The Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger, with its strong and spicy aroma, has its own place in various types of cuisine. It is so versatile that it can be used fresh or dried, powdered or pickled or in the form of juice or oil.  Ginger tea is another commonly used form, and easy to drink anywhere at anytime.

For thousands of years, ginger has been used for the treatment of innumerable ailments due to its powerful therapeutic and preventive effects. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-emetic properties.

Here are Health Fitness Revolution‘s favorite Health Benefits of Ginger:

•  Maintains Normal Blood Circulation: contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweat.
• Better Digestion: is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding possible stomach ache. It appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen- but naturally!

• Colon Cancer Prevention: A study at the University of Minnesota found that this root may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

• Prevents Morning Sickness: Some pregnant women may find ginger beneficial in preventing their morning sickness. But it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking it.  For more on the best food to eat during pregnancy, read our previous article here.

• Anti-flatulence:  Calm in your upset stomach with ginger. Its gas expulsion property provides relief from bloating and gas and helps reduce flatulence.

• Cold and Flu Prevention:  has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia. To treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day.

• Improves Vitamin Absorption. improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does this by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.

• Relieves Headaches:  Applying diluted ginger paste on the forehead is believed to relieve migraine headache. The ability of ginger to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis helps relieve pain and inflammation in blood vessels thereby providing relief from migraine.

•  Natural Painkiller and Inflammation Reducer: contains some of the most potent anti-inflammatory fighting substances known and is a natural powerful painkiller.

• Helps with Respiratory Problems: Ginger’s antihistamine property helps in treating allergies. It is also known to inhibit airway contraction and help stimulate the secretion of mucus. It is the herb of choice for persistent cough and sore throat associated with colds. A teaspoon of ginger juice with honey is effective against sore throat. And ginger tea is an all-time favorite to get rid of congestion in the throat and nose. Fresh ginger juice mixed with fenugreek and honey is excellent during asthma.

• Strengthens Immunity: helps improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit every day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.

• Combats Nausea: has demonstrated a success rate of 75% in curing nausea and stomach flus.

• Remedy for Loss of Appetite: Fuel a dull appetite by eating fresh ginger just before you have your meal. It can get your digestive juices going and increase your appetite.

• Fights Common Respiratory Problems: If you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases such as a cough, it aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus. That way you can quickly recover from difficulty in breathing.

• Aid with Arthritis: The analgesic and anti-inflammatory property of ginger may help reduce joint pain of arthritis in some people. To help relieve muscle and joint ache, add some ginger oil into your bath.

• May Help Fight Cancer: Ginger root contains a very high level of antioxidants. Ginger has the ability to induce cell death (apoptosis) and suppress certain protein. According to some studies, this root may be a powerful weapon against cancers.

• Strengthens Immunity: helps improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit every day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.