{"id":680,"date":"2017-06-12T06:14:02","date_gmt":"2017-06-12T06:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=680"},"modified":"2021-03-18T14:08:51","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T14:08:51","slug":"10-health-benefits-take-advantage-ginger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-health-benefits-take-advantage-ginger\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Health Benefits to Take Advantage Of Ginger"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Zingiber Officinale, or ginger, as most of us know it, is a plant valued for it\u2019s chunky, peculiarly shaped rhizome. The plant sprang from its native birthplace of coastal India and has since embarked on a long, adventurous journey across the world. Ginger is now a staple foodstuff on every single continent and has made its way into cosmetics, sweets, and, of course, ginger beer.<\/p>\n

Well known for its culinary uses, ginger\u2019s understated appearance hides a myriad of other properties that make it our best friend in the medicine cabinet, as well as the pantry. Surprisingly, and despite its origin in India, Jamaica has historically been the producer of the highest quality crops – it was once the only source country for medicinal grade ginger.<\/p>\n

Quality in other regions of the world has since increased dramatically, and therefore it now grows in a variety of tropical locales. Ginger is one of the world\u2019s ten favourite spices, but beyond cooking, your spice cabinet houses a medical marvel. With a pharmacy\u2019s worth of organic compounds contributing to its taste and aroma, it\u2019s well worth exploring the therapeutic scope ginger has to offer.<\/p>\n

1. Antiemetic – Helps Prevent Nausea and Vomiting<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a long tradition of pregnant women suffering from morning sickness taking ginger<\/a>, usually in the form of an infusion, to alleviate symptoms. It is noted, however, that although ginger is the best known reliever of sickness due to pregnancy, it is also said to have abortive effects if taken in excess and should be used with caution.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s antiemetic power, however, also extends to other types of nausea and sickness of the stomach. Both UK and Denmark hospitals have conducted studies looking into ginger\u2019s ability to ease such conditions and have found it to be useful in postoperative situations, as well as for motion sickness, by promoting gastrointestinal circulation.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Carminative – A Digestive Marvel<\/h3>\n

Gingerbread<\/a> may be a great cake to snack on with afternoon tea these days, but this favourite treat has its roots in a tradition of the ancient Greeks.<\/p>\n

They were very clued-in to ginger\u2019s carminative properties and would wrap pieces of the rhizome in slices of bread and eat it as an after-dinner digestive. Historians speculate that over time this evolved into gingerbread as we know it today.<\/p>\n

Gingerbread itself may not be the health food it once was, however, it is worth remembering that ginger is our ally when it comes to easy digestion and a calm stomach.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Antiseptic<\/h3>\n

The antibiotic properties of ginger are of such potency that the Japanese, with their fish-filled diet, use ginger to counter bacterial food poisoning – perhaps the reason sushi (frequently made with raw fish) is always served with ginger on the side.<\/p>\n

The rhizome supports a healthy digestive tract by killing off bacteria like E-coli<\/a> while leaving the strains that are beneficial to us unharmed. Lactobacillus – our army of friendly bacteria – crowd out other potentially harmful strains, and ginger helps to build a healthy population of them, at the same time killing off parasites that attempt take up residence in our guts.<\/p>\n

Bacterial infections are responsible for stomach ulcers, and ginger, with its antibacterial properties, may be an effective treatment.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Circulatory Stimulant<\/h3>\n

Similar to the way in which aspirin<\/a> works, by blocking the same enzymatic actions, ginger can prevent thickening of the blood, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of heart attacks and other circulatory system distress.<\/p>\n

Ginger\u2019s ability to do this also explains the warming effect it has on the body – it can dilate the blood vessels in the extremities, keeping fingers and toes warm with a healthy blood flow.<\/p>\n

By applying ginger essential oil to the skin, it\u2019s possible observe the warming effect on the area, a technique which may also be effective for mild pain relief.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Expectorant<\/h3>\n

Records show that the use of ginger to relieve colds and other respiratory infections has been commonplace throughout the entire of history.<\/p>\n

Bronchitis<\/a> and other chest infections involve an inflammation of the airways and the production of mucus in the lungs. This leads to laboured breathing and a sometimes violent cough. As a reliever of inflammation, ginger may help to calm the symptoms of chest infections including the common cold.<\/p>\n

By reducing the restriction in the airways caused by the body\u2019s inflammation response, coughing can become more productive, meaning less force is needed to rid the lungs of mucus.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Antispasmodic<\/h3>\n

As mentioned before, an association between ginger and the relief of digestive distress is probably one of its most well-known health benefits.<\/p>\n

This may partly be attributed to an ability it has to relieve involuntary muscle spasms – something that contributes to the discomfort and pain of IBS<\/a> (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and other disorders of the bowel.<\/p>\n

This property may also be the channel through which it aids the relief of diarrhoea, by relaxing the contractions of the intestine. Its antispasmodic qualities have also inspired a study which demonstrated ginger\u2019s ability to successfully relieve menstrual cramps, with results equal to those taking ibuprofen.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Warming the Body<\/h3>\n

Historically, ginger has been renowned for alleviating chills and fever. In the ancient Ayurvedic tradition of India, ginger has long been known for and used as a warming compound to ward off \u2018cold\u2019 diseases. Ginger\u2019s thermoregulatory properties bring heat to the body and combat chills caused by the common cold.<\/p>\n

