You may know that ginger is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian cuisine, but did you know that it has been used for centuries for its healing properties? It helps with digestive problems and reduces nausea. The most commonly used part of a plant is its root. It can be eaten fresh, powdered, as a dried spice, in the form of juice or oil. If you’re not using ginger in your kitchen, here are 8 reasons why you should start!
What happen to your body after eating ginger daily?
Digestive problems
Ginger contains phenolic compounds that soothe the digestive tract. They help to secrete saliva and bile while allowing food and fluids to move more smoothly in the digestive tract. In a study involving 24 healthy people, they were given 1.2 g of powdered ginger before a meal – indigestion was reduced by 50%.
Nausea
Drinking ginger tea or eating raw ginger can help with nausea. Especially recommended during chemotherapy, pregnancy and morning sickness. In studies conducted on a group of 1,278 pregnant women, it was found that 1.1-1.5 g of ginger significantly reduces nausea.
Pain
A study from the University of Georgia shows that consuming ginger daily reduces muscle pain by 25%. It has also been found to be effective in reducing pain during the menstrual cycle.
Inflammations
Osteoarthritis is a common health problem. In a study of 247 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, ginger extract reduced pain and patients were able to reduce their dose of pain medications.
Heart diseases
In a recent study involving patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that 2 grams of powdered ginger daily used to lower blood sugar, leading to a total reduction of 10% within 12 weeks of study start. High blood sugar is a major risk factor for heart disease. By consuming ginger, your risk of heart disease can be reduced by up to 10%.
Cholesterol level
In a 45-day study of 85 people with high cholesterol, it was found that 3 g of powdered ginger (consumed daily) resulted in a significant reduction in cholesterol. Researchers believe ginger may help lower cholesterol levels.
Anti-cancer properties
Gingerol is a substance in ginger that has been studied as an alternative treatment for many types of cancer. The study is still ongoing, but so far it has been found that 2 g of ginger extract consumed daily significantly reduces pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the colon.
Functioning of the brain
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are two factors that can accelerate the aging process and are becoming the main drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive disorders. Some research suggests that the antioxidants, biologically active compounds in ginger, can suppress inflammatory responses that occur in the brain. In a study of 60 middle-aged women, ginger was found to improve reaction time and memory.
Summary? Go to the grocery store for ginger and add it to your tea every day to stay healthy for as long as possible.
