How foresighted were our forefathers who discovered plants like ginger and its benefits at a time when they did not have an ounce of resources? Ginger has been around us since 500 BC serving us in maintaining our health.
Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia and is among the healthiest spices on the earth. However, the main or the healthiest part of Ginger lies beneath the ground, i.e. in the roots. Turmeric and Cardamom are the closest relative of Ginger and no wonder that those two spices too are rich in health.
Ginger is a very common ingredient in different kinds of recipes, as it adds a sharp taste to them. Though that is not why we are here. Ginger is among the healthiest spices on the earth and this article will detail the top health benefits of Ginger.
Health Benefits of Ginger
The specialty of ginger which most of its consumers would state including me is its taste and fragrance. Gingerol which is the main bioactive compound in ginger is responsible for most of the health benefits offered by it and also for its fragrance and taste.
Gingerol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects which help in reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body and this is prevented by the powerful gingerol present in ginger.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, as a powder, or as oil. From the morning masala tea to the curry or the dish Ginger blends in almost everything. Below are a few of the innumerable benefits of Ginger.
1. Helps in Weight Loss
Ginger has been claimed to affect your weight positively. Many studies have been conducted on humans as well as animals in regard to ginger being effective for weight loss. Ginger has been associated with the reduction of insulin levels which are responsible for obesity.
A 2019 literature review concluded that ginger has a positive impact on weight loss and obesity. Experiments have been conducted in this regard but none of them has assured that ginger helps in weight loss. Ginger was seen as more effective in animals than in human beings.
The reason behind ginger’s role in weight loss can be related to calorie burn or reduced inflammation. Do consider this old-age method to ease your way through weight loss along with other healthy lifestyle tips.
2. Treat Nausea
Ginger is an age-old formula for preventing or treating nausea or vomiting. Though some studies do support the effectiveness of ginger to treat nausea, more research is needed to confirm the same. However, it is seen as the best treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. Though they need to consult a doctor before using it.
3. Reduce heart disease risk
A herb that has the cure for almost all diseases and tastes good too. Yeah, that’s ginger for you. Studies have been conducted to see the effects of ginger on blood sugar levels and they turned out to be impressive. Ginger was perceived to lower blood sugar levels and contained powerful anti-diabetic properties.
4. Aids digestion
As Indians, we might have heard from our elders that tea containing ginger helps in digestion. Ginger helps in speeding up the metabolism and hence empties up the stomach quickly. Ginger speeds up bowel movement which removes any type of toxins from the body in no time.
Studies have been conducted from time to time that have pointed to the speeding up of metabolism or bowel movement. Consumption of ginger results in the excretion of toxins and improved digestion. Next time you encounter indigestion, consider ginger before over-the-counter medicine.
5. Improves Immunity
Corona struck us with a shock that we could not overcome easily. People started looking for different kinds of medicines which were not of much help. Then, Indians started consuming the basic ingredients which have been used for ages for fever, cold, or cough and one of those ingredients was ginger.
Ginger has been used as a medicinal drink in the form of tea or hot water to treat cold, cough, or fever by Indians for ages, and were lucky enough that they had this recipe with them during the days of the corona. Ginger improves our immunity immensely, which helps us in fighting these common diseases. You can also consider going to Gym or Enrolling in Yoga to improve your immunity.
6. Pain reliever
Ginger has been used as a pain reliever and can relieve the pain of menstrual pain as well which sometimes may seem unbeatable. According to a study, ginger proved to be as effective as strong pain-relieving tablets like mefenamic acid and acetaminophen. These studies are impressive for sure but need further studies to confirm. Though for now, there is no harm in trying ginger to relieve pain.
7. Fights Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis(OA) is a common health problem that is associated with joint pain and stiffness. Joint pain is a common cause in aged people, and nowadays in young people too which is generally caused by the practice of bad posture.
Osteoarthritis is believed to be treated by regular use of ginger according to a literature review. It was concluded that the use of ginger reduced pain in OA patients greatly. So, if you are someone who does not like to practice good sitting or standing posture, then you might as well start using ginger.
This article outlined the benefits of the use of ginger which are probably known in every Indian household and may require the West to read it.
Health is fun when you have us, as we advise the best herbs that are tasty as well as healthy. So, stay tuned to our blog for more healthy herbs or tips.
