Ginger has been a popular spice in Asian cuisine for many decades and was introduced to the west and used in gingerbread, ginger snaps, ginger ale and pumpkin pie. But that is not all the ginger has to offer.
On top of being used in cooking and baking, ginger has many health benefits and we are going to discuss these health benefits of ginger in this article.
Ginger has over 400 chemically active ingredients and is a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper and vitamin B6.
It has been used for many generations to treat digestive issues, coughing, headache, sinus congestion, cold, flu and fever. On top of all those health benefits, it is also known to be helpful for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal elements and is known as a blood thinning agent.
The ginger we eat is the underground rhizome of the ginger plant. The flesh can be white, yellow or reddish in color and is covered by a brown skin. Depending on the variety and the age of the rhizome, the skin can be thin or thick.
Ginger is available in many forms; fresh, powdered, crystallized, candied and pickled. Fresh ginger will keep in the refrigerator for 3 weeks if kept unpeeled. You can keep the ginger in the freezer and shave off what you need to add to your cooking. This way it will keep up to 6 months.
Health Benefits of Ginger Root
For gastrointestinal problems: Ginger has been known to help motion sickness and vomiting. A double-blind study done recently revealed that ginger was superior to popular medicine (Dramamine) in preventing sea sickness.
Morning sickness: The anti-vomiting action is especially important to women suffering from morning sickness during pregnancy. Unlike many prescribed medications, ginger is safe with only a small amount needed to achieve the effect.
Blood thinning properties are being studied and cholesterol reducing properties are being examined.
For Inflammation: Ginger inhibits two enzymes that play a major part in chronic inflammations and help the body heal after an inflammation has occurred. A compound called Gingerols is believed to be the one responsible for the relief from arthritis and rheumatoid pain and increased level of mobility in sufferers.
For pain: Ginger has analgesic properties. It has been used in treating headaches and ginger tea can reduce the pain and nausea associated with migraines. For some people, it can actually stop a migraine if it is taken at the beginning stages. A warm compress can ease the pain of bruises, strains and sprains.
For heartburn: Drinking ginger tea reduces heartburn.
For coughs: Ginger has cough-reducing properties. It helps thin the bronchial mucus and moves it out of the lungs.
For burns: Fresh ginger juice applied to a burn will relieve pain, reduce blistering and inflammations and provide antibacterial protection.
For sexual dysfunction: Some believe ginger has aphrodisiac properties because it stimulates the circulation and normalizes testosterone levels.
For immune-boosting: Ginger can increase sweating which is helpful during colds and flu. It is more than just detoxification of the body but the ginger provides protection against invading microorganisms and fungus.
Basic Ginger Recipes
For colds and flu: Prepare a tea from the ginger root by boiling 4-5 slivers of the root in water for 3 minutes. Strain. Add honey to the mix and drink two cups a day.
As an inhaler: boil water in a shallow pot together with a few pieces of ginger. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the vapor. Adding a few drops of Eucalyptus oil will help you breath easier when congested.
For compress: place 1 cup of fresh ginger with 1 tablespoon of powdered cinnamon in two cups of water and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep for another 15 minutes. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and place on the injured area. This is most effective if done 2-3 times a day.
An alternative way for aching joints is to grind about 2 inches of the root into a paste, add cinnamon as above and a bit of water if needed to make it into a paste. Apply on the painful area, cover with plastic wrap and a moist, warm towel. Let the towel cool, remove and wash the area.
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FAQs
To get all the goodness of the ginger, let the slices steep for at least 10 minutes. Ginger tea is a healthier alternative to ginger ale, ginger beer and other commercial canned or bottled ginger beverages. These drinks provide ginger's benefits, but many contain a lot of sugar.
What is the healthiest way to consume ginger? ›
To get all the goodness of the ginger, let the slices steep for at least 10 minutes. Ginger tea is a healthier alternative to ginger ale, ginger beer and other commercial canned or bottled ginger beverages. These drinks provide ginger's benefits, but many contain a lot of sugar.
