Ginger has been a popular spice in Asian cuisine for many decades and was introduced to the west and used in gingerbread, ginger snaps, ginger ale and pumpkin pie. But that is not all the ginger has to offer.
On top of being used in cooking and baking, ginger has many health benefits and we are going to discuss these health benefits of ginger in this article.
Ginger has over 400 chemically active ingredients and is a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper and vitamin B6.
It has been used for many generations to treat digestive issues, coughing, headache, sinus congestion, cold, flu and fever. On top of all those health benefits, it is also known to be helpful for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal elements and is known as a blood thinning agent.
The ginger we eat is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant. The flesh can be white, yellow or reddish in color and is covered by a brown skin. Depending on the variety and the age of the rhizome, the skin can be thin or thick.
Ginger is available in many forms; fresh, powdered, crystallized, candied and pickled. Fresh ginger will keep in the refrigerator for 3 weeks if kept unpeeled. You can keep the ginger in the freezer and shave off what you need to add to your cooking. This way it will keep up to 6 months.
Health Benefits of Ginger Root
For gastrointestinal problems: Ginger has been known to help motion sickness and vomiting. A double-blind study done recently revealed that ginger was superior to popular medicine (Dramamine) in preventing sea sickness.
Morning sickness: The anti-vomiting action is especially important to women suffering from morning sickness during pregnancy. Unlike many prescribed medications, ginger is safe with only a small amount needed to achieve the effect.
Blood thinning properties are being studied and cholesterol reducing properties are being examined.
For Inflammation: Ginger inhibits two enzymes that play a major part in chronic inflammations and help the body heal after an inflammation has occurred. A compound called Gingerols is believed to be the one responsible for the relief from arthritis and rheumatoid pain and increased level of mobility in sufferers.
For pain: Ginger has analgesic properties. It has been used in treating headaches and ginger tea can reduce the pain and nausea associated with migraines. For some people, it can actually stop a migraine if it is taken at the beginning stages. A warm compress can ease the pain of bruises, strains and sprains.
For heartburn: Drinking ginger tea reduces heartburn.
For coughs: Ginger has cough-reducing properties. It helps thin the bronchial mucus and moves it out of the lungs.
For burns: Fresh ginger juice applied to a burn will relieve pain, reduce blistering and inflammations and provide antibacterial protection.
For sexual dysfunction: Some believe ginger has aphrodisiac properties because it stimulates the circulation and normalizes testosterone levels.
For immune-boosting: Ginger can increase sweating which is helpful during colds and flu. It is more than just detoxification of the body but the ginger provides protection against invading microorganisms and fungus.
Basic Ginger Recipes
For colds and flu: Prepare a tea from the ginger root by boiling 4-5 slivers of the root in water for 3 minutes. Strain. Add honey to the mix and drink two cups a day.
As an inhaler: boil water in a shallow pot together with a few pieces of ginger. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapor. Adding a few drops of Eucalyptus oil will help you breath easier when congested.
For compress: place 1 cup of fresh ginger with 1 tablespoon of powdered cinnamon in two cups of water and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep for another 15 minutes. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and place on the injured area. This is most effective if done 2-3 times a day.
An alternative way for aching joints is to grind about 2 inches of the root into a paste, add cinnamon as above and a bit of water if needed to make it into a paste. Apply on the painful area, cover with plastic wrap and a moist, warm towel. Let the towel cool, remove and wash the area.
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FAQs
Ginger tea is a healthier alternative to ginger ale, ginger beer and other commercial canned or bottled ginger beverages. These drinks provide ginger's benefits, but many contain a lot of sugar. It may be better to limit these to occasional treats or choose sugar-free options.
What are the 10 health benefits of ginger? ›
Health Benefits of Ginger
- Fights Germs. 1/11. Certain chemical compounds in fresh ginger help your body ward off germs. ...
- Keeps Your Mouth Healthy. 2/11. ...
- Calms Nausea. 3/11. ...
- Soothes Sore Muscles. 4/11. ...
- Eases Arthritis Symptoms. 5/11. ...
- Curbs Cancer Growth. 6/11. ...
