5 Health Benefits of Ginger
Zingiber officinale, aka Ginger, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is widely used as a spice used in everyday cooking. However, these oddly shaped roots do more than just taste and smell great. In fact, ginger contains many active ingredients which are known to have amazing proven health benefits. So, be prepared for some weird […]
Zingiber officinale, aka Ginger, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is widely used as a spice used in everyday cooking. However, these oddly shaped roots do more than just taste and smell great. In fact, ginger contains many active ingredients which are known to have amazing proven health benefits. So, be prepared for some weird and wonderful words as we delve into the benefits of ginger and what it can do for your body…
Reduce all kinds of pain
Period cramps getting you down? Muscles sore after a workout? Well, according to Nutrition Journal, Zingiberaceae (ginger) extracts are clinically effective hypoalgesic (pain relief) so before you reach for ibuprofen, get your daily dose of ginger! The studies involved placebo and ginger-treated groups, and looked at multiple types of pain, including: onset muscle soreness, menstruation cramps, chronic pain in arthritic conditions and pain in recovery from surgery. The treated groups fared better than the placebo groups overall for all types of pain. Ginger is also much safer than ibuprofen, especially for the elderly.
Reduce your risk of diabetes
According to Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ginger also aids with metabolic issues and even diabetes! The studies held were based on in vitro and in vivo, on cell and animal models, and in clinical trials (that’s lots of testing). The results indicated evidence for the potential of ginger for treatment of Type 1 diabetes due to the antihyperglycemic effect of ginger which, in simpler terms, means ginger lowers glucose levels in the blood. Consider incorporating ginger into your diet to help regulate your sugar levels and reduce your risk.
Prevent inflammation and disease
International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology carried out studies involving ginger and disease management. The results showed that ginger plays a significant role in the prevention of diseases. The studies included clinical trials and animal models during which ginger showed to have a key impact on disease cure due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic qualities. Feel a cold coming on? Make yourself a ginger tea or grab a ginger kombucha and see how you feel!
Tummy aches and nausea
British Journal of Anesthesia, conducted research looking at postoperative nausea and vomiting. They also looked at digestive benefits, seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea. These studies collectively favoured ginger over placebo and found that, in some cases, was just as effective as metoclopramide (medication often used for stomach problems).
Prevent heart disease
According to Food & Nutrition Research, ginger can reduce inflammation in the arteries, lower blood glucose levels, and lower cholesterol, which can be useful for the prevention and management of Cardiovascular disease. Ginger may help but remember, you’ll still have to follow a healthy balanced diet to reap the benefits and reduce your risk. That means lots of whole grains, lean proteins and veggies! There are lots of different ways you can incorporate ginger into your diet. Try a new recipe or try it in tea, juices or smoothies.
Feeling inspired? Check out some of our favourite ginger-related recipes:
CHOCOLATE GINGER KOMBUCHA CAKE
