9 incredible benefits of ginger, from improving digestion to fighting the flu and colds

You've probably heard your parents and grandmothers advise you to drink a cup of ginger tea for many ailments, be it upset stomach, joint pain, nausea or colds and flu. And it cannot be said that they are completely wrong in believing so strongly in the root crop. Ginger is a perennial herb native to China and India known as Zingiber officinale (Common ginger). For about 4000 years, Indians primarily used ginger in cooking.

but that's not all. Ginger is also abundant in many medicinal properties and benefits. According to Indian Ayurvedic medicine, ginger, due to its many beneficial properties, is the most important root vegetable in ancient practice.

According to Dorling Kindersley's Healing Food, "the active ingredient in ginger is gingerol, which has analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial effects, and the other ingredient, cingerone, is an antioxidant."

The health benefits of ginger

Here are some of the amazing health benefits of ginger that you may not have known about:

1. Helps with indigestion and improves digestion

Known for its zesty flavor, ginger root can help normalize the digestive system. It can work wonders for beneficial effects on digestion. The book Healing Food says that ginger protects and heals intestinal ailments, speeds up the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract, reduces gas production, bloating and fights cramps. It also increases the sensitivity of the taste buds and increases the secretion of gastric juice.

According to Dr. Vasanta Lada's Ayurveda Home Remedies, “The main factor in preventing indigestion is to increase the digestive fire. One of the best herbs to light the digestive fire is ginger. Before each meal, cut or grate some fresh ginger, add a few drops of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and chew well.

Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Research Coordination Manager, Baidianat Ayurveda Specialist, says: “Ginger is an excellent tonic that aids digestion and improves gastric motility. Thus, it relieves constipation, relieves nausea, lowers acidity and protects the stomach lining from acid. "

2. Fights inflammation

According to the book Healing Food, “ginger essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Therefore, ginger is a wonderful remedy for flu, headaches and menstrual pains. In addition, ginger can reduce medication for osteoarthritis. ”

3. Traditional remedy for colds

Based on the teachings of Ayurveda, one of the best cold remedies is ginger... In his book, Dr. Vasant Lad mentions several effective remedies. Combine ginger (1 part), cinnamon (1 part) and lemon grass (2 parts). Place 1 teaspoon of the mixture in a glass of hot water for about 10 minutes and strain. Add honey if desired. This tea can help relieve cold symptoms.

You can try another potion - ginger tea with cardamom and cinnamon. Combine ginger (2 parts), cinnamon (3 parts), cardamom (pinch). Add honey to taste if desired.

4. Eliminates nausea

The book "Healing Food" says that the active compounds of ginger help to cope with the morning sickness and vomiting that occur due to chemotherapy in cancer treatment and after surgery.

5. Restores appetite

According to Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, eating ginger with lemon and black salt can restore your appetite.

6. Reduces pain during menstruation

Girls and women, pay attention! Taking ginger powder can significantly reduce menstrual pain - dysmenorrhea. Ginger is one of the traditional remedies used to relieve pain during menstruation. You can also drink a hot cup of ginger tea to relieve pain.

7. Reduces cholesterol levels

According to experts, ginger lowers the level of low-density lipoprotein - "bad" cholesterol, which is known to increase the risk of heart disease.

8. Fights infections

Gingerol, a bioactive compound in fresh ginger, may reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases. In the book "Healing Food" it is noted that "the active substance gingerol has analgesic, sedative, antipyretic and antibacterial effects." Ginger extract inhibits the growth of various types of bacteria, especially oral bacteria associated with inflammatory gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

9. Eases joint pain

According to Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, the high anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can relieve joint pain significantly. "Ginger can be eaten as a medicine, as a dry powder or in slices of fresh root."

One small stem and so many benefits! What are you waiting for? Save yourself the many health benefits of ginger.

Ginger is a herbaceous plant native to China and India known as Zingiber officinale (Common ginger).
Often referred to as a root vegetable, ginger is actually a stem that grows underground.
Ginger is replete with many medicinal properties and benefits.

N.V. Naumchik