The benefits of eating ginger

December 8th, 2015

Originating in China, ginger is a flowering plant that has a long history of use in alternative medicines. From fighting colds to treating nausea and indigestion, ginger has served as a natural remedy for people all over the world for centuries. So why is this herb so powerful, and how can it improve your health? Here’s how a healthy dose of ginger can help you.

Reduce inflammation

Inflammation can cause a whole mess of problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. While many people treat inflammation with drugs, ginger provides a natural alternative. Within the herb is a substance called gingerol, which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And because of this, ginger can dramatically reduce many types of pain caused by inflammation, which includes the pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis, as well as muscle soreness and strains from exercise.

Alleviate stomach problems

Alleviating everything from sea sickness to morning sickness, and the nausea and vomiting that accompany chemotherapy for cancer patients, ginger has a history of helping settle upset stomachs. But when it comes to the stomach, that’s not all this ancient Chinese herb can do - it’s also known to help fix chronic indigestion.

To understand how exactly ginger alleviates chronic indigestion, we first need to look at the underlying cause of indigestion, which is believed to be the delayed emptying of the stomach. Several studies have shown that ginger can help speed up the emptying of the stomach dramatically. In fact, in one study where 24 healthy people consumed 1.2 grams of ginger before a meal, the emptying of their stomach was accelerated by 50%.

Fight infections

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to fight an infection, ginger may be the herb you’re looking for. Not only can it help ward off a whole slew of infections that include respiratory, stomach and even fungal problems, it can also prevent the growth of many types of bacteria.

Other potential benefits of ginger

While there is a lot of research to back up the three claims mentioned above, there is less when it comes to ginger’s other health benefits. However, there is some evidence that demonstrates ginger can lower blood sugar levels, prevent heart disease and cancer, reduce menstrual pain, and lower cholesterol levels.

How to incorporate ginger into your diet

The best way to eat ginger is raw. Lucky for you, it’s easy to find in the produce department at the local grocery store. Once you’ve purchased a whole ginger root that is firm to the touch, all you have to do is remove the skin, cut it into smaller pieces and mince it. Now you can sprinkle it on salads, add it into your favorite stir-fry, or even steep it in boiled water to make tea.

Want to learn more about how your diet can have a dramatic impact on your health? Interested in a nutrition plan that can help you look and feel great? Call us today to talk to our nutritional experts.

Published with permission from FitnessAdvisory. Source.


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