Top 10 Health Benefits of Ginger
Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is a regular ingredients used in Indian cuisine for centuries because of its various health benefits. It is also used in some Asian cuisine. Ginger is also one of the top 10 culinary herbs and an essential herb in Ayurveda. Ginger is used in various forms such as fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and cosmetics.
1. Chronic Indigestion and improves digestion
Ginger is helpful for treating chronic indigestion, a condition characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach. This problem can be avoided by using ginger regularly in your recipes or drinking tea made out of ginger. Ayurveda says if fresh ginger is eaten just before food, especially lunch or dinner, it enhances digestion.
2. Pain relief
A study conducted at University of Georgia showed that daily use of ginger reduces muscle pain by 25%. Ginger is also helpful in relieving the pain or cramps for women who suffer during a menstrual cycle. Besides, ayurveda also recommends the use of ginger for the relief of joint pain, caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Reduces Nausea
During travel, some people are likely to get nausea, which is called motion sickness. This can be easily prevented with the help of munching a piece of ginger. Such people can carry a piece of ginger with them during travel to prevent such problems. In addition, ginger is also used for treating nausea and vomiting caused after surgery. Even in the case of morning sickness, ginger is moderately helpful to reduce nausea.
4. Relieves Heartburn
If ginger is taken in the form of tea it helps in relieving heartburn. It has long been used for this purpose.
5. Relieves throat and nose congestion during flu
When you have throat and nose congestion in relation to cold and flu, ginger tea is very helpful. Add a piece of ginger crushed in the boiling water for making tea. Drinking this tea two or three times a day gives much relief to throat and nose congestion.
6. Reduces flatulence
When you suffer from flatulence and its embarrassing situation munching some ginger will be a great relief and your breath will also be refreshened.
7. Maintains normal blood circulation
The contents (Chromium, maganesium and zinc) in the ginger helps to improve blood flow, prevents chills, fever and excessive sweat. Thus ginger maintains a normal blood circulation in our body.
8. Lowers Cholesterol level
In the studies conducted there is evidence to show that regular use of ginger can lead to significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.
9. Improves absorption
Ginger is useful for improving the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body, by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.
10. Prevents certain types of cancers
Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer and found that gingerol, a substance contained in large amounts in raw ginger, may help in preventing certain types of cancers such as ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and breast cancer.
Caution
Though ginger is a useful herb for many health disorders too much consumption is not good. people who are under any medication should consult their doctor before taking ginger or ginger supplements.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11710709\
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php
http://www.shareayurveda.com/ayurveda-blogs/benefits-ginger/
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-of-ginger-that-you-didnt-know-about.html
Disclaimer
The information provided in this hub is for informational and educational purposes only, and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies.