A hot mug of soothing ginger tea is the perfect thing for when the sniffles set in. Not only does it warm cold bones, but it has also been used to reduce fever<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Science has validated this ability, revealing how ginger inhibits the activity of a fever-causing enzyme – the very same way that aspirin also achieves this result. Laboratory tests measuring ginger\u2019s effect demonstrated ginger successfully reduced fever by 38%, comparable to results from aspirin.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Antioxidant<\/h3>\n

As is often said with all things in the plant kingdom, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Ginger is no exception. When scientists separated the rhizome into its liquid and solid parts, the most powerful antioxidants<\/a> in ginger were found to be in the fluid.<\/p>\n

The solid residue, a white pasty substance, was found to have virtually no antioxidant activity. Logically, it would seem that the liquid is responsible for much of ginger\u2019s power in this department. However, when the liquid and solid were combined, the antioxidant potency of the liquid more than doubled.<\/p>\n

These results highlight the importance of a holistic approach to the use of plants, where extractions are not always the most beneficial.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Anti-Inflammatory<\/h3>\n

In a similar way to turmeric, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the symptoms of arthritis, most notably for rheumatoid arthritis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Although there are over 100 different diagnoses that come under the umbrella of arthritis, the common thread that weaves through them, and in fact through many diseases, is that of chronic pain and inflammation.<\/p>\n

In Denmark, two clinical trials have shown the use of ginger reversing many of the patients\u2019 arthritic symptoms, with no adverse side effects. A fantastic observation, considering the plethora of health repercussions often associated with prescribed medicines for the disease.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Boosting Bioavailability<\/h3>\n

Ginger<\/a> is believed to act in association with other herbs to increase the availability of their medicinal properties. Much like piperine in pepper, ginger is traditionally added to many herbal remedies to boost their effectiveness.<\/p>\n

Because of this associative action, Ayurvedic medicine uses ginger as an aid to curing a wide variety of illnesses. By increasing the bioavailability of herbal medicines, many compounds that might otherwise pass through the digestive tract unabsorbed are now able to benefit the body in the way that it needs.<\/p>\n

Not only does ginger have its personal array of health boosting properties to bring to the party, but it also helps other plants express theirs too.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Manage Allergies and Asthma<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Ginger is a helpful natural remedy for people living with Th2 dominance. Th2 is responsible for allergic reactions, and people with Th2 dominance experience allergic reactions to a variety of foods and environmental factors. Th2 is also responsible for the development of asthma<\/a> symptoms as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

The active ingredient in ginger known as, \u201cZerumbone,\u201d enhances Th1 function in people with asthma and allergy symptoms. Zerumbone decreases the production of Th2 immune substances, allowing the immune system to rebalance and reduce allergy symptoms and sensitivity. <\/span><\/p>\n

Studies show that Zerumbone reduces asthma symptoms in mice, such as mucus production and lung inflammation. Regular administration of ginger in your diet can suppress Th2 immune response and airway inflammation. The same studies also show that the compound affects gene activity that perpetuates Th2 dominance, with long-term outcomes providing a significant reduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drinking ginger tea daily, or adding ginger to your meals, may provide you with some relief from your symptoms, and reduce the severity of allergic reactions and asthma attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"12. Eczema Treatment<\/h3>\n

People who are suffering from skin disorders, such as eczema<\/a>, can benefit from including ginger in their diet. The gingerols found in ginger root, specifically; 6-Shogaol is responsible for this reduction in eczema symptoms. The compounds keep the neural pathways clear from the development of Th2 and TNF-alpha, which are the primary compounds involved in causing skin inflammation associated with eczema symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

To gain the benefits of ginger, we recommend you drink two to three servings of ginger tea throughout the day to reduce inflammation associated with TNF-alpha. Drinking the tea prevents eczema outbreaks while reducing the itching symptoms associated with the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also make a ginger paste by softening ginger root in water overnight, then adding it to the food processor. Blend the ginger into a paste, and rub it on the affected area of your skin experiencing eczema. You should notice a reduction in itching symptoms in a matter of minutes. Try adding this paste to your shampoo to treat eczema appearing on the scalp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"13. Protect the Liver<\/h3>\n

People with liver issues may benefit from including ginger in their diet. Studies show that rats experiencing heavy metal poisoning from cadmium<\/a> and aluminum managed to clear these toxins from their liver after receiving treatment with ginger extract for two weeks. Studies also show that consuming 500-milligrams of ginger a day slows aging-related liver damage in laboratory rats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consuming ginger also protects the liver from drug-induced damage that leads to liver cirrhosis. People using painkillers and other aggressive drug therapies that are harsh on the liver may want to consider adding ginger to their diet. <\/span><\/p>\n

Doses of 2-grams of ginger a day dramatically improve liver health by reducing liver enzymes and inflammatory cytokines responsible for liver damage and the development of jaundice. Research indicates that consuming 2-grams of ginger every day for 12-weeks helps the liver recover from the effects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The gingerol compounds in the root help to lower the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"14. Boost Testosterone<\/h3>\n

Men with deficiencies in the male hormone, testosterone<\/a>, can boost their natural production by eating ginger root or drinking ginger tea. In the late nineties, medical science discovered links between ginger and testosterone production. Studies show that consuming ginger reduces oxidative stress and increases testosterone production by as much as 17-percent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ginger also has a positive effect on the male reproductive system as well, with some studies showing that it increases sperm count and sperm mobility, and the production of DHEA in the body, by up to 50-percent.<\/span><\/p>\n

The gingerols found in ginger root act on several neurological pathways that produce testosterone, including;<\/span><\/p>\n