Health Benefits of Ginger: From Cold Flu to Digestion

Ginger is said to have medicinal properties that are filled with antioxidants used for centuries as a curing agent to relieve pain. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most consumed dietary condiments in the world and is also used for treating numerous ailments. It is recognised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive that is 'generally recognised as safe'. 

According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing, its active constituent “Gingerol has analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial effects; another component zingerone is an antioxidant.”   

According to the report, the global ginger market is expected to reach a valuation of US$4.18 bn by the end of 2022; the market is expected to expand at a 6.5% CAGR during the forecast period of 2017 to 2022. 

Most Asian and Indian cuisines use ginger in most of their dishes because it can prevent loss of appetite, motion sickness and a natural pain reliever. The root of the ginger plants us eaten fresh or sometimes powdered in the form of dry spice and its part of cardamom and turmeric family. This means that ginger is a spice unlike being treated as a vegetable by most Indians. 

Here are some of the major health benefits from Ginger 

Gastrointestinal effects of Ginger which helps in Digestion: The pungent root is known for its ability to settle an upset stomach. Ginger can work wonders for digestive health. The book Healing Foods says that ginger “protects and heals the gut, hastens the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, and reduces wind, bloating and cramps. It also awakens the taste buds, and gets digestive juices flowing.” 

The active components present in ginger stimulate digestion and absorption. They relieve constipation and flatulence by increasing muscular activity in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ginger is an anti-emetic agent (prevents nausea and vomiting) and is especially useful during travel sickness in children. 

Reduces Cold and Flu: Winter is the best climate to sip a hot cup of ginger tea and this will automatically stabilize your body condition and keep you warm. So, if you are suffering from a bad cold and flu all you need to do is to prepare some ginger tea and you will feel better in no time. According to research, ginger can be beneficial against respiratory infections such as whooping cough in kids due to its antibacterial properties. A 2008 study by Park et al titled, ‘Antibacterial Activity of [10]-gingerol and [12]-gingerol Isolated from Ginger Rhizome against Periodontal Bacteria’ published in the Phytotherapy Research journal mentions the action of ginger against gram-negative bacteria. 

Treats Inflammation: Inflammation is said to be the process wherein white blood cells protect us from infection and viruses. But sometimes this may go wrong and cause severe joint pain and so forth. In this process, your body’s immune system begins to cause damage to its own tissues thus resulting in inflammation. Ginger consists of anti-inflammatory components and antioxidants that can cure inflammation. 

It protects the Liver: Ginger is said to protect you from harmful chemicals that can hurt your liver. It also reduces the risks of your liver from ageing. There are heavy metal and drugs that get sedimented on your liver and ginger is said to wash it away. Most importantly it protects your liver from damaging and scaring. 

It reduces the Menstrual Cramps: The pain that a woman goes through during her menstrual cycle may be unbearable for some, but ginger can succumb to that pain. It is said that 1 gram of ginger a day can ease menstrual cycle if taken for a continuous 3 days. 

Ginger can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhoea, and general stomach discomfort. Some women have reported extra menstrual bleeding while taking ginger. "Having a couple of tablespoons of fresh or powdered ginger a day is fine," says Christy Brissette dietitian. "If you’d like to take more, speak to your doctor, as ginger can interfere with some medications." 

So what are waiting for if not started just start eating this superfood Ginger in your daily diet but always be careful and don’t overeat. If having any side effects consult your doctor.   

Stay Healthy and Eat Healthy!