Health Benefits of Ginger

Health Benefits of Ginger

By Eric leader-Owner/Personal Trainer

Ginger is a well-known herb that is full of flavor and is popular in many different cuisines around the world.

There are many healing properties that come with ginger, and one of those is that it is great for gut health. When I was experiencing issues with my stomach, ginger was my go-to natural product.

The many benefits that come with consuming ginger in many forms are numerous.

Ginger Facts:

There are a few things you may know, and many you may not know about this wonderful herb. Here are some interesting facts.

· Ginger isn’t a root herb; it is actually a rhizome. The rhizome is an underground stem.

· It is native to South Eastern Asia.

· You can grow this herb from the pieces you purchase at the grocery store.

· Ginger grows year-round but is best planted in late winter and early spring.

· Ginger is a part of the same family as Turmeric and Cardamom.

· This plant grows up to 4 ft tall.

Benefits of Ginger

There are many potential benefits that come from consuming ginger. However, these benefits vary from person to person.

Digestive Health

Most commonly, ginger is great for digestion. The anti-inflammatory properties help with issues associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This herb also helps to suppress nausea. There are also signs that ginger helps prevent colon cancer.

Colds and Flu

When you are suffering from a cold or the flu, Ginger is a great way to naturally alleviate those issue. Drinking Ginger tea is a great way to keep warm and to boost your immune system.

Reducing pain

Pain reduction is another great benefit that comes with consuming Ginger. Studies have shown that when you consume Ginger daily, you can reduce the effects of pain by up to 25 percent.

Cardiovascular Health

Studies have shown that ginger may have positive effects in combating cardiovascular issues and promoting health. Some of those cardio health benefits include reducing cholesterol, lowering the risk of blood clotting and helps to keep blood sugar levels healthy.

Diet and Recipes:

There are a few fun ways to incorporate Ginger into your everyday meals. There are a variety of different uses for ginger and compounds that it comes in that you can use to increase the flavor of foods or to even enjoy in drinks. Here are a few ways to enjoy your ginger.

Ginger Tea:

Ginger tea is soothing and delicious. It is also very simple to make. You simply peel and boil 2 inches of sliced ginger inside 2 cups of water and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Enjoy with honey and fresh lime juice to help modify the flavors. Moreover, you can enjoy the tea just as it is.

Chicken Soup:

A nice twist to your usual soothing chicken soup is to add fresh garlic and fresh ginger to it. The flavors mixed with the chicken broth and whatever vegetables you love makes it a great feel good soup filled with healing properties.

Salad Dressing:

If you make your oil and vinegar salad dressing, add some finely grated ginger to it. The taste won’t change much, but it will tingle your taste buds the right way.

Stir Fry:

Ginger is an excellent addition to a stir fry. Finely grate your ginger and add it your favorite stir fry recipe and enjoy the subtle but tangy taste that will burst with flavor.

Baked Goodies:

Ginger is an excellent addition to many sweet tooth favorites. You probably know about gingerbread, ginger snaps and many other wonderful sweet recipes.

Other uses for ginger:

Get ginger essential oil and use it to relieve sore muscles, like aromatherapy or to help neutralize harsh scents in your home.

Risks:

The risks associated with Ginger are nearly non-existent. However, there are some precautions you should take.

It is very uncommon; you may have an allergy to ginger. The symptoms of which will be very similar to those of other food allergy symptoms. You will experience hives, itching and occasional swelling. Discontinue if you experience any of these symptoms and consult your doctor.

There are also a few side effects of ginger that you may experience. Occasionally, you may experience heartburn, stomach pains or diarrhea.

For the best results and benefits of ginger, stick to one to three cups of tea per day.

How to grow ginger

Growing ginger isn’t all that difficult. You don’t need anything special or even to purchase seeds, though you could go that route.

Ginger should be grown in loose, rich soil that is in the shade. Get some ginger from a reputable grower or purchase a rhizome from the grocery store organic section. You want your ginger stem to be about 4-5 inches long and have greenish tips.

Start growing ginger in early spring or late winter. You want to cut off the fingers of the ginger stem and place them in a shallow trench that isn’t more than one inch deep. Once they are planted, water them periodically. In a week or two, you will see leaves, and in 10 months your ginger has reached maturity.

Conclusion:

Ginger provides you with many wonderful benefits when you consume it correctly. If you can’t stomach the tea, try incorporating it into your diet in a variety of ways. You will find that the healing properties and the numerous other advantages that come with ginger are worth enjoying.

About the author: Suja Johnkutty Dedicated physician, mom and visionary. If I could live in Relaxation Retreat half the year I would. From an overwhelmed state I realized to embrace the solace that comes from meditation, mindfulness and the love of comforts at home after a busy day. Let me share them with you in BetterRelaxation.com to amplify your self-care and enhance your vibrancy.