The Many Health Benefits of Ginger: Selection & Consumption Tips for Ginger

The Many Health Benefits of Ginger: Selection & Consumption Tips for Ginger
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Benefits of Ginger

The spicy and pungent flavor of ginger adds aroma to Asian cuisines, especially Indian, Thai and Chinese dishes. Often mistaken as a root, ginger is actually a rootstock (rhizome) of the ginger plant. The plant is scientifically called as Zingiber officinale. It has a firm, hard texture and is covered with a brownish skin. Ginger was mainly cultivated in southeastern Asian countries, particularly in China and India. Later it was introduced to South America, West Indies and European countries by the Spanish explorers.

The name “ginger” is derived from the Sanskrit word “singabera”, which actually means a horn-shaped spice. Often used as a spice in many delicious veggie and non-vegetarian dishes, ginger is also available candy and crystallized varieties. Ginger may be known for its strong taste and aroma, but study has found many health benefits of ginger including relief from sea sickness, nausea and immune-boosting properties.

Ginger Nutrition Facts

This aromatic spice is rich in nutrients. Key nutrients found in ginger include minerals such as potassium, copper, manganese and magnesium. It is also a very good source of vitamin B6 and gingerol—which is known to have robust antioxidant properties. This active component of ginger helps to reduce nausea among pregnant women and among people with sea-sickness.

Health Benefits of Ginger

Since ancient times, ginger has been revered as a great reliever for gastrointestinal problems. Modern research studies have recognized the numerous health benefits of ginger including anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties.

  • Ginger can be a perfect answer for battling midday slumps during office hours. Its key component gingerol helps burns stored fat in the body. Consuming little amounts of raw sliced ginger can help you overcome sleepiness. You can also add raw ginger in salads or soups during lunch breaks if you feel uncomfortable with raw ginger.

  • Gingerols, one of the most important nutrients in ginger, has the capability to inhibit pain experienced from rheumatoid arthritis. According to a recent study published in Osteoarthritis Cartilage, pain due to age-related arthritis can be significantly reduced by regular consumption of fresh ginger. The study also suggests that ginger should be included in daily meals to ensure complete relief from pain.

  • Ginger can also inhibit the development of free radicals. Its main component, gingerols, may stop the development of colon and gastric cancer.

  • One of the most important benefits of ginger is its anti-nausea properties. It can be a very good alternative against anti-vomiting drugs as it is completely natural and has no side-effects. A study published in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal (April 2005 edition) revealed that ginger can be very helpful to alleviate severe vomiting and nausea among pregnant women.

Ginger Consumption, Selection and Storage Tips

  • Pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking ginger as an anti-nausea medicine. Consuming large amounts of ginger for a prolonged period of time can be harmful, especially if you suffer from gallstones or any gallbladder disease. Please consult your doctor before consuming ginger.

  • Always try to buy ginger of the freshest quality. Fresh ginger is rich in aroma and flavor and boasts gingerols at the highest level. You can purchase fresh ones from any supermarket or superstore. But if you are looking for mature ginger, consider Asian superstores. This type has a firm body and is difficult to peeliand is available in majority.

  • Please store ginger under refrigeration to avoid any molds or decomposition. If you have unpeeled a ginger, then store it in a freezer.

Those were some of the best health benefits of ginger. Check out the various health benefits of garlic and add these two healthy spices into a curry of your choice.

References

https://www.elements4health.com/ginger-health-benefits.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger

https://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72

Ginger Image Reference: Wikimedia Commons