Ginger is a delicious spice native to Asia that has been used for hundreds of years. It is frequently used in alternative medicine to aid digestion, fight flu, and ease menstrual pain. Many people do not consume ginger regularly, but it might be worth adding to your diet. You can use it fresh and add it to your meals or powdered to make juice, or used in oil form.
Ginger has a unique taste and aroma that makes delicacies come alive. However, many people dislike the taste. If you’re in that category, to still benefit from its medicinal properties, you can try turmeric gummies that contain ginger.
There are also ginger and lemon teas that cut the taste. Ginger tea is also fantastic for warming up during the cold weather. It reduces body mass index and lowers blood insulin levels. There are many other health benefits to consuming ginger, including:
1. Treat Nausea
Ginger has been used in ancient and alternative medicine to treat stomach aches and settle the stomach. It is highly effective for treating nausea. It is used to stabilize the bowels and prevent vomiting in surgery patients. Many pregnant women use ginger, as it is proven to reduce morning sickness.
For pregnant women, it is advisable to consume it in tea, capsules, or soup. It has also proven effective in treating nausea from chemotherapy and motion sickness. For motion sickness, it is better to take the dried or powdered form 30 minutes before the trip. You’ve probably also had ginger ale as a child to stop bouts of sickness.
2. Soothe Osteoarthritis
Ginger helps ease the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. Research shows that those who had osteoarthritis and used ginger had a significant reduction in pain. Ginger also helps reduce muscular pain. In a study, ginger significantly reduced muscular pain by 25 percent.
Aromatherapy is another application area for ginger and you can also apply it topically. It is helpful on the knees and helps to reduce joint pain. Ginger oil is extracted from the rhizome of the ginger plant after distillation. For best results, you can mix ginger oil with either almond, coconut, or almond oil.
3. Stimulates Circulation
Ginger helps improve blood circulation by lowering blood pressure. When blood pressure is low, blood flow is easier. Ginger also has blood-thinning potential, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. Ginger helps to break up protein fibrin, which is responsible for spider veins showing up on the skin, and thus makes veins less visible on the surface.
Ginger’s warming effect in the body also helps to stimulate the body and improve circulation. It is one of few herbs that help reduce blood pressure. Due to poor eating habits, many individuals have increased the likelihood of high blood pressure. Ginger acts as a calcium channel blocker and natural ace inhibitor, which are blood pressure medications.
Ginger also contains potassium that research has shown to help reduce blood pressure. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that ginger contains 415 milligrams of potassium, even more than banana, known to be high in potassium at 358 milligrams.
4. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s response to pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This is normal and a sign of good health. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can be harmful to the body. This occurs when inflammation occurs consistently for a long period.
Ginger inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which increases the likelihood of chronic inflammation. Gingerol, shagoal, and paradol are the active ingredients responsible for ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps reduce oxidative stress and controls the production of free radicals in the body.
5. Reduce Cholesterol
A high level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol increases heart disease, which is one of the most rampant diseases. LDL increases fat in the arteries, which is dangerous to the health. Diet is a huge risk factor for cholesterol. Fatty and processed foods increase the probability of high LDL cholesterol.
Ginger helps reduce LDL cholesterol. A study revealed that participants who took five milligrams of ginger daily reduced their LDL levels by 17 percent over a three-month interval. In the long run, ginger is useful in the prevention of not just heart disease but stroke as well. Ginger also has a positive impact on obesity and weight loss.
Multi-Purpose Herb, Dynamic Spice
Ginger is a powerful herb that should be available in every home. Its potential to treat nausea, indigestion, and joint pain makes it a must-have. If you, however, don’t like the flavor or taste, try incorporating it alongside other flavors you do enjoy.