13 Health Benefits Of Ginger

In the modern world, many of us do not eat a balanced diet and get enough proper nutrients by eating a wider variety of foods. This lack of exploring foods has our bodies missing out on many benefits. Ginger one of those foods, not many of us regularly enjoys unless it's a pallet cleanser during a sushi binge or a relaxing cup of tea. But this ancient root is crazy-versatile – you can throw it in your smoothie, grate some on a stir-fry, add it to soup and more.

Ginger is not just a spice girl or a way to spice up your meals, but it has some distinct health benefits that have many calling it a superfood. 

So what exactly are these benefits? Let's have a look, shall we?

1. Relieve nausea

Drinking a cup of ginger tea before travelling can help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. You can also drink a cup at the first sign of nausea to relieve the symptoms.

2. Improve stomach performance

Useful in improving digestion and increasing absorption of food, ginger tea can reduce bloating after overeating.

3. Reduce inflammation

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties that make it an ideal home remedy for muscle and joint problems. In addition to drinking ginger tea, you can also use it to soak inflamed joints.

4. Fight respiratory problems

Ginger tea can help relieve congestion associated with the common cold. Try a cup of ginger-tea for the respiratory symptoms associated with environmental allergies.

5. Improve blood circulation

The vitamins, minerals and amino acids in ginger tea can help restore and improve blood circulation that may help decrease the chance of cardiovascular problems. Ginger may prevent fat from depositing in the arteries helping to prevent heart attacks and stroke.

6. Relieve menstrual discomfort

This one is for all women suffering from menstrual cramps. Try soaking a towel in warm ginger tea and apply it to your lower abdomen. It may help relieve the pain and relax the muscles. At the same time, drink a cup of ginger tea with honey.

7. Strengthen the immune system

Ginger tea can help strengthen your immune system due to the high levels of antioxidants in ginger.

8. Relieve stress

Ginger tea has calming properties that may help lower your stress and tension. The reduction in stress is thought to be due to a combination of an intense aroma and healing properties.

9. Reduce your risk of diabetes

Scientists have linked some active compounds in ginger with improvements in insulin and metabolism — stock up on both fresh and dried ginger on-hand for flavouring smoothies and veggie-based stir-frys and soups.

While some chemical compounds in ginger may decrease over time, the drying process enhances other beneficial ones. So making sure you have a mixture of both ensures maximum results.

10. Lower your risk of cancer

The cell-protecting properties of ginger can lower the long-term risk of certain cancers. That's because the spice and other flavourings may reduce cellular activity that causes DNA changes, cell death, and proliferation of cancer cells. It could also help sensitize tumours to treatments like chemo and radiation.

11. Assist weight loss

Some small studies have linked ginger intake — when combined with other plant extracts — to some benefits in weight loss. And there's some promising animal research relating ginger to weight management.

Be advised that ginger is no magic weight-loss pill, as with most superfoods. You can't just magically paper over lousy eating habits and no exercise. Other components of a healthy, balanced diet matter just as much when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off.

12. Improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer's disease

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the ageing process. They are believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. Some studies in animals suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain.

13. Help fight infections

Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections. Ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria Ginger is also very effective against the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Finally, fresh ginger may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory infections.

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Tags: Health