Ginger is a root that has a 5000-year history for providing a number of health benefits that prolong longevity and increase vitality. It is known to have more than twelve types of anti-oxidants, making it useful for treatment of many disorders. Ginger has anti-nausea, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Also, ginger is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium and beta-carotene.
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Ginger
Improves absorption
Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does this by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.
Arthritis
A placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study published in the journal Osteoarthritis Cartilage found patients with painful arthritis in the knee who were given ginger vs. a placebo experienced significantly less pain and loss of movement compared to those taking the placebo.
Strengthens Immunity
Ginger helps improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit ginger a day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.
Stroke and Heart Disease
Two of the biggest killers on the planet may be kept at bay with regular ginger use, especially when eaten with other key superfoods. Garlic, ginger and onions all have an anti-blood-clotting ability, yet when they’re eaten together they’re a powerful mainstay against heart attacks and stroke!
Diabetes
Gingerols are widely known to naturally improve diabetes and enhance insulin sensitivity. Ginger can help lower your blood sugar level and increase the effectiveness of insulin and other drugs used for treating diabetes. Experts recommend drinking one glass of warm water mixed with one teaspoon of ginger juice first thing in the morning to regulate blood sugar.
Prevent Alzheimer’s
Since oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to trigger the risk factors for Alzheimer’s, it’s no wonder that the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been studied as a means of preventing this terrible disorder from happening. But this study proved that “ginger extract enhances both attention and cognitive processing capabilities of healthy, middle-aged women”.
Calm Nausea and Vomiting
Clinical studies have proven ginger’s effectiveness at calming nausea and vomiting. Research has also confirmed its potential against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The majority of studies found a positive effect against this side effect of aggressive therapies. Ginger may be a powerful option for those suffering from toxic medical procedures like these.
Protection from UV Rays
Research data has shown ginger possesses UV absorbing capabilities that protect against DNA damage related to UVB (ultraviolet-B) light. Extracts from ginger stimulated antioxidant production, suggesting protective effects against potentially damaging UV light.
Cancer
Ginger root has a very high level of antioxidants higher than many berries making it an excellent defender against cell damage and associated disease caused by free radicals. Ginger has potential to prevent breast, liver, skin, bladder and colorectal cancers. Ginger’s antioxidant activity is one of several mechanisms thought to explain its possible anticancer effects.
Flu
Ginger has been prescribed to fight illness and infection for ages. Its soothing effect helps to reduce the body’s emergency symptom responses to the damaged cells in the body. While the white cells work on patching the cells and defending against the illness, ginger acts a barrier to the high levels of prostaglandins that induce fever, headaches, and cramps.
Natural Expectorant
Since ginger is a natural expectorant, it helps expand your lungs and even loosens phlegm by breaking down and removing mucus. When you’re feeling a little congested, make some warm ginger tea with lemon three times a day and you’ll feel better in no time.
Sources:
1) http://wakeup-world.com/2015/03/06/10-health-benefits-of-ginger/
2) http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger/
3) http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/lifestyle/food/10-ways-ginger-root-of-well-being/
4) http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/10-healing-benefits-of-ginger