- Lowers Blood Sugar. 7/11. ...
- Eases Period Pains. 8/11.
Eating ginger every day can regulate the production of insulin in patients with diabetes. Due to the cholesterol-lowering abilities in ginger, it prevents heart-related diseases and strokes. It also prevents the formation of blood clots which can trigger heart attacks.
What are the bad side effects of root ginger? ›
It is rare to have side effects from ginger. In high doses it may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and irritation of the mouth. You may be able to avoid some of the mild stomach side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset, by taking ginger supplements in capsules or taking ginger with meals.
Who Cannot take ginger? ›
Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Children: Ginger is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to 4 days by teenagers around the start of their period. Bleeding disorders: Taking ginger might increase your risk of bleeding. Heart conditions: High doses of ginger might worsen some heart conditions.
Is it better to eat raw ginger or boiled ginger? ›
Eat it raw or cook it—both are healthy: Research suggests that heating raw ginger (i.e., in cooking or making tea) reduces its ability to scavenge certain types of free radicals and increases its ability to scavenge other types—likely due to the conversion of gingerols to shogaols.
What diseases does ginger treat? ›
Ginger has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of numerous ailments, such as colds, nausea, arthritis, migraines, and hypertension. The medicinal, chemical, and pharmacological properties of ginger have been extensively reviewed (Surh, Lee, and Lee 1998; Ernst and Pittler 2000; Afzal et al.
Does boiling ginger destroy nutrients? ›
Lemon and ginger are normally good sources of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium. However, dehydrating and boiling the ingredients tend to remove these nutrients, leaving only small amounts in the final tea.
What are the secret benefits of ginger? ›
It can relieve an upset stomach and reduce nausea. It can even reduce the symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women if the doctor says it's approved to take. Ginger can relieve stomach issues associated with many ailments including cancer patients struggling with chemotherapy side effects.
What is the best time to eat ginger? ›
If you are looking for relief from nausea, motion sickness, or morning sickness, you can eat ginger on an empty stomach. If you are looking for relief from muscle pain or inflammation, you can eat ginger after a meal. If you are looking for a boost of energy, you can eat ginger in the morning.
However, apart from ginger tea benefits, excessive consumption of ginger in any form may result in the following side effects: Increased bleeding tendency. Abdominal discomfort. Cardiac arrhythmias (if overdosed)
Do you have to peel ginger? ›
If the ginger is young and the skin is very fine or if it is going to be finely chopped or grated, you can skip the peeling step. If the skin is thicker or you're chopping the ginger more coarsely and don't want the skin to be included, then it's best to peel the ginger beforehand.
Who should avoid ginger root? ›
Most people can safely eat ginger daily without overdoing it, but those at risk for excessive bleeding will want to cap their intake to no more than four grams a day, says Dr. Staller. Those with acid reflux concerns should divide these doses as to reduce the gastric side effects of ginger, adds Dr.
Is ginger root hard on the kidneys? ›
Several studies have shown that ginger improves pathological changes such as cytotoxicity caused by hyperglycemia [21], cell apoptosis [31], and bleeding in the cortical area of the kidney [32], repairs kidney damage, and restored membrane integrity in renal tissue and structural derangement [26].
How quickly does ginger reduce inflammation? ›
Ginger was shown to reduce inflammation when taken in high doses for four weeks.
What is the best form of ginger to take? ›
Adding, Shah said that the best way to consume ginger is in a tea made with either the fresh root or ginger powder using a tea bag. “Drinking ginger tea may have benefits for digestion, inflammation, and the common cold.
Is it better to take ginger root with or without food? ›
One of the many purported benefits of eating raw ginger on an empty stomach is that it may help to treat upset tummies, having been used in ancient medicine for centuries. This is part of the reason why it's such a popular healthy ingredient.
What happens if I drink ginger water everyday? ›
Dr Aashima Chopra, Dietician, Paras Hospitals, Panchkula, explains that ginger is not just a great taste enhancer, but it also works as an awesome option for weight loss. If you drink ginger water regularly, then it will absorb the nutrients better and release energy to the fullest.