What happens if you eat ginger root everyday? ›
Ginger is safe to eat daily, but experts recommend limiting yourself to 3 to 4 grams a day — stick to 1 gram daily if you're pregnant. Taking more than 6 grams of ginger a day has been proven to cause gastrointestinal issues such as reflux, heartburn and diarrhea.
What is the best form of ginger for health benefits? ›
The researchers determined that dried ginger, followed by fresh ginger and powdered ginger tea had the highest concentrations of gingerol. One study that the review analyzed included 576 adult cancer patients. The scientists found that doses of 0.5 grams (g) and 1.0 g were most effective at reducing nausea.
What are 5 medical uses for ginger? ›
It has a long history of use in Asian, Indian, and Arabic herbal traditions. In China, for example, ginger has been used to help digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions.
Should I drink ginger at night or morning? ›
Ginger tea can be consumed any time of day. Drinking it in the morning or mid-afternoon can offer a nice pick-me-up.
Which is better raw or boiled ginger? ›
Eat it raw or cook it—both are healthy: Research suggests that heating raw ginger (i.e., in cooking or making tea) reduces its ability to scavenge certain types of free radicals and increases its ability to scavenge other types—likely due to the conversion of gingerols to shogaols.
Is too much ginger bad for the liver? ›
As an herbal supplement, ginger is used predominantly for gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting. Ginger is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and has not been linked to serum aminotransferase elevations nor to instances of clinically apparent liver injury.
What is the best time to eat ginger? ›
Eating fresh ginger is very good and brings many health benefits, especially when used in the morning. Ginger is a popular folk remedy for stomach upset and nausea, and aids digestion and salivation.
What are the cons of ginger root? ›
It can cause mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, burping, and general stomach discomfort. Taking higher doses of 5 grams daily increases the risk for side effects. When applied to the skin: Ginger is possibly safe when used short-term. It might cause skin irritation for some people.
Q: True or false – In order to reap the health benefits of ginger, you must use fresh gingerroot. A: False. Ginger's nutrient profile does undergo some changes during the drying and bottling process, but it still offers up plenty of health benefits and is definitely worth adding to your diet – in any form.
What are the secret benefits of ginger? ›
Ginger may have numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and other properties. It may help you lose weight, manage arthritis, reduce menstrual symptoms, and more. Ginger comes from a flowering plant originating in Southeast Asia.
What form of ginger is best for arthritis? ›
The Arthritis Foundation (AF) suggests taking ginger as a powder, extract, tincture, capsule, or oil. They recommend having a maximum of 2 g a day, divided into three doses, or drinking up to 4 cups of ginger tea daily.
What infections does ginger cure? ›
Fights Germs. Certain chemical compounds in fresh ginger help your body ward off germs. They're especially good at halting growth of bacteria like E.coli and shigella, and they may also keep viruses like RSV at bay.
Is it okay to eat raw ginger every day? ›
While it is safe to eat ginger every day, doctors and nutritionists recommend limiting daily intake to a maximum of 3-4 grams. During pregnancy, ginger consumption should not be more than 1 gram per day. Ginger should not be given to children under 2 years old.
Does boiling ginger destroy nutrients? ›
Lemon and ginger are normally good sources of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium. However, dehydrating and boiling the ingredients tend to remove these nutrients, leaving only small amounts in the final tea.
Is drinking raw ginger good for you? ›
Ginger may have numerous health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and other properties. It may help you lose weight, manage arthritis, reduce menstrual symptoms, and more. Ginger comes from a flowering plant originating in Southeast Asia.
How many times in a week should I drink ginger? ›
Some of the most common side effects of drinking large amounts of ginger tea are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Studies recommend keeping your intake of prepackaged ginger tea under 4 cups per day.
What happens if we drink ginger water in an empty stomach? ›
Drinking ginger water on an empty stomach helps strengthen digestion. Due to this, it is also very effective in removing problems like indigestion, constipation, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Moreover, it also helps in reducing bad cholesterol.
