9 Health benefits of ginger

Many of us have acquittance with gingerbread. Gingerbread, in simple terms, means preserved ginger. The gingerbread that adorns our festivities today was introduced in the 15^th century. Historians acclaim that Queen Elizabeth I introduced today’s much-celebrated custom of relishing gingerbreads during the holiday season.

Ginger has its historical roots dating back over 2,000 years in Asia – China and India — where this spice gained popularity due to its medicinal properties. In Chinese culture, where food is categorized as yin or yang, ginger is labeled as yang.

Ginger arrived in Europe during the spice trade: one of the first spices imported from Asia.

Ginger flourishes in a warmer environment in China, India, and Japan. India has the highest production of ginger.

In this article, learn more about the nine potential health benefits.

1.  Fight off Germs

Ginger is rich in gingerol – the secret behind its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants are highly beneficial in clearing free radicals from the body to prevent stress and damage to the body’s DNA.

Ginger helps with digestion, nausea, flu, and the common cold.

2.  Maintain a healthy mouth

Ginger can help keep your mouth healthy. The antibacterial property of ginger makes it an excellent alternative to store-bought mouth wash.

3.  Boost your digestion

The enzymes present in ginger helps in clearing out gasses formed during the digestion process. Additionally, ginger can also prevent constipation by creating a conducive environment in the digestive tract for healthy movement.

4.  Relieve nausea

Many people use ginger for morning sickness as part of traditional home remedies. Further studies should be conducted to understand the process thoroughly.

5.  Maintain weight

Several studies suggest ginger accelerates weight loss by reducing body mass index (BMI) and blood insulin levels.

6.  Relieve pain

The anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger help with pain relief.

Few studies have shown promising results in treating arthritis.

7.  Control your blood sugar

Intake of ginger has also shown positive results on blood sugar level, albeit extensive studies on larger samples are required for validity.

8.  Maintain a healthy heart

A small group of studies suggests that ginger can be effective in maintaining heart health due to its antioxidant properties.

Studies conducted on lab rats show a positive association between the consumption of ginger and a healthy heart.

9.  Prevent cancer

Ginger may also be effective in treating colorectal cancer by maintaining healthy colon tissues.

As mentioned above, certain scientific studies on small samples have proved the potential benefits of ginger; however, extensive research is required. Before you include ginger in your diet, consult a healthcare practitioner.


Author: Somrita Ganchoudhuri

Image source: unsplash.com