Ginger is a wonderful plant based way to spice up your life and help with minor ailments that can improve your overall health. Its main power comes from gingerol, an ingredient with medicinal benefits similar to turmeric, cardamom and galangal that contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidants.
One of the most common uses of ginger is to aid in digestion, especially with nausea and morning sickness. Ginger can also help with many other stomach issues including chronic indigestion (dyspepsia), ulcers and GERD. Ginger helps empty the stomach and absorb nutrients. It aids in the transport of foods through the digestion process, preventing fermentation in the gut.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce muscle pain and Osteoarthritis.
Its powerful properties can also help with diabetes by lowering blood sugars (Gingerols naturally suppress sorbitol accumulation in blood cells) and decreases the chances of heart disease and strokes by discouraging blood clots.
Other benefits include lowering overall cholesterol levels (especially the LDL levels), reducing menstrual symptoms and decrease the effects of oxidative stress that can accelerate the aging process. Ginger has even been shown to improve cognitive abilities and even combat Alzheimer’s Disease. Fresh ginger can help lower the risk of infections, inhibit bacteria growth and break down the accumulation of toxins in your organs by cleaning out the lymphatic system.
You can add ginger to your diet in many ways, including raw ginger, ginger tea, ginger powder, ginger essential oil and ginger root supplements. The simplest and most direct way to consume ginger is ginger water. It directly aids digestion and is easily absorbed to help with colds, flu, motion sickness, vertigo, heart burn, migraines, sore throats, exhaustion, fatigue, and constipation. It’s also an immediate solution for the stomach flu and food poisoning.
Ginger is great in cosmetics as well. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties helps generate circulation, improving your skin, makes a relaxing bath tonic and adds moisture to hair treatments.
Ginger also provides an extra zing to any foods or drinks you like. Don’t over-do it, though. Like any other spice, a little goes a long way.
