LDL is impressive, it’s important to consider that study participants received very high doses of ginger. Many cited a bad taste in the mouth as their reason for dropping out of an OA study where they received doses of 500 mg–1 gram of ginger . The doses taken during the hyperlipidemia study are 5–10 times higher. It’s likely that most people may have difficulty taking a 5-gram dose for long enough to see results.
In an older study from 2008, people who received 3 grams of ginger powder (in capsule form) each day also saw significant reductions in most cholesterol markers. Their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels dropped by 10% over 45 days (.These findings are supported by a study in rats with hypothyroidism or diabetes. Ginger extract lowered LDL (bad) cholesterol to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (30Trusted Source). Study subjects from all 3 studies also experienced drops in total cholesterol. Participants in the 2008 study, as well as the lab rats, also saw reductions in their blood triglycerides .
2. Ginger Contains A Substance That May Help To Prevent Cancer
Ginger has been studied as an alternative remedy for several forms of cancer. The anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is found in large amounts in raw ginger. A form known as -gingerol is viewed as especially powerful . In a 28-day study of individuals at normal risk for colorectal cancer, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the colon.
However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk for colorectal cancer didn’t produce the same results . There’s some evidence, albeit limited, that ginger may be effective against other gastrointestinal cancers such as pancreatic cancer and liver cancer . It may be effective against breast cancer and ovarian cancer as well. In general, more research is needed.
3. Ginger May Help To Improve Brain Function And Also Helps To Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process. They’re believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Some animal studies suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain .
There’s also some evidence that ginger can help enhance brain function directly. In a 2012 study of healthy middle-aged women, daily doses of ginger extract were shown to improve reaction time and working memory . In addition, numerous studies in animals show that ginger can help protect against age-related decline in brain function.
4. Ginger Can Help To Fight Infections
Gingerol can help lower the risk of infections. In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria. According to a 2008 study, it’s very effective against the oral bacteria linked to gingivitis and periodontitis. These are both inflammatory gum diseases .Fresh ginger may also be effective against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of respiratory infections.
5. Ginger May Help To Significantly Reduce Menstrual Pain
Dysmenorrhea refers to pain felt during the menstrual cycle. One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain. In a 2009 study, 150 women were instructed to take either ginger or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the first 3 days of their menstrual period. The three groups received four daily doses of either ginger powder (250 mg), mefenamic acid (250 mg), or ibuprofen (400 mg). Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the two NSAIDs .
More recent studies have also concluded that ginger is more effective than a placebo and equally as effective as drugs such as mefenamic acid and acetaminophen/caffeine/ibuprofen (Novafen) . While these findings are promising, higher quality studies with larger numbers of study participants are still needed.
6.Ginger Helps To Treat Chronic Indigestion
Chronic indigestion is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach. It’s believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion. Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach. People with functional dyspepsia, which is indigestion with no known cause, were given either ginger capsules or a placebo in a small 2011 study. One hour later, they were all given soup.
It took 12.3 minutes for the stomach to empty in people who received ginger. It took 16.1 minutes in those who received the placebo .These effects have also been seen in people without indigestion. In a 2008 study by some members of the same research team, 24 healthy individuals were given ginger capsules or a placebo. They were all given soup an hour later. Consuming ginger as opposed to a placebo significantly accelerated emptying of the stomach. It took 13.1 minutes for people who received ginger and 26.7 minutes for people who received the placebo.
7. Ginger Helps With Balancing Blood Sugar
One study found that ginger improved fasting blood sugar in people with diabetes. These and other findings show promise that ginger can help treat health concerns caused by chronic diabetes.
8. Ginger May Aid With Weight Loss
Ginger water may help promote weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. One study showed that ginger suppressed obesity in rats on high-fat diets. And another study found that men who drank a hot ginger beverage after eating felt more full for longer. Balanced blood sugar can also prevent you from overeating.
9. Ginger Helps To Keep Us Hydrated
This benefit is mostly because you’re taking your ginger in water. Staying hydrated is very important for supporting every aspect of your health. Many of us simply don’t drink enough water each day. Starting your day with a glass of ginger water, or finding another regular time to drink one each day, will help you hydrate.
10. Ginger Possesses Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is one of your body’s natural self-preservation functions. Germs, chemicals, and poor diet can cause too much inflammation and harm your body. Inflammation has become a very common experience for a lot of people. Diet and lifestyle changes may be necessary to fight chronic inflammation.
Consuming ginger may help prevent and heal inflammation. One study found that ginger could reduce allergic reactions, in which inflammation can play a role. A small study also showed that people who took daily ginger supplements had less muscle pain after working out. Muscle pain can be caused by inflammation.
The Side Effects Of Consuming Too Much Ginger
When taken by mouth:
Ginger is LIKELY SAFE when taken appropriately. Ginger can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Some people have reported more menstrual bleeding while taking ginger.
When applied to the skin:
Ginger is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately, short-term. It might cause irritation on the skin for some people.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy:
Ginger is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for medicinal uses during pregnancy. Most studies in pregnancy suggest that ginger can be used safely for morning sickness without harm to the baby. There is some concern that ginger might increase the risk of bleeding, so some experts advise against using it close to the delivery date. As with any medication given during pregnancy, it’s important to weigh the benefit against the risk. Before using ginger during pregnancy, talk it over with your healthcare provider.
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