Ginger is an ancient spice used in multiple cultures for thousands of years, especially popularized for its medicinal benefits and improved health effects. It comes in its raw, fresh root form, dried, pickled, ground and juiced, all of which offer a strong and warm flavor suitable for just about any meal.
Here are 10 incredible health benefits of ginger:
1. It Helps to Relieve Digestive Issues
Ginger is most commonly used to cure digestive discomfort such as pain, bloating, motion sickness and nausea, and can be taken in any form to relieve these symptoms. The gentle dose of dietary fiber and powerful phenolic compounds help to stimulate saliva and digestive fluids, as well as acting as an antidote for stomach spasms.
2. It Relieves Tooth Ache
Raw ginger has been proven to offer immediate relief for unbearable toothache, likely due to the stimulation of saliva, anti-bacterial enzymes and due to the absorption of ginger’s anti-inflammatory compounds.
3. It Fights Colds and Flu
Vitamin C is an immunity booster and ginger contains a low dosage of this excellent cold and flu fighter. However, ginger root additionally acts as a natural decongestant and antihistamine, which is why many cough mixtures and medicines are often flavored with ginger extract. Drinking ginger tea or placing raw ginger slices in boiling water will significantly reduce cold and flu symptoms, even relieving the pain from a sore throat.
4. It is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation can cause significant discomfort such as migraines, swollen limbs and joint pain. Ginger is in the same family as turmeric, both of which have been proven to reduce inflammation throughout the body and offer relief from painful inflammatory symptoms. Gingerols are the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger, most potent in their raw, fresh form.
5. It Promotes Detoxification
Your body eliminates the majority of its toxins through sweat, and when consumed regularly ginger is excellent at promoting a light sweat. Being a natural anti-inflammatory also assists the detoxification process, offering a powerful cleansing effect for its consumers.
6. It Improves Blood Circulation
Just one teaspoon of ground ginger or 5 raw slices offers your body a decent dose of magnesium, zinc, potassium and chromium, all of which are excellent at promoting better blood circulation. The natural anti-inflammatory compounds further help to improve blood circulation, which can dramatically improve energy levels, athletic performance and better heart health.
7. It Lowers Blood Pressure
Hypertension or high blood pressure is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, which makes it important to manage. Used in eastern cultures for thousands of years, ginger has been proven to have a marked effect on blood pressure, helping to lower it and balance it for optimum blood and heart health.
8. It Relieves Menstrual Cramps
The most popular and effective drugs that assist in reducing menstrual pain are ibuprofen and mefenamic acid, but there is an even better natural soother for this: ginger! Ginger has been proven to have the same effect on reducing menstrual cramps as any unnatural drug, as well as being flavorful and void of any negative side effects.
9. It Helps to Protect Against Cancer
Cancer is a life threatening disease that needs to be managed and prevented proactively. By consuming ginger more frequently you will be keeping your body full of anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant compounds, which help to reduce cell damage and keep your immune system in top form. Diseased cells have no chance of surviving or thriving!
10. It Speeds Up Your Metabolism
A faster metabolism means better digestion, more energy and a healthier, leaner body. Ginger has been proven to boost metabolism, as well as creating a slow burning effect on fat stores, which leaves you fitter, stronger and healthier in just a few flavorful slices.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php
https://naturalsociety.com/benefits-of-ginger/
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-ginger/
https://www.nutritionsecrets.com/health-benefits-ginger/
https://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-ginger