Ginger has been loved for centuries for its use in cooking and medicine. Originally from Southeast Asia, ginger is now commonly found in kitchens and used in traditional medicine all over the world. This versatile ingredient can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, making it useful in many dishes and remedies. You can use fresh ginger in smoothies or salads, while powdered ginger brings warmth to baked goods and spice mixes.
In medicine, ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it good for treating nausea, helping digestion, and reducing muscle pain. This versatile root remains a favourite in both cooking and natural health.
Here are nine notable benefits of ginger
Contains gingerol with medicinal properties: Gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals, says Dr Arjun Nair, an Independent Consultant deals with Gut Health, based out of Bangalore. Nair Says that because of this compound, Ginger is a powerful addition to any health regimen, potentially protecting against cell damage and aging.
Treats various forms of nausea: Ginger is effective against different forms of nausea, including morning sickness during pregnancy, nausea induced by chemotherapy, and post-surgery nausea. While generally safe, pregnant women should consult a Dr before consuming large amounts to ensure safety, says Dr Nair.
Aids in weight management: Ginger can play a role in weight management and there are studies that show that ginger supplementation can significantly reduce body weight and improve waist-hip ratios in people with obesity, likely due to its anti-inflammatory and metabolic-boosting properties.
Relieves osteoarthritis symptoms: For those suffering from osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee, ginger may offer relief. Taking ginger can reduce pain and disability associated with this condition, though its strong taste and potential to cause stomach upset can be drawbacks for some users, says Dr Nair.
Lowers blood sugar and improves heart health: Ginger supplements have been found to lower fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar levels, in people with type 2 diabetes.
Alleviates chronic indigestion: Ginger can help manage chronic indigestion by speeding up the passage of food through the stomach, alleviating symptoms like bloating and discomfort.
Reduces menstrual pain: Ginger shows promise in reducing menstrual pain, or dysmenorrhea. It can be as effective as conventional pain medications for relieving menstrual cramps, offering a natural alternative for pain relief during menstrual cycles.
Lowers cholesterol levels: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol are a risk factor for heart disease. Ginger has been shown to significantly reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, contributing to improved heart health and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Enhances brain function: Ginger may help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Its antioxidants and bioactive compounds can inhibit inflammatory responses in the brain, potentially slowing cognitive decline and protecting against age-related brain damage.
Adding ginger to your diet
Incorporating ginger into your diet is simple and beneficial. It can be added to a variety of recipes, such as chicken dishes, teas, and smoothies. However, consuming large amounts of ginger can lead to side effects like abdominal discomfort and heartburn, so moderation is key.
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