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The health benefits of ginger

The health benefits of ginger

Ginger grows in the tropics and very sunny regions and more particularly in Asia. The root of this plant is a rhizome which we use in the kitchen. It is also known to have aphrodisiac powers, but also has many medicinal virtues . Nowadays, it is possible and easy to grow ginger at home and harvest it.

Ginger:an aphrodisiac

Ginger is known to be an aphrodisiac plant . Humans have used it since antiquity for this purpose. Today, we can say that ginger is not an aphrodisiac directly, because it is an energizing plant that can stimulate sexuality of somebody. It has many other effects on certain pathologies, because it contains several elements to help fight certain ailments.

Composition of ginger

Ginger is 90% water, but it is very rich in carbohydrates and vitamins and fibers . The vitamin most found in ginger is vitamin B9. It also contains vitamins C, A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6. The ginger rhizome is also rich in many trace elements and minerals such as:

  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Calcium
  • Iodine
  • Sodium
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Manganese
  • Potassium

Ginger also contains antioxidants that are very beneficial for the cardiovascular system.

Ginger and antioxidants

Ginger contains many antioxidants which are cell protectors against free radicals. Two studies conducted on the subject have shown that it contains about forty of them and that some even resist heat while being released during cooking. Ginger can be consumed in powder, fresh or cooked, it doesn't matter, it would have multiple beneficial effects on health. It fluids the blood and helps blood circulation throughout the body while detoxifying . Be careful not to consume ginger or to make a cure if there is already an anticoagulant treatment. In this case and before absorbing ginger, it is necessary to have the opinion of your doctor attending or a cardiologist.

Ginger:a valuable anti-inflammatory

Ginger is still a 100% natural anti-inflammatory . It limits the secretion of prostaglandins and relieves ailments that are related to certain inflammations such as:

  • Lumbago
  • Arthritis
  • Tendonitis

Its anti-inflammatory effects would also be very promising to fight against the pain created during rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrosis . Ginger still helps fight fever , allergies and flu symptoms . It would be as effective as ibuprofen in some cases, however, it should never replace medical treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Ginger and digestion

Ginger is still used for the digestive system . It is stimulating and promotes the secretion of bile and helps to better digest food. A person consuming it regularly will better disintegrate fats, because it acts on all the organs of the digestive system such as:

  • The mouth
  • The esophagus
  • The stomach
  • The liver
  • The small intestine
  • The colon

In regular consumption, it still helps people looking to lose weight , because it is a very good fat burner .

Ginger and nausea

Ginger has antiemetic properties . It is recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) as such and helps to fight against nausea and vomiting . Thus, people prone to motion sickness can consume ginger as well as pregnant women with nausea. For them, ginger is beneficial, thanks to the vitamin B6 it contains.

Ginger and asthenia

Asthenic people often suffering from transient or chronic fatigue can make ginger cures, because very rich in vitamins, trace elements and minerals, it is an excellent natural stimulant for the body. In addition, ginger reinforces natural defenses and becomes an ally of our immune system in winter.

Ginger and diabetes

Ginger has not ceased to amaze with its multiple virtues, as it is also beneficial against diabetes TII when consumed regularly. Indeed, it helps reduce fasting blood sugar as well as glycated hemoglobin. Blood sugar levels drop and insulin resistance is improved.

How to consume ginger?

It is possible to eat fresh ginger . The rhizomes are found in organic stores or supermarkets. The best is to get ginger from organic farming. When chosen, the best should be golden with wrinkled but fresh rhizomes and a fragrant smell. It can be grated, cut into strips or incorporated into a fruit or vegetable juice. When the ginger is powdered, you have to buy it in the organic department and follow the instructions on the bottle.

Combining ginger with lemon

When you eat powdered ginger , it can be combined with lemon juice to enjoy the association with many virtues, but also for its good taste. This association is still perfect for losing weight, to increase the immune system, to promote digestion or to beautify the skin. Lemon ginger can go into tea or lemonade while promoting blood cleansing or for their depurative properties.

Other forms of ginger packaging

Ginger can be candied and is readily available commercially. It is still available in capsules or in tablets as a dietary supplement. These forms are practical, but it is necessary to choose a high quality product to recover the beneficial effects. It is therefore important to find out where it comes from, how it was grown and how it was processed.

Keeping ginger fresh

To keep ginger roots fresh, just put them in the freezer . They must be cut into small dice to keep it longer. In addition, all you have to do is take the desired quantity out of the freezer the day before consumption so that the root regains its freshness.

Contraindications and precautions

Fresh ginger has powerful properties and should not be taken with certain medications or other herbs as it increases their effects. It should not be combined with medical treatments used to thin the blood or before an operation . In common consumption, you should not take more than 2 grams per day and a large consumption is not recommended during pregnancy. In any case, to consume ginger, you must consult your doctor and ask for his opinion. Be careful, ginger is still confused with ginseng which is another plant with very different virtues.

In conclusion, ginger is a food with many benefits . It is very healthy and acts on many health problems. It can be associated with lemon to take advantage of the multiple virtues of both products or consume it alone in regular cures.