Ginger is a plant root with multiple benefits for the body and health In general. For centuries it has been used in the typical diet of different cultures thanks to its natural and nutritional properties. Raising body temperature in people no more and no less, speed up metabolism, increase libido or help prevent nausea and dizziness during pregnancy are some of the benefits of this food.
In this article we will see the benefits that ginger brings to the human body, As well as the different ways we have to ingest, which can be both liquid and solid.
Table of Contents
What is ginger?
Ginger, also known as Kion or quion, is an aromatic plant which has been studied for centuries thanks to its healthy and healing effects. It belongs to the tuber family and is an underground rhizome (root) with a remarkably spicy taste, which also makes it a good gourmet condiment.
Since ancient times, ginger has been one of the most popular and important plants in the Orient, especially in Arab countries, China and India. This is due, in part, to its properties: it is a natural anti-inflammatory which helps fight various heart, digestive or respiratory diseases.
Its composition
Ginger means to find in a single food a whole concentration of benefits and compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids or essential oils for our health.
Within the family of oils it contains, there are some types such as citronellal, limonelo and canfeno. Ginger is another of the essential oils of the plant because it is responsible for giving it that spicy flavor that characterizes it.
As for vitamins, this tuber is rich in Vitamins B and CIn addition to being also rich in minerals such as aluminum, phosphorus, calcium and chromium.
The most important benefits of ginger
Below we will briefly review the benefits of ginger which can help to dramatically improve our health if we maintain regular consumption:
1. Nausea
It is ideal to consume ginger during pregnancy as a natural antiemetic, Especially for the first months of pregnancy to be a beneficial supplement for the fetus and the mother. It also helps manage the difficulties of chemotherapy for cancer patients.
2. Digestive
Ginger is highly recommended for those who suffer from digestive problems such as gastritis, gas or diarrhea, Others. It also works as a protector of the stomach, although it cannot replace the drug dedicated to this.
3. Natural anti-inflammatory
The use of ginger is recommended to help get through painful or inflammatory illnesses, And effectively fights the problems of osteoarthritis, arthritis or chronic fatigue.
4. Neck conditions
Professional singers are big fans of ginger. Its benefits for treating throat infections and inflammation are priceless.
5. Helps increase body heat
Ginger is highly recommended for people who are cold or have trouble maintaining their body temperature, especially in winter. It has a very powerful calorific component.
6. Speeds up metabolism
It also helps speed up metabolism, so is an ideal supplement in case we need to lose weight.
7. Increase libido
Ginger is considered a natural aphrodisiac. It is recommended to take it as a drink almost every day.
8. Prevents heart disease
As mentioned above, ginger has benefits for cardiovascular issues, maintains an optimal rhythmic level, and helps regulate heart pumping.
9. Improves circulation
Ginger also makes blood circulation better suited for what we do.
10. Fight migraines
Scientific studies have shown that ginger blocks the effects of protasgladin, Substance that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain which causes acute headaches (migraines).
11. Anti-stress
Thanks to the properties it contains in cineole, ginger helps reduce anxiety levels, regulates states of stress during seasons that suffer from ups and downs and it gives the body a feeling of calm.
12. Reduces muscle problems
It is a food particularly recommended for those who practice a sport in a constant and efficient way. This will help relax the muscles after putting a lot of pressure on them.
13. Avoid traffic jams
Effectively fights congestion and constipation. It is recommended to take infusions of ginger.
14. Soothes menstrual cramps
for those women with ovarian painIt is very important to take liquid ginger, it is the only natural remedy that has no significant side effects.
15. Prevents colon cancer
The properties of gingerols are beneficial in preventing colon cancer. Its effects appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in this area.
16. Strengthen defenses
Ginger has a lot benefits for the immune systemSo, this helps to cause acute colds and flu.
17. Dermatological treatment
Ginger root can be applied directly to the skin and effectively fights minor injuries and burns in sunstroke.
18. Reconcile sleep
As we have seen, the relaxing effects of ginger help regulate stress. This way, if we have trouble falling asleep, it is advisable to take ginger before going to bed.
What’s the best way to take it?
As mentioned above, consuming ginger on a regular basis and if possible on a daily basis will bring excellent benefits for our body and our health. It is not very relevant how the plant is taken, but there are several forms to the consumer’s taste: fresh or raw, powdered with tea or liquefied in the form of a drink.
Bibliographical references:
- Ravindran P, Nirmal Babu K (2016). Ginger: the Ginger genre. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
- Watt JM, Breyer-Brandwijk MG (1962). Medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa. E&S Livingstone.
- Lee J, Oh H (2013). “Ginger as an antiemetic modality for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
