Fun fact: In spite of it being a natural remedy, it’s important that any medicinal use of ginger be discussed with a physician, as it must be taken in moderation to avoid gastric irritation.
Introduction
A traditional medicine, more commonly used as tea to fight cold and flu, ginger is packed with essential nutrients that our body needs. It has phytochemical compounds that prevent certain diseases and promote health. The numerous benefits of ginger bring no reason to wonder why it has become an important herb in both Indian and Chinese medicine. Moreover, the widely grown vegetable is now considered as a major spice that takes cooking to a higher level.
Every 100 grams of ginger, Zingiber officinale, contains only 80 calories. This comes with zero cholesterol and 0.75g or 3% of the daily-recommended allowance of fat. A good source of energy, ginger provides 17.77g or 13.5% DRA of carbohydrates and 1.82g or 3% DRA of protein.
Carbohydrates are converted into sugar, which flow into the bloodstream to fuel the muscles and tissues with the necessary energy.
Ginger, may be in the form of tea, is a great way to develop resistance of the body from illnesses or infections. It holds 8% DRA of vitamin C. It likewise contains Zingerone, which fights E. coli that causes diarrhea especially to children.
This wonder herb also holds vitamin B complex including Pyridoxine (12% DRA), Niacin (4.5% DRA), Pantothenic Acid (4% DRA), and Folates (3% DRA). Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is essential in the metabolism of protein and development of the immune system. Niacin or vitamin B3, meanwhile, assists in the function of the nervous and digestive system. Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is necessary for normal growth and development. Folates, moreover, is involved in the production of new cells and maintenance of the DNA.
Ginger is notable high in potassium, an electrolyte that conducts electricity in the body to ensure proper functioning of muscles, organs, and tissues. Potassium is also vital to control blood pressure and heart rate.
Aside from potassium, ginger is a rich source of minerals like copper, magnesium, and manganese. Copper (25% DRA) performs an enzymic function for the metabolism of protein, which is the building block of muscles. Magnesium (11% DRA) is contained in bones and helps in nerve transmission and contraction of the muscles. Manganese (10% DRA) is important in the metabolism of macronutrients like carbohydrates and fat as well as in would healing and bone formation.
Other essential minerals found in ginger includes iron (7.5% DRA), phosphorus (5% DRA), zinc (35 DRA), and calcium (1.6% DRA). All these minerals
The Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger
Regulates Proper Blood Circulation
Zinc, magnesium, and chromium that are present in ginger make it a regulator of proper and healthy blood flow. It is important that the blood flows accordingly in the body for increased energy levels and avoidance of fatigue. Consuming ginger will relax your veins avoiding too much pressure for the blood to travel smoothly in the bloodstream. Drinