10 health benefits of ginger
Ginger is a culinary herb or spice that originated in Asia but is now grown in many warmer regions of the world. Some call it ginger root, as it grows underground, and others say it is a rhizome, which is more of a stem than a root. But no matter what you like to call it, it is a very beneficial herb that has many health benefits.
Ginger is a perennial with greenish-yellow and white flowers. There are many varieties of ginger and, depending on the variety, the pulp can be white, red or beige.
It has a spicy flavor that will enhance the flavor of almost any food or drink. Its spicy aroma alone is enough to enliven the kitchen or any other room in the house.
Digestive system
Ginger has been used for many centuries to help relieve digestive problems such as bloating, gas, cramps, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. This is due to the gingerols that help produce more digestive juices to break down food in your digestive tract. The warming effect of ginger can help improve circulation, which is also beneficial for your digestive system.
Cardiovascular health
Ginger helps open blood vessels by reducing blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. This, in turn, helps keep the vessels soft to prevent atherosclerosis, which is a major risk factor for stroke.
Fights against cancer
Studies show that ginger has cancer-fighting agents that can attack and destroy cancer cells. According to these studies, ginger can help you fight breast, ovarian, skin, and colon cancer. Additionally, ginger also contains antioxidants that help keep your body toxin-free so you can avoid cancer completely.
A healthy mind
The antioxidants in ginger help remove harmful deposits around the brain that contribute to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The scent of ginger can only help sharpen your mind and improve your memory.
Anti-inflammatory
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory agents that help relieve swelling and pain due to arthritis. Adding ginger to your diet won’t offer immediate relief, but it can help prevent pain and swelling from happening again. For immediate relief, you can apply grated ginger topically to the inflamed area. Gingerols will go into action immediately to warm and soothe inflamed joints or muscles.
Helps with asthma
Ginger also helps clear your airways of all mucus buildup so you can breathe better again.
Helps with diabetes
A study that was done on diabetic rats showed that ginger can help prevent kidney damage.
Strengthens the immune system
A strong immune system is essential if you want to avoid common ailments and serious illnesses. Ginger helps strengthen your immune system by removing harmful toxins from your body that wear down the immune system.
Body odor controls
Ginger helps warm the body from the inside to promote sweating. This essentially helps your body eliminate toxins that contribute to body odor.
Adding ginger to your diet
Ginger is fairly easy to add to your daily diet. Simply grate the ginger root and sprinkle on your stir-fries and meat and potato dishes. You can also enjoy fresh ginger tea by steeping the grated ginger in hot water for about 10 minutes. Click here to learn more about adding grated ginger to your diet.