The Health Benefits Of Ginger and Warnings

Ginger

Ginger, known as Zingiber officinale is a plant whose rhizome (ginger) is commonly used as spices and natural plant medicine. It is in the same family (Zingiberaceae) with turmeric, galangal, and cardamom.

It got its origin from Southeast Asia and was recorded as one of the first spices to be exported from Asia.

Ginger is one of the healthiest food spices in the world. It has a wealth of nutrients and bioactive compounds that serve a lot of benefits to the body system.

Uses

This rhizome is commonly used for any type of nausea and vomiting. For treating diabetes, migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, and other health conditions.

It is used in food such as for making stews and seasoning meat.

It is used for making beverages, as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics and also generally used as a flavoring agent.

It can also be used with lemon, garlic, and honey in warm water as a morning drink before any breakfast.

How to prepare ginger, lemon and garlic morning drink

• Cut and squeeze 2 lemons into a glass
• Wash, peel and slice ginger and garlic into small pieces
• Pour and mix in a cup with boiled water
• Add 2 teaspoon of honey
• Cover and leave for 15 minutes and after which filter and drink.

Benefits 

1. Aid weight loss
2. Help to clean your body system
3. Refreshes your breath
4. Aid digestion
5. Help boost your immune system

Read also; the amazing benefits of onions and garlic

Ginger nutrition

One tablespoon of fresh ginger contains;

• 4.80 of calories
• 1.07g of carbs
• 0.12g of fiber
• 0.11g of protein
• 0.05g of fat
• 0.1g of sugar

And trace amount of;

• Vitamin B6 and B3
• Iron
• Zinc
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Folate
• Zinc
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Potassium

The Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger contains gingerol compounds which have been believed to be responsible for its health benefits, smell and flavor.

Reduces blood sugar level 

Research has shown that those who took about 1600 mg of ginger powder for three months increased their insulin action, lower cholesterol, and had a reduced blood sugar level.

Adding ginger to your food helps you to control your blood sugar and prevent the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Fight against cancer

Ginger is one of the natural remedies for cancer. It contains gingerol compounds with high antioxidants capable of fighting cancerous cells. A good treatment for gastrointestinal cancer

Remedy for stomach upset

Gingerol compounds found in ginger is capable of easing your stomach pain and upset. It also helps to digest your food easily. People with indigestion problems are advised to always add ginger to their diets.

A good remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy and also help to prevent vomiting.

Help reduce menstrual pain

Menstrual pain is a pain common to women during their menstrual cycle. Ginger root has been confirmed as a natural remedy for this pain.

In a study, some women were told to take 1g of ginger powder per day in the first three days of their period. And ginger was found to reduce the pain as effectively as the drug ibuprofen.

Improve brain function 

The use of ginger has been proven to enhance brain function and help reduce brain age-related degeneration.

Warnings

According to USDA guidelines ginger is considered safe and nutritious when used as a part of a healthy diet.

Taken too much of ginger or an overdose of ginger supplements can expose you to the risk of heartburn and diarrhea.

About Author

Raphael Okhueleigbe

Raphael Osas Okhueleigbe is a Blogger, Content creator, Agricultural Economist, Resource manager, and the founder of greener health.

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