Ginger is a flowering plant whose root is widely used as a spice or a folk medicine. It is a natural herb loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.
Due to its numerous health benefits, this herb is also considered a virtual medicine chest. It is grown as a root and is a flexible ingredient that can be consumed in drinks or cooking. It is known to promote energy circulation in the body and increase the body’s metabolic rate.
Traditional medicinal systems all over the world have applied it to a wide range of treatments from nausea to headaches and much more. It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic; cough suppressant and antibacterial properties that can do wonders for your health. Herein are the 10 health benefits of ginger–
1. Ginger for Diabetes
It can help lower the blood sugar level and increase the capability of insulin and other drugs used to treating diabetes. Other than diabetes, various health complications related to diabetes may also be reduced to a great extent with the help of this herb. This herb can protect the nerves, reduce urine protein levels, reduces the risk of various health problems caused by uncontrolled blood sugar and decreases water intake and urine output. Experts suggest that drinking one glass of ginger water first thing in the morning can regulate the blood sugar level.
2. Ginger for Heart Health
It lowers cholesterol level, prevents blood from clotting and regulates blood pressure, which in turn helps reduce the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. As this herb is high in potassium and manganese, it is great for heart health and protects the heart, urinary passages and blood vessels.
3. Ginger for common cold
It is a natural painkiller and analgesic and can be used to soothe the pain and irritation of a sore throat. During the common cold, it can help reduce coughing as the aromatic warming action of ginger helps to reduce the mucus from the lungs. Consuming some of its juice or tea or simply chewing some fresh ginger can be helpful to conceal a cough.
To know other ginger health benefits watch this video
4. Ginger for migraines
It has the ability to stop prostaglandins from causing inflammation and pain in the blood vessels resulting in lowering the migraine attacks. Drinking ginger tea made from it during a migraine, attacks the block of oppressive pain and stops nausea and dizziness.
5. Ginger for menstrual pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and a natural painkiller, it can be used to reduce menstrual pain. Women suffering from menstrual cramps can use its powdered form or tea or juice to get relief. Or one can simply chew some raw ginger. This will give you instant relief from pain and cramps.
6. Ginger for cancer
It has the ability to combat all kinds of cancer including skin, pancreas, lung and breast. A study has found that ginger powder induced cell death in ovarian cancer cells. Another study found that it can also slow down the growth of colorectal cancer cells and thus helps prevent colon cancer.
7. Ginger for Arthritis
Due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties, it can help treat the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis. A study found out that this herb’s extracts are effective in reducing the symptoms associated with knee pain. To treat the pain, apply some paste made with it and turmeric to the affected area. Or you can add a few drops of its essential oil to your bath to reduce the muscle and joint aches.
8. Ginger for morning sickness
Morning sickness is a symptom typically found in pregnant women, occurring in the first few months. And despite its name, it can affect a pregnant woman at any time of the day. Vitamin B6 present in it helps in the treatment of morning sickness as it is known to be effective in getting rid of pregnancy-induced nausea.
9. Ginger for brain health
A study has found that this herb contains compounds that demonstrate protective effects on the brain. 6-Shogaol present in this herb inhibits the release of redness causing chemicals known to cause damage to neurons in vitro and vivo models of the brain. Another compound called 10-gingerol impacts the production of nitric oxide and other chemicals which lead to redness and swelling in the brain.
10. Ginger for upset stomach
It helps in relaxation of gastrointestinal muscles and prevents bloating and gas. The soothing properties present in this herb can be used to calm an upset stomach. This herb is often preferred to treat stomach ailments such as colic or dyspepsia and is frequently used in the treatment of bacteria-induced diarrhoea.
It can be used fresh, powdered, dried or as an oil or tea or juice, but it might be too strong to ingest due to its extremely booming flavour. But, if you prefer natural solutions for various health problems, it is one ingredient that one must always keep handy in your kitchen. On the other hand, those who take blood pressure and heart medications should take this herb under the administration of a health professional.