Ginger is a plant that originates from Southeast Asia. Thanks to its healthy nutrients, ginger root has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for years. It has a versatile use – you can add it to smoothies, juices, soups, and teas. You can use it dried, powdered, fresh, or as a juice or oil. Ginger root is one of the healthiest spices on the planet.
Health benefits of ginger
Ginger possesses a variety of health benefits, including:
1. It alleviates pain
Ginger contains gingerols, substances that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Ginger can ease muscle soreness and aches after post-workout.
Moreover, ginger has been considered to relieve the symptoms of heavy menstrual pain and cramps.
2. It soothes skin conditions
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can treat red and irritated skin.
3. It stops premature aging
Antioxidants found in ginger are considered to destroy free-radical cells that enhance the breakdown of collagen and damage the skin. Ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help lower oxidative stress, which is caused by an excessive amount of free radicals in the human body.
Moreover, antioxidants regulate the production of collagen and promote smoothness and elasticity of the skin.
4. It improves the immune system
Due to their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, gingerols relieve inflammation, treat infections, and improve the immune system.
To prevent common cold and flu, add a teaspoon of ginger into chicken soup.
Ginger recipe to boost immunity
In hot water, add lemon juice, half a teaspoon of raw honey, and two tablespoons of fresh ginger. Then, consume the mixture and boost your immunity.
5. It prevents cardiovascular diseases
Ginger possesses blood-thinning properties, which help prevent blood clot formation and lower the risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes.
Moreover, ginger has been considered to reduce high levels of blood sugar and enhance various heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes type 2.
6. It eases arthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis is a serious health problem. It includes degeneration of the joints, leading to joint stiffness and pain. Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help reduce swelling. It can be especially helpful for treating signs of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You can relieve pain and swelling by using ginger compress on your skin or taking ginger by mouth.
7. It curbs cancer growth
According to the studies, ginger contains bioactive molecules that can help slow down the growth of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and breast cancer.
8. It promotes digestive processes
Ginger is often related to improved digestion due to its phenolic compounds. Ingesting ginger can assist the body with bile and saliva production and help to ease the movement of food through the human body by suppressing gastric contractions.
Moreover, ginger can help relieve gastrointestinal irritations, gas, and bloating, which can cause stomach pain. Ginger is a popular remedy for constipation and diarrhea, too.
9. It relieves nausea, especially morning sickness
Ginger is a natural medicine for treating nausea. It can help ease vomiting and nausea in people undergoing certain types of surgeries. It can also relieve chemotherapy-related and pregnancy-related nausea.
Also, it can be used to help ease the symptoms of a cold. Ginger root can help clear out the sinuses, relieve headaches, and soothe the symptoms of a cold.
Thanks to its diaphoretic effects, ginger enhances the body to keep warm. Therefore, if you need a winter warmer, add ginger root to your tea and meals.
10. It helps with weight loss
According to the studies, ginger root has a major role in weight loss. Ginger supplementation can reduce the weight-hip ratio and body weight in people with obesity. Ginger’s ability to help weight loss can be related to some mechanisms, especially its potential to reduce inflammation and burn calories.
Ginger is rich in bioactive components and nutrients that have powerful benefits for the brain and the body. It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years all over the world.
