The Health Benefits Of Ginger

A popular ingredient in many world dishes. Ginger has unmistakably aromatic and spicy flavour, adding heat and depth to many a recipe. Besides its wonderful flavours, ginger also provides us with a number of nutritional qualities. The Health Benefits Of Ginger!

The Health Benefits Of Ginger

As one of the most used dietary condiments in the world today. It’s no wonder that the benefits of ginger are pretty impressive. With its zesty, peppery flavor and its extensive list of health benefits, ginger root is equal parts delicious and nutritious. In oral health, two types of ginger have been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens that contribute to periodontitis (inflammation of the gums that is caused by gum bacteria).

It’s versatile, easy to use and has been associated with everything from beating motion sickness to better brain function.  In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises. Does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain. When buying fresh ginger, look for a root with smooth, taut skin, with no wrinkles, and a spicy aroma. Store fresh ginger in a tightly wrapped plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer, and peel and grate it before use.

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Ginger Nutrition

100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of raw ginger contains approximately (3):

• 80 calories
• 17.8 grams carbohydrates
• 1.8 grams protein
• 0.7 grams fat
• 2 grams dietary fiber
• 415 milligrams potassium (12 percent DV)
• 0.2 milligrams copper (11 percent DV)
• 0.2 milligrams manganese (11 percent DV)
• 43 milligrams magnesium (11 percent DV)
• 5 milligrams vitamin C (8 percent DV)
• 0.2 milligrams vitamin B6 (8 percent DV)
• 0.7 milligrams niacin (4 percent DV)
• 34 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV)
• 0.6 milligrams iron (3 percent DV)

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Ginger May Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain. In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises.

Does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain. These effects are believed to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory properties.

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Digestion

At the same time, ginger also appears to have beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, and to increase motility through the digestive tract. This suggests ginger could help prevent colon cancer and constipation.

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Ginger Helps with Menstrual Cramps

Ginger reduced PMS and menstrual pain in 6 trials (RCTs). It was much more effective than placebo and as effective as a painkiller commonly used for menstrual cramps.

All studies used the powdered form of ginger at 750 mg-2,000 mg/day. It was most commonly used during the first 3 days of menstruation.

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It Can Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Ginger is most often prized for its ability to soothe, but one of the most surprising health benefits of ginger is that it also helps regulate blood sugar.

This minimises the negative symptoms of high blood sugar, which, if left untreated, can lead to major health problems, like diabetes. According to Dr. Axe, ginger supplementation can reduce fasting blood sugar and promote healthy blood sugar levels—helping you stay healthy.

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Antibacterial Properties

If you aren’t convinced of the medicinal properties of ginger yet, you will be now! Researchers have found that ginger is an effective antibacterial for many drug-resistant bacteria in clinical applications. In their study, the researchers stated that “ginger has great potential in the treatment of many microbial diseases [such as Bacillus and E. coli].”

The antibacterial benefits don’t stop there. The antibacterial properties that ginger possesses show that food truly is medicine.

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Ginger Can Help You Look Younger

You probably see the buzzword “antioxidant” splayed across your favorite expensive face creams—but that’s actually for good reason. There’s promising (yet preliminary!) research suggesting antioxidants help protect the skin from free-radicals (things in the environment like pollution and UV rays), which speed up the breakdown of collagen and damage the skin.

According to Ansel, ginger’s antioxidant content can help maintain your skin’s collagen production, which promotes skin elasticity and smoothness.

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How To Use Ginger

Ginger root freezes very well, so it’s easy to keep plenty in stock. Ginger root can be chopped, sliced thinly or grated. This is by far the best form to use for teas, salad dressings or stir-fries. In addition to the root, both ginger extract and ground ginger (ginger powder) have powerful therapeutic effects. When buying fresh ginger, look for a root with smooth, taut skin, with no wrinkles, and a spicy aroma. Store fresh ginger in a tightly wrapped plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer, and peel and grate it before use.

Ginger powder has a lot of “heat” and works well for curries, or added to soups. How you use ginger therapeutically depends on what you are using it for, so seek advice from an experienced health practitioner to benefit from its full effects.

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Diet

Other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found in ginger that that are beneficial to health include gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate. Ginger pairs well with many different types of seafood, oranges, melon, pork, chicken, pumpkin, rhubarb, and apples, to name a few.

When buying fresh ginger, look for a root with smooth, taut skin, with no wrinkles, and a spicy aroma. Store fresh ginger in a tightly wrapped plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer, and peel and grate it before use. Add it to any suitable dish for extra flavor. If fresh ginger is not available, you can use dried.