Ginger has been used for more than 2,000 years in Eastern medicine as a method to prevent and cure diseases. Today people often add this root to foods for extra spice and flavor, but they do not always recognize the health benefits that come with it.
This herbaceous perennial has a lot of flexibility in food. In many cases, it is consumed in beverages like beer, ale, and tea. Even more, there are a variety of ginger flavored desserts that offer a unique and appealing taste. Whether you are consuming this herb in your drink, dessert, or main meal, the following are 10 surprising health benefits that may come as a result.
1. Helps With Motion Sickness
People who struggle with motion sickness can use ginger as a helpful and quick remedy to decrease the nausea associated with this problem. In fact, studies with naval cadets showed that those who took ginger powder experienced less motion sickness than those who did not.
2. Improves Blood Flow
Ginger is composed of magnesium, chromium, and zinc, which are known to help improve blood flow in the body. These ingredients can also prevent common problems like fever, excessive sweating, and chills.
3. Treatment for Colds and Flu
In Asia, people regularly use ginger as a remedy for their colds and flu. This practice dates back thousands of years, and the University of Maryland Medical Center recognizes its effectiveness. They recommend taking two tablespoons of shredded ginger root two to three times daily to help with symptoms.
4. Better Nutrient Absorption
When you consume ginger, you stimulate pancreatic and gastric secretion. As a result, your body can absorb essential nutrients better, thus improving energy circulation in your body. This means you are likely to be less tired, and you will probably notice an improvement in your metabolism.
5. Decreases the Risk of Developing Colon Cancer
The University of Minnesota performed a study where they found that ginger is likely to slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Thus, regular consumption of this ingredient may decrease your risk of developing this type of cancer.
6. Minimizes Stomach Discomfort
Ginger is especially helpful with the digestion process. Since it improves food absorption, it can also minimize the likelihood of developing a stomachache. Research suggests that this zesty root helps decrease inflammation in the body, much like aspirin and ibuprofen. This is because ginger is a powerful, natural painkiller. And, in many scenarios, the inflammation is a leading cause of the stomach discomfort.
7. Aids in Ovarian Cancer Treatment
If you have ovarian cancer, ginger powder can be a natural remedy to help with your treatment. Several studies suggest that the ingredient can assist in the death of cells that cause this type of cancer.
8. Promotes Respiratory Health
People who are struggling with respiratory diseases like coughs or pneumonia can use ginger as a helpful resource. It can expand the lungs and loosen that phlegm that causes many of these problems. Ginger is also known to help break known and remove mucus in the body. When you consume it, it can help you recover faster from your respiratory condition so you can breathe normally.
9. Strengthens the Immune System
Ginger is a great ingredient to consume regularly to strengthen your immunity. A small dose can decrease the risk of developing a stroke because it prevents fatty deposits from building up in the arteries. In addition, the ingredient is known to decrease the amount of bacterial infections you develop in your stomach. Also, ginger can minimize the discomfort associated with coughs and sore throats.
10. Minimizes Morning Sickness
If you are pregnant, ginger is a wonderful natural remedy against morning sickness. Three out of four women found it to be useful for curing nausea or vomiting associated with both morning sickness and the stomach flu.
Remember, you can get your daily dose of ginger by adding it to a meal for extra flavor or by eating it fresh. When you do, you will enjoy more than just a great taste – your health will improve too.
To learn more about bettering your overall health naturally, check out our blog. At PurMEDICA, we love to help our customers improve their bodies with safe and effective ingredients.