
The Powerful Benefits of Ginger and How to Use It (Especially if You're Doing Your One-Green-Drink-a-Day Challenge)
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“All good things are found in ginger”
Ancient Indian Proverb
The benefits of ginger are numerous. Discover the health benefits of this food, as well as the effects of consuming too much of it.
You may have tasted it through Asian or Indian food, but ginger is much more than just an ingredient that enhances these flavors.
With a spicy and sharp smell, its hot and spicy flavour is quite an experience for the palate. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, just like turmeric, cardamom and galangal ginger.
The unique aroma and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, of which gingerol is its main bioactive component and is responsible for many of its medicinal properties.
Healing properties of ginger
- To detoxify the body. Ayurvedic texts credit ginger as “the great universal medicine.” According to an Indian proverb, “all good is found in ginger.” And this is true when it comes to cleansing the body, since by raising the body temperature when drunk as an infusion, ginger stimulates digestion, increases circulation, promotes sweating, inducing the body to eliminate toxins.
- Ginger can reduce cancer risk and attack existing cancer cells. The compounds in ginger that do this are gingerol, paradol, shogaol and zerumbone. In recent years, many scientific studies have focused on how ginger prevents and stops the growth of some cancers such as lymphoma and pancreatic, kidney, breast, skin, liver and gallbladder cancer. The truth is that we all produce cancer cells every day: a healthy person can produce about 50,000 a day. The key is to keep our body organs clean so that, above all, the purifying organs such as the liver, lymph, lungs, intestines and kidneys can do their job and these cells do not become tumors with vascular systems.
Ginger compounds and chemo-resistant cells
The good news is that studies conducted by the Public Library of Science in 2015 are encouraging. It turns out that the compound 6-shogaol in ginger is superior to chemotherapy treatment on breast cancer stem cells, or cells that have the ability to subdivide and form new tumor colonies.
Antioxidant activity.
The secret to ginger's effectiveness is the fact that it contains 25 very powerful antioxidants that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Vegetables, fruits and herbs such as ginger are antioxidant remedies that have been shown to reduce Alzheimer's, diabetes and heart disease.
- Ginger may help against cardiovascular disease.
Although cholesterol helps us produce new cells and hormones, too much cholesterol is not healthy. Our liver basically produces the cholesterol we need. If we add additional amounts of saturated fats, they tend to accumulate on the arterial walls, causing vascular and cardiac problems.
Function of ginger
In a summary of 9 studies, the meta-analysis showed that consuming ginger rhizome significantly reduced serum levels of CRP (C-reactive protein), which is produced in the liver and whose elevated levels indicate inflammation in the body. (For more information on inflammation and the importance of keeping it under control, check out my article 1 )
Not only was there a reduction in LDL (low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) but there was also an increase in HDL (high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol). ( 2 )
- Ginger's ability to reduce pain and inflammation. Some inflammation in the body is a good thing: when you get hurt or injured, the inflammation signals white blood cells to rush to the area to do their job.
What is undesirable is chronic inflammation associated with imbalances such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's and cancer.
Ginger contains compounds and enzymes that reduce inflammation, relieve pain and relax muscles. Here are the findings:
Ginger and Arthritis Pain
Patients with moderate to high pain levels associated with knee osteoarthritis were prescribed ginger extract 3 times a day and more than 60% experienced pain relief in that part of the body.
Patients with moderate to high pain levels have had ginger compresses applied to their backs at the level of the kidneys to relieve pain and stiffness. These patients reported a sensation of warmth, triggering deep relaxation.
- Ginger helps protect against Alzheimer's and cognitive decline. In this case, ginger shows a very positive expectation.
Information from in vitro studies shows that the active compounds in ginger such as Shogaol protects nerve cells and has been used as a potential treatment for this condition. ( 3 )
A study conducted on middle-aged women revealed that those who received a ginger extract daily for two months demonstrated significant improvement in their reaction times as well as enhanced useful memory. ( 4 )
- Ginger helps fight respiratory illnesses. If you are one of those people who drinks a little ginger tea as soon as you notice the symptoms of the flu, you will have become familiar with the calming effects that this plant provides, as well as its ability to decongest nasal and throat passages.
But you should also know that ginger is antimicrobial and is an effective weapon against viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory congestion in the first place.
- Ginger helps regulate blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels are associated with diabetes, heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, and nervous system damage, and ginger can be your ally.
Ginger and diabetes
In one experiment, obese rats were given ginger and cinnamon and found a significant reduction in their body weight, blood sugar levels, and a healthy increase in their insulin levels.
Also, a meta-analysis of the effects of ginger on diabetes showed that supplementing with ginger rhizome lowers blood glucose levels. But this measure does not do it alone; it works in conjunction with changes in diet and lifestyle for a definitive effect on type 2 diabetes.
- Ginger helps improve digestion. Here the hero is the bioactive compound in ginger called gingerol, which helps stimulate saliva in the mouth and thus increase bile and gastric juices that allow for better digestion of fats and proteins.
Ginger enzymes
Ginger also contains important enzymes such as Zingibain that helps break down the foods we eat, reducing the time they remain in the digestive system and making their nutrients more easily absorbed.
If digestion slows down, food stays in the stomach for too long and causes indigestion. Ginger reduces or prevents discomfort and helps speed up the evacuation of stomach contents.
Ginger and reflux
Ginger helps reduce intestinal reflux by improving the functioning of the esophageal sphincter. This muscle acts as a valve that does not allow burning stomach acids to enter and damage the delicate tissue of the esophagus.
- Ginger helps relieve menstrual cramps. For women who suffer from menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea, consuming ginger 4 times a day for three days has been shown to relieve cramp pain in the same way as ibuprofen or medications for this condition, but as a natural alternative.
- Ginger for nausea relief. This plant is used in alternative medicine for nausea associated with motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy.
Not everyone reacts well to consuming ginger for morning sickness during pregnancy, so it is best to consult with your doctor before using it.
Further studies are still needed to determine whether ginger can completely relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Too much ginger can also be harmful
Upset stomach
More than 5 grams of ginger per day can cause stomach upset and gas.
Anticoagulant
Ginger may interact with blood thinners so it is best to check with your doctor before including it in your diet if you are taking medications such as Warfarin (Coumadin).
Ginger during late pregnancy
Due to its blood-thinning properties, you should avoid consuming ginger if you are pregnant or about to give birth. Although it appears to be safe to consume in the early stages of pregnancy (morning sickness), it is best to consult with your doctor before including supplements and herbs in your diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How to use ginger and ginger rhizome
In smoothies
Take about two centimeters of the ginger rhizome, peel off the skin and add it to your smoothie. This adds a refreshing and slightly spicy flavor.
Explore these recipes:
2 comments
muy interesante, gracias
Felicitaciones !!!un articulo muy completo que denota dedicación y esatudio. Gracias, preferiria que las enfermedadea fueran enunciativas y tengan la opcion de mas informacion con un click sobre la palabra, de esta manera se le puede dar relevancia a las recetas y preparacion de batidos.