The use of ginger as a natural medicine is nothing new. Ginger is hailed as one of the most useful spices with the most health benefits. For thousands of years, ginger root has been used as a natural remedy.
Ginger, coming from Southeast Asia, began to be used among the Austronesian peoples, a population group from Oceania and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the turmeric, cardamom, and galangal family.
To highlight: Ginger is one of the first spices to be exported from Asia and arrived in Europe during the time of ancient Rome, where it soon became popular thanks to its positive health effects.
Health benefits of ginger
There are hundreds of compounds in ginger that can help reduce inflammation, pain, and the risk of several chronic conditions. Here you will see 12 incredible benefits of ginger!
1. Lowers blood sugar levels
A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research concluded that ginger may improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes type 2. (1)
The researchers discovered that ginger extract can increase glucose absorption into cells and therefore can help lower high blood sugar levels.
2. Reduces the risk of heart disease
The ginger extract helps reduce blood pressure. Ginger has also been found to help reduce blood sugar levels. cholesterol in blood
This means that ginger can become a great ally of our hearts and can help us prevent heart conditions.
3. Lowers cholesterol levels
A clinical study published in Saudi Medical Journal concluded that Ginger has a significant lipid-lowering effect. 85 patients participated in this study, of which 40 belonged to the placebo group, while the rest received a daily dose of ginger powder to reduce blood cholesterol. (2)
Once the experiment was completed, the researchers discovered a significant reduction in triglyceride, cholesterol, and lipoprotein levels in the group that received ginger.
4. Improves brain function
Eating ginger regularly counteracts inflammatory substances in the blood vessels of the brain which can cause headaches and migraines.
Clinical studies show that Ginger is as effective as medications traditionally used to treat migraines. In addition, you avoid side effects.
5. Prevents strokes
Ginger has blood-thinning properties, meaning it is a great way to prevent strokes.
A study published in Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), determined that 5 grams of ginger per day (about the size of a thumb), as well as raw ginger for seven days, caused a 37% inhibition of thromboxane production (a blood clotting agent) in healthy women. (3)
On the other hand, it was found that 5 grams of ginger powder per day is enough to reduce platelet aggregation to normal levels.
6. Improves digestion
Ginger improves gastric emptying. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory agents, ginger helps reduce gas, stomach pain, and bloating and improve digestion.
The book, ‘Healing Foods’ensures that ginger speeds up the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract and reduces stomach cramps.
7. Fight infections
ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants. Thanks to these properties, ginger is ideal for fighting infections, since it is very effective against oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
8. Relieves nausea and dizziness
A study published in Food Science and Nutrition maintains that ginger could be considered an effective option to reduce nausea and vomiting. (4)
It is also a safe ingredient, which makes it an ideal natural medicine for pregnant women.
9. Reduces muscle pain and inflammation
Muscle pain can be devastating, but By adding some ginger to your diet, you can reduce muscle pain by up to 25 percent, according to a US research report
Ginger also works effectively as a pain reliever for exercise pain.
10. Fights flu and respiratory conditions
Many people use ginger as a home remedy for colds, flu symptoms, and sore throats.
To highlight: Ginger has antibacterial properties and, thanks to its anti-inflammatory power, it is effective in fighting the flu and reducing a runny nose. In addition, it reduces the risk of other infections since it helps strengthen the immune system.
11. Helps lose weight
Ginger is not only ideal for strengthening health, but also It is a powerful ally for those who want to lose weight.
Note: A study by the NHS concluded that ginger can help you speed up your metabolism (burn more calories) and reduce appetite, therefore, it can significantly help you lose weight. (5)
12. Reduces menstrual cramps
Ginger powder can reduce menstrual cramps, This is due to its anti-inflammatory power.
Note: Zingibain, an enzyme present in ginger, can inhibit the production of prostaglandins, a substance that triggers contractions in the uterus that cause menstrual pain.
Ginger properties
Ginger is full of vitamins and minerals, It is also rich in antioxidants and is one of the spices with the most properties that exist. These compounds prevent stress and DNA damage over time, promoting healthy aging.
Vitamins
Every 100 grams of raw ginger provides 12% of the daily value of vitamins B3 and B6. It also provides, in smaller quantities, vitamin C.
Minerals
Additionally, ginger provides 12% of magnesium and 11% of the daily values of manganese. It also provides, in smaller quantities, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.
How to consume ginger?
There are many ways to consume ginger since it is a very versatile spice and, therefore, It is easy to combine with different ingredients and adapts easily to various types of food, salty or sweet. Below you will see some ways to include it in your diet.
In addition to the classic: tea. Ginger is very good in soups. Fresh ginger, grated or pureed, adds wonderful flavor to creamy soups, especially in pumpkin or carrot soup.
Ginger also goes perfectly with Asian recipes, especially those that carry fish.
Almost all stir-fries can have a touch of ginger, use it to season your stir-fries.
And the best of all, in sweet desserts. Don’t forget to try the famous gingerbread, a typical Christmas recipe.
ginger tea
Ginger tea is ideal for the cold season since it not only helps you avoid diseases but also helps regulate body temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
Preparation
- Boil the water along with a tablespoon of ginger root (approximately 15 grams)
- Once the water has boiled, remove it from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, strain the infusion and add the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of raw honey.
powdered ginger
You can make your ginger paste and keep it in the freezer for when you need it. This recipe is ideal for storing ginger since it keeps its properties intact and you can use it for any recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 ginger root
- 1 blender or mortar
Preparation
- Cut a ginger root into cubes.
- Put the ginger cut into cubes into a blender and blend until you obtain a paste.
- If you don’t have a blender, you can do it in a mortar.
- Store the pasta in an ice tray in the freezer.
Key takeaways
- Ginger is hailed as one of the most useful spices with the most health benefits. It comes from Southeast Asia and is a family of turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.
- Some of its benefits are that it helps lower blood sugar levels, improves digestion, prevents strokes, relieves nausea and dizziness, and fights infections, among others.
- Among its properties, we can say that ginger is rich in vitamins and minerals. Such as vitamins B3, B6, and vitamin C. And minerals such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc.
- It can be consumed in tea or powder in various types of foods and recipes, both sweet and savory.
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