Ginger is a member of the plant family that includes cardamom and turmeric. It has been used for over 5000 years to treat many illnesses and ailments and is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
Typically used fresh or dried in cooking or herbal teas, it is now being used regularly for its health benefits. Here we look at the 8 top benefits of ginger.
1.Reduces gas and bloating
Carminatives are herbs that help to soothe digestion and ease gas. Ginger is a well-known carminative as it is thought to calm intestinal activity and alleviate bloating caused by gas. As ginger thins the blood, this helps to improve circulation, which again can reduce bloating and therefore discomfort.
A 2018 review found that the enzymes in ginger can help break down and expel any built up gas which in turn reduces bloating and as ginger can also improve movement though the digestive tract constipation can be alleviated providing further relief.
2.Alleviates nausea
Ginger is well known as a natural way to reduce nausea or settle an upset stomach. In fact, some studies have found it to be as effective as some anti-nausea medication, with fewer side effects.
It’s thought that the principal components of ginger; gingerols and shogaols are effective in preventing nausea and vomiting and are also responsible for giving its strong flavour and smell.
Some research has shown that ginger may increase digestive responsiveness and the speed of stomach emptying, which may reduce nausea. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which may help improve digestion and calm nausea. As well as general nausea ginger has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from morning sickness and nausea following cancer treatment.
3.Relieve pain
The compounds gingerols and shogaols found in ginger have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It has been shown that these properties can help relieve pain for people who have arthritis. It is thought that some of the compounds in ginger may act as inhibitors, similar to those used in arthritis medication
An examination of 5 research studies found that people who had osteoarthritis and took ginger had a 30% decrease in pain and a 22% reduction in disability, compared with control groups.
Also, researchers in one study found that ginger was an effective pain reliever for human muscle pain resulting from an exercise-induced injury. Participants who ingested two grams of either raw ginger or heated ginger experienced reduced pain and inflammation.
4. Fight a sore throat
Ginger has a long tradition of being good to ease sore throats it’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the swelling of a sore throat by blocking pro inflammatory proteins and its anti-viral properties could be beneficial in reducing the time to recover. A study A 2011 laboratory study found that ginger showed a higher antibacterial effect than antibiotics against strep throat.
Ginger is also believed to have antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections, including those that cause sore throat.
5.Support the immune system
Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ginger may boost immune health. It is thought that by avoiding chronic inflammation the body is better at fighting off anything that may attack the immune system and thus reduce the chance of illness.
A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that ginger supports the immune system and may even be effective at preventing cancer.
6.Support cardiovascular health
There is some evidence that ginger may help prevent cardiovascular disease. A 2017 study found that daily ginger consumption may protect against coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, among other chronic conditions. The authors concluded that ginger may have potential as a preventive therapy.
In addition to its other properties, ginger also works as a blood thinner, which could help prevent the formation of blood clots, reducing the risk of heart and stroke.
Another way ginger prevents heart disease is by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. The build-up of cholesterol can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart problems. A small recent study affirmed these findings, demonstrating that control groups who consumed three grams of ginger (that's about half a teaspoon) three times a day experienced a significantly higher reduction in triglyceride and cholesterol than the placebo group.
7.Reduce inflammation
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, which means it reduces swelling. Many studies have shown this. Ginger helps prohibit the production of anti-inflammatory substances, it reduces oxidative stress and in turn decreases inflammation in the body.
8.Makes you look younger
As an anti-oxidant ginger can help prevent the skin from free radicals, protecting against damage to the skin. Ginger could help maintain the skins collagen production, which promotes healthy looking skin that is smoother and more elastic.
We use ginger in our organic apple, ginger and turmeric juice to provide our mouth-watering blend, which makes for a refreshing and cleansing drink. To order yours visit out shop here today.
