Ginger is widely known as a herb or spice that is cooked with to add a sweet/spicy flavor to food. But Ginger is a root that packs so many health benefits. It is an amazing superfood that can help with many different symptoms and ailments.Ginger is a member of a plant family that includes cardamom and turmeric. Indians and Chinese are believed to have produced ginger as a tonic root for over 5000 years to treat many ailments. Ginger has a spicy aroma that is mainly due to the presence of ketones, especially the gingerols, which appear to be the primary component of ginger studied in much of the health-related scientific research. The rhizome, which is the horizontal stem from which the roots grow, is the main portion of ginger that is consumed. Ginger is used in numerous forms, including fresh, candied, crystallized, preserved, pickled, dried, and powdered or ground. Below is a list of some of the great health benefits of ginger.
- Helps With Nausea:
One of the most common health benefits of ginger is the ability to help alleviate nausea and vomiting. The anti-nausea properties of ginger have been attributed to its ant-flatulence effects. Ginger helps to break up and expel intestinal gas. Ginger root works great and is commonly recommended for seasickness. It is said to work better than Dramamine. Also Ginger is a great remedy to morning sickness for pregnant women as it is safe and effective to use. While I personally was pregnant, I drank ginger tea to calm my stomach and it was a lifesaver.
- Anti-Cancer Properties:
The effectiveness of ginger in preventing or suppressing cancer growth has been examined in a variety of cancer types, including lymphoma, hepatoma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, and bladder cancer. The processes proposed to to explain Ginger roots anti-cancer properties include antioxidant activity.
- Cardiovascular and Other Disease Prevention:
Ginger has gained some recognition for its potential to treat various aspects of cardiovascular disease. One study showed that administration or consumption of standardized ginger extract decreased aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas, plasma triglycerides and cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-associated lipid peroxides, and LDL aggregation in mice. Ginger has been used for treating respiratory illnesses. Components of Ginger rhizomes have been reported to contain potent compounds capable of suppressing allergic reactions and might be useful for the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases.
- Antidiabetic Properties:
Ginger has also been believed to have antidiabetic effects. Treatment with a ginger extract produced a significant reduction in fructose-induced elevation in lipid levels, body weight, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia associated with insulin resistance.
- Dementia and Alzheimers:
Dried ginger may have beneficial effects in treating dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
There are many ways to take Ginger, all you need to do is find the way that works best for you!
- Drink it in a tea
- Take it in capsule form 3-4 times a day
- For motion sickness take it in capsule form 30 minutes before traveling.
- Add peeled fresh ginger to a smoothie or you can juice it.
- Add powdered ginger to your tea, soup or any recipe you feel it would taste nice in.
- Snack on crystallized ginger or add to fruit bowls
Conclusion:
Ginger can be a wonderful super-food to help aid with a wide variety of ailments and provide many health benefits on top of being a yummy food to just enjoy. As always, consult your healthcare professional before starting any new health routine or product. Enjoy!
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Sources:
Bode, Ann M. “The Amazing and Mighty Ginger.” Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd Edition., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/.
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