5 Super Benefits of Ginger

5 Super Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is renowned as a kitchen spice as well as a potent remedy traditionally used in alternative therapies for treating various clinical conditions. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal making it an abundant resource of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

The main active constituent that imparts therapeutic proficiency to ginger is known as Gingerol. The other nutrients include shogaol, zingerone,  vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium and beta-carotene.

Ginger has been christened a panacea of maladies because it effortlessly corrects numerous afflictions ailing a lot of us. More than 80% of ayurvedic remedies contain ginger in their preparations because it exerts a catalytic effect and enhances absorption and assimilation of the other ingredients in the body.

Is Ginger a Hot or Cold Herb?

According to Ancient Ayurvedic principles, each herb wields a distinctive heating or cooling effect in the body. However, Ginger is one of those herb heroes that have a dichotomic effect, which makes it even more advantageous in alleviating clinical conditions. When Ginger is used in the dry form (e.g. powdered form), it has a heating effect in the body and helps expel phlegm, alleviate pain and inflammation, flush toxins, improve blood circulation, and enhance musculoskeletal health. On the other hand, freshly prepared ginger preparations are cooling in nature and benefit conditions like GERD, mouth and peptic ulcers, acid reflux, motion sickness, burning palms and soles etc.

Ginger and its Versatile Health Benefits:

• Bid adieu to all your Digestive Concerns

Ayurveda establishes the stomach to be the origin of all maladies. If your digestion is in top gear, you will be in sound health. Ginger is traditionally believed to be a carminative (relieves bloating, flatulence etc), antispasmodic (relaxes the muscles in your gut to help food move smoothly through the system) and helps speed up stomach emptying in people suffering from indigestion and dyspepsia. Ginger also potentially helps with nausea, vomiting, motion and morning sickness.

• Go Pain free

Ginger’s active constituents are traditionally believed to enhance blood circulation and assuage pain, inflammation, soreness and swelling. Consuming ginger may also potentially ease menstrual pain and promote healthy muscles and joints.

• Boost Memory Power

Growing research has indentified ginger as a powerful resource in improving mental and cognitive functions. Moreover, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are traditionally believed to ably protect the brain and nerve cells from oxidative damage and inflammation, thereby enhancing brain function, memory and attention.

• Crush your Microbial Foes

Ginger is traditionally believed to boost your immune system making you less susceptible to bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections. In fact, studies pitting ginger against conventional antibiotics showed ginger perform better than its competitor in inhibiting microbial proliferation. Also, it potentially helps eliminate toxins piled up in your organs, launders the lymphatic system and prevents toxin accumulation. Thus, Ginger may help address infections that target organs e.g. the respiratory tract.

• Protect your Heart

Traditional medicine also recommends ginger for its cardiotonic effects. It is believed to strengthen the heart, increase metabolism of fat, lower blood sugar and regulate healthy blood pressure. Health Practitioners also rave about its anti-clotting ability that may help prevent formation of internal clots that lead to attacks or strokes.

Best ways to Use Ginger

Ginger can be consumed or applied topically for relief. The best ways to use ginger are:

• Smoothie it for good health- You can add a small slice of ginger in your morning smoothie or incorporate it in your vegetable soup
• Stir it up in your tea- Another healthy way to include ginger is too steep a slice in hot water for 10 minutes, drain, add lemon juice and honey for added benefit.
• Ground it for more options- Powdered ginger can be added to your curries, pies and other food preparations
• Massage it for local relief-Ginger essential oil is one of the most potent forms of ginger. You only need 2-3 drops in a carrier oil for application. You may also infuse it in a scrub for a body massage.