Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger or ginger root is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, Well known for its medicinal benefits around the world. For thousands of years, ginger has been used for the treatment of innumerable ailments due to its powerful therapeutic and preventive effects. 
Ginger
It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-emetic properties. It helps to decrease inflammation, swelling and pain due to its ability to inhibit prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. It inhibits serotonin receptors and has the ability to break up and expel intestinal gas (carminative effect) which makes it a good anti-emetic agent.

Ginger is used to treat  various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, nausea caused by cancer treatment, nausea and vomiting after surgery, as well as loss of appetite. Ginger, when taken on a regular basis, can really catch the bull of digestive disorders by its horns. Used as a common spice, ginger is a highly effective treatment of vomiting, stomach fullness as well as gallbladder attacks.

With its strong and spicy aroma, it has its own place in Indian cuisine. It may be used fresh or dried, powdered or pickled or in the form of juice or oil.

Native to southeastern Asia, Ginger is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern writings, and has long been prized for its aromatic, culinary and medicinal properties. Also, its antioxidant activity, the ability to induce cell death (apoptosis) and suppressing certain protein bestows it with anticancer properties and chemical compounds found in ginger are known to suppress allergic reactions. All these properties make ginger a powerhouse of health benefits.

What are the health benefits of ginger?

1) Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment 
Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract. Ginger tea, the classic Indian household favourite, is the most commonly used form, not to mention the ginger concoction given every time someone catches a cold. 

2) Respiratory problems
Ginger’s antihistamine property helps in treating allergies. It is also known to inhibit airway contraction and help stimulate the secretion of mucus. It is the herb of choice for persistent cough and sore throat associated with colds. A teaspoon of ginger juice with honey is effective against sore throat. And ginger tea is an all-time favourite to get rid of congestion in the throat and nose. Fresh ginger juice mixed with fenugreek and honey is excellent during asthma.

3) Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

4) Gastrointestinal Relief
Ginger helps in eliminating gastrointestinal distress, it is very effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, especially seasickness. In fact, ginger is far superior to Dramamine, a commonly used over-the-counter and prescription drug for motion sickness. Ginger reduces all symptoms associated with motion sickness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweating.

5) Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

6) Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis experience reductions in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory property of ginger may help reduce joint pain of arthritis in some people. To help relieve muscle and joint ache, add some ginger oil into your bath.

7) Treating nausea and vomiting

Chewing on ginger could reduce nausea and vomiting. According to studies, ginger can treat sensations of nausea following surgery, and due to motion sickness, seasickness, etc. It is also beneficial for nausea as a result of adverse effect of chemotherapy.

8) Reduce menstrual painGinger, when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period, can reduce symptoms of menstrual pain in some women.

9) Anti-flatulenceCalm in your upset stomach with ginger. Its carminative (gas expulsion) property provides relief from bloating and gas and helps reduce flatulence.

10 )Remedy for loss of appetiteFuel a dull appetite by eating fresh ginger just before you have your meal. Ginger can get your digestive juices going and increase your appetite.

11) Aiding in digestion
Had a large meal? Eat ginger. Ginger improves absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients and aids in digestion. It also helps break down the proteins in your food. Ginger protects your stomach against ulcers by promoting mucus secretion.

Here we mention a few of them, share health benefits of ginger you know in comment section.


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