Ginger: A spice with Health Benefits
Ginger not only adds pungent flavor to your food, but natural components found in ginger also have several medicinal properties. Read this mini-blog to learn more!
Ginger is one of the most common spices used in common households. It comes from the rhizome ( underground stem) of the tropical flowering plant Zingiber officinale, which originated in Southeast Asia.
It is closely related to aromatic spices like turmeric and cardamom. The main natural component of ginger is Gingerol, a bioactive compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gingerol also accelerates gastric motility (stomach emptying), so it helps the digestive process.
Shogaols, another bioactive compound found in ginger, have antioxidant and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which can help relieve chronic and neuropathic pain.
Ginger can be consumed with salads, smoothies, and tea. Ginger powder can also be used in soups and baked goods. Ginger roots can be dried to increase their shelf life and flavor. Ginger juice or taking ginger in warm water is a natural remedy for a cold and cough.
The following are the nutrients found in ginger.
Pros of Ginger
1. Antioxidants present in ginger neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
2. Ginger can help relieve nausea and vomiting.
3. Ginger supplements can help with weight loss.
4. It can help relieve joint pain.
5. Regular consumption of ginger can help lower blood sugar.
6. Ginger relieves digestive issues like gas and bloating.
7. It can help reduce menstrual pain.
8. Studies suggest ginger can lower triglycerides and LDL ( Bad Cholesterol).
9. The presence of various antioxidants in ginger reduces the risk of cancer.
10. Natural bioactive compounds found in ginger can boost brain health and prevent brain diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
11. Ginger has anti-microbial properties that can prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
12. Moderate ginger intake can be beneficial in providing relief during pregnancy with issues like morning sickness and nausea.
13. It can provide relief in pharyngitis ( inflammation in the back of the throat).
Cons of Ginger
1. Excessive consumption of ginger can cause abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.
2. People taking blood-thinning medicines like warfarin and aspirin should avoid overconsumption of ginger, as it increases the risk of bleeding because of its anticoagulant and antiplatelet properties.
3. Large doses of ginger can severely lower blood sugar levels in people taking diabetes medication.
4. Pregnant women should avoid excessive ginger consumption.
5. Overconsumption of ginger can cause acid reflux and heartburn (burning sensation in the lower chest).
6. Ginger consumption increases bile secretion (digestive fluid) from the liver, which may be harmful to people with gallbladder issues like gallstones.
Interesting Facts
1. Ginger is not a root; it is an underground stem.
2. The ginger plant can grow upto 4 feet.
3. Ginger has more than 1300 species.
4. The word "Ginger" comes from the Sanskrit word shringavera, which means horn root.
5. India is the world's largest producer of ginger.
Share this Article
