Ginger is an amazing spice and one that has an extended tradition of use as a medicine. You should devise ways to incorporate ginger into your meals and dishes since there are a lot of health reasons to eat more ginger.
Traditional Medicinal Use
Since ancient times, ginger has been used in India and China to treat a broad range of ailments. The Romans then introduced it to the Europeans 2,000 years ago.
Traditionally, the medical uses of ginger are primarily for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems such as gas and bloating. However, ginger can do so much more.
Traditional medicinal uses of ginger include:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Supporting the liver
- Improving digestion
- Relieving headaches
- Treating excess gas
- Treating gastrointestinal issues
Research
Many scientific studies exist on the beneficial uses of ginger. One of the best-studied effects of ginger is the treatment of motion sickness, seasickness, and morning sickness, together with all accompanying symptoms — nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, etc.
Results showed that ginger can significantly reverse the condition of those suffering from any of these problems. It even seems a good alternative to Dramamine, a popular drug to control seasickness.
In 2005, a study was conducted specifically to determine how effective ginger is in managing symptoms of morning sickness. The study’s results overwhelmingly supported the notion that ginger can significantly suppress the symptoms associated with morning sickness.
The study also demonstrated that ginger is safe for pregnant women. That is by far different from the effects and side effects of drugs that are prescribed to control those symptoms.
More Health Benefits of Ginger
- It is an anti-inflammatory agent
- It helps people with arthritis
- It helps reduce muscle pain and promotes muscle recovery
- It is a potent agent against the development of cancer cells
Ginger has been analyzed in various laboratories and was found to contain a particular compound named gingerol. There are several types of gingerol. For example, 6-gingerol has been established to be a powerful antioxidant capable of smashing free radicals that cause inflammation.
Ginger has shown to be capable of inhibiting the growth of ovarian cancer cells and tumor cells associated with colorectal cancer. And it controls the common side effects of chemotherapy, too.
A Ginger Drink Recipe
Ginger is a superfood that must grace your dishes and meals. It can be added to juices, smoothies, dressings, soups, and stir-fries.
Or why not brew a healing ginger tea. Get a piece of ginger the size of a thumb. Slice it very finely and then boil it. Add one lemon and one a spoon of manuka honey. You may chill it in the refrigerator if you prefer iced tea. Drink up to 3 cups a day and you will see the positive effect it has on your health.
Sources:
http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-health/know-your-spice-a-brief-history-of-ginger.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15802416
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15588672
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