People have used ginger as a tasty spice for hundreds of years to treat illnesses as well as prepare food. Despite the various health benefits of ginger, it must be said that many of its uses are still unknown to us. In this blog post, we will try to find out - 10 amazing uses of ginger, who should avoid using ginger and why? Apart from that, we will try to find answers to several frequently asked questions about ginger. I hope this blog post will help those who are enthusiastic and curious about health to quench their curiosity.
10 Valuable Health Benefits of Ginger
Traditional medicine practitioners have used Zingiber
officinale or ginger as a medicinal plant for multiple centuries. Modern
science has also discovered and supported its various significant health
benefits through various studies. Studies demonstrate that shogaols and
gingerols present in ginger function to enhance heart health and minimize
nausea. Here we discuss the top 10 health benefits of
ginger –
1) Alleviates Nausea and
Motion Sickness
Ginger is
famous for combating nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy, chemotherapy, and
motion sickness. Studies have shown that gingerol, the active compound in
ginger, works to speed up the emptying process of the stomach and block the
signals in the brain that cause nausea. A research paper published in the
Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine reported that ginger was
effective in reducing nausea in pregnant women and chemotherapy patients. So it
can be said that ginger can work great as an anti-nausea agent without side
effects like drowsiness or dizziness.
Way of Use
– Ginger tea, ginger candies, or ginger supplements can be used to relieve
nausea.
2) Relieves in Muscle Pain and Inflammation
People who
engage in athletic activities and exercise can use ginger as a natural remedy
for reducing post-workout muscle pain because it has anti-inflammatory and
pain-relieving properties. The consumption of ginger daily as per research in
2010 showed a reduction of 25% in muscle soreness experienced after physical
activity. It was observed that ginger’s effects were almost as good as
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), without the heartburn and other
side effects. Ginger usage happens regularly for better muscle flexibility
while simultaneously aiding in muscle recovery following intense workouts.
Way of Use
- The use of fresh ginger for smoothies or soups right after exercise serves as
a method or you can take ginger supplement capsules.
3) Supports Digestive Health
Ginger's
natural compounds activate digestive enzymes which enhance the breakdown
process of food. This helps to reduce the time it takes for the stomach to
empty and also helps to reduce flatulence and abdominal discomfort. Moreover,
the active compounds in ginger relax the intestinal tract, helping to relieve
constipation and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Way of Use
- The optimal method for consuming ginger tea is before eating your meal while
chewing raw ginger helps stimulate digestive enzyme activity.
4) Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
New research has shown that ginger is associated with insulin sensitivity, which has made it a useful aid in managing type 2 diabetes. This research published in Diabetes and Metabolism showed that daily consumption of 2 grams of ginger powder leads to significant blood sugar reductions. Additionally, ginger can help reduce HbA1c levels in the blood, which can help in long-term control of blood sugar levels.
Way of Use
- The use of ginger-infused water should be consumed either during meals or in
the morning without food or as ginger supplements.
5) Fights Respiratory Infections
Many people
use ginger as an anti-microbial remedy against colds and flu and throat pain
because of its heating properties and antibacterial effects. Ginger properties
enable the breakdown of mucus while providing relief from airway inflammation. It
is also found to be an effective home remedy for sinus congestion and
persistent cough.
Way of Use
– You can drink it as a soothing drink with honey and lemon juice in lukewarm
water or drink ginger tea.
6) Eases Menstrual Pain
The active
natural compounds in ginger inhibit the production of prostaglandins, a
hormone-like compound responsible for pain and inflammation during periods. Period
pain shows similar reductions from ginger powder consumption (1000 mg) when
taken daily according to research from 2015. So it could be an effective
alternative to reduce period pain without the side effects and potential future
risks of medication.
Way of Use
– You can mix ginger powder (1000 mg) in warm water or tea, or you can take a
supplement.
7) Improves Heart Health
Ginger acts
as an effective heart disease preventive agent by decreasing blood pressure
levels and reducing LDL cholesterol numbers. Ginger functions as an
anti-inflammatory agent which helps preserve blood vessels from oxidative
stress. Consumption of ginger can improve blood circulation and help keep the
blood fluid, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Therefore, its consumption can help improve overall heart health and prevent
the risk of heart disease.
Way of Use
– For heart health and overall heart improvement, you can drink ginger water
regularly or add ginger powder to your food or take ginger supplements.
8) Strengthen Immune System
Ginger has
the ability to strengthen the immune system due to its high antioxidant
content. Gingerol present in ginger operates as a pathogen-fighting agent that
combats chronic diseases through its ability to lower oxidative stress. Daily
consumption of ginger works to shield individuals from common seasonal diseases
together with colds and flu and various types of infections. Ginger use
decreases inflammation thus affecting the operation of the immune system.
Way of Use
– To take advantage of ginger’s immune-boosting benefits, you can include
ginger in your daily diet, such as ginger tea, soups, or other dishes, and take
supplements.
9) Enhances Brain Function
Brain
oxidative stress functions as a leading factor in the development of
neurodegenerative diseases. The active ingredient gingerol found in ginger
possesses properties which help fight brain oxidative stress. In addition,
various studies have shown that ginger helps improve memory, improve brain
response, and protect against Alzheimer's. The antioxidants present in ginger
help in preventing brain inflammation and overall brain improvement.
Way of Use –
You can take ginger supplements in various ways in your daily diet, such as
adding ginger to tea, soups, or other dishes.
10) Aids Weight Loss
Ginger
enables control of blood sugar and reduces appetite while promoting better
digestion thus helping people manage their weight effectively. Research from
2019 showed ginger produces substantial reductions of body weight and
waist-to-hip dimension. The Thermogenic heat generation mechanism in the body
benefits from ginger consumption which supports quick weight reduction.
