Ginger is a root that originated in Asia. It’s been used to aid stomach queasiness for centuries and used in other medicines. The tuber is also a favorite cooking ingredient, dried for spices, or minced and cooked in many Asian dishes.
The active part of the ginger root makes it effective in handling pain and nausea. These components include the oil and phenol compounds: Gingerol is used to remedy nausea and its many causes, from pregnancy, chemotherapy and motion sickness. Approximately 70 per cent of cancer patients doing chemotherapy suffer from nausea and vomiting. Some studies concluded that nausea was lessened by 40 per cent in those consuming ginger supplements with their regular anti-vomiting medications.
Ginger as an Anti-Inflammatory
Gingerol is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. It can reduce pain in people who endure rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. A 12-month study looking at people who are arthritic in their knees found the groups using ginger supplements suffered far less pain while moving than those taking a placebo.
The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger are from 6-gingerol, a form of gingerol which boosts your body’s free radical protection. It’s also shown to hinder various inflammatory compounds. Inflammatory markers from refined foods and low fiber diets can end in long term health problems, such as autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular issues. Fortunately, ginger has many benefits and uses.
Additional Perks to Boost Your Ginger Intake:
- Assist with diarrhea, gas and indigestion.
- Has anti-cancer properties. Some studies were undertaken with ovarian cancer patients.
- Useful in preserving food.
- Encourages healthy sweating. This can be a capable natural body response to stave off the flu and colds.
8 Ways to Add Ginger to Your Daily Diet:
- Slice into medallions and add to any cooked meat. You can also add it to your vegetables.
- Sprinkle dried ginger on your salad dressings.
- Add to squash or asparagus.
- Boil water and add pieces of ginger. Add some honey or fruit pieces to make a tea.
- Put into fruit desserts like apple crisp, apple pie or baked pear slices.
- Add real ginger to ginger based cookies or brew homemade ginger ale
- Put tiny pieces of chopped ginger in soup or shrimp dishes.
- Use as a spice in tea or hot coffee.
As a remedy for digestive troubles, ginger isn’t suggested for children under two. The University of Maryland recommends calculating the proper ginger dose for your child determined by their weight.