Way
of Use - Drinking ginger tea before eating provides three benefits for your
body: it helps digestion while decreasing appetite to achieve better weight
control.
Health Benefits
of Ginger with Reasons : Summary Chart
|
Benefits |
Reason |
Usage |
|
Nausea
Relief |
Effective for Nausea During Pregnancy and Chemotherapy (JABFM) |
Ginger
Tea, Supplement Capsules |
|
Muscle Pain Relief |
Exercise-induced pain is reduced by about 25%
with the use of ginger |
fresh ginger, supplement capsules |
|
Helps digestion |
Stimulates enzymes responsible for digestion,
relieves IBS |
Ginger tea, raw ginger, supplement capsules |
|
Lowers blood sugar levels, |
lowers HbA1c levels and blood sugar levels
(Diabetes and Metabolism Journal) |
Ginger powder, ginger tea, supplement capsules |
|
Protects respiratory
infections. |
The natural compounds of Ginger helps to break
down mucus and fights against infections. |
Ginger tea + honey + lemon mixture, raw ginger |
|
Period pain relief |
Painkiller comparable to ibuprofen for period
pain relief (Iranian Journal of Nursing) |
Ginger powder, ginger tea, supplement capsules |
|
Boosts immunity |
Rich in antioxidants and anti-microbials, ginger
boosts immunity |
Use it in soups or other dishes, ginger tea,
supplement capsules |
|
Improves heart health |
Protects heart arteries and lowers LDL
cholesterol |
Raw ginger mixed with water, added to cooking,
supplement capsules |
|
Helps to Improve brain function |
Lowers inflammations in brain, helps to preserve
memory for long time, protects Alzheimer's |
Use raw ginger, supplement capsule to improve brain
functions |
|
Helps in weight control |
Increases metabolism, burns excess calories,
reduces fat accumulation (Meta-analysis 2019) |
Ginger tea before meals, supplement capsules |
The common food seasoning known as ginger serves as a strong medicinal plant which provides various positive effects for health. The long-term health gains from ginger become more accessible through its addition to food or its mixing with tea or taking it as a supplement. Best of all, it is very easy to obtain and can be obtained at a very low cost.
Who Should Avoid Ginger?
Although ginger is generally
safe, some individuals should take certain precautions when using it –
|
Group
of People |
Reason
to Avoid Ginger |
|
Persons using blood thinners |
Ginger contains natural blood-thinning properties
that can enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications and increase the
risk of excessive bleeding. |
|
Before any kind of surgery |
To avoid excessive bleeding during surgery due to
its natural blood thinning properties, stop taking ginger at least 2 weeks
before. |
|
Persons suffering with from gallbladder problems |
Ginger components stimulate bile production,
which can aggravate gallbladder stones. |
|
People have low blood pressure |
High amounts of ginger intake create dizziness as
a severe symptom for individuals with hypotension. |
|
For Pregnant women |
Natural components in ginger lead to excessive
uterine contractions during pregnancy. The condition presents a major danger
to women who are pregnant. |
|
People Have Allergies with ginger |
Ginger allergies occur exceptionally rare and most
common symptoms consist of skin rashes alongside body swelling and breathing
troubles. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
1) Can I Consume Ginger
Daily?
Ans): Consuming 3-4 grams
(about 1 tablespoon) of fresh ginger daily is safe for most people. Drinking
beyond this amount may result in digestive distress and heartburn symptoms.
People who consume ginger in moderate amounts receive benefits to their
digestive system and immune system while getting improved overall health.
2) Can Ginger Interact
with any Medications?
Ans): Natural blood-thinning components
in ginger produce medication interactions with blood thinners and blood
pressure medications as well as diabetes drugs. You must seek medical advice
from your doctor before including ginger in your daily routine when already
taking these medicines. He or she can adjust your dosage or give you any
special advice.
3) Is Ginger Safe During Pregnancy?
Ans): Ginger may be safe to
consume in small amounts (not more than 1 gram per day) to relieve morning
sickness during pregnancy. However, it is best to avoid it from the third month
of pregnancy onwards, as it may increase the risk of premature birth. However,
you should always consult your doctor before using ginger, as he or she can
give you the best advice if you have any specific problems or complications during
pregnancy.
4) Can Ginger decrease Blood Pressure?
Ans): Ginger contains blood
pressure-lowering properties. Regular moderate intake of it can also increase
blood circulation and improve heart health. However, if someone is taking
anti-hypertensive medications, then it is necessary to closely monitor their
ginger intake to prevent dizziness or hypotension. For this, you can consult a
professional dietician.
5) What Are the Symptoms of a Ginger Allergy?
Ans): It is rare to have an
allergic reaction to ginger. However, if it occurs, it may cause symptoms such
as skin irritation, itching, rash, swelling, or abdominal pain. If one
experiences these symptoms, stop using ginger and consult a doctor. In severe
cases, breathing problems may occur, so early treatment is necessary.
6) Powdered or Fresh which Ginger is better?
Ans): Fresh ginger has a higher
concentration of the main ingredient Gingerol, which makes it more potent to
consume. On the other hand, powdered ginger is convenient for cooking. Both
provide the health benefits of ginger, slightly more or less. Your selection
process depends on personal preferences as well as convenience factors and
individual requirements.
Takeaway
Ginger serves as an exceptional source of multiple health
advantages. The medical applications of ginger include both nausea treatment
and heart health maintenance. While most people enjoy ginger safely in cooking
or otherwise, moderation and awareness are important for people with certain
health conditions before including it in their diet. If necessary, you can
consult a professional dietitian or healthcare professional to include it in
your daily diet and reap its special health benefits.
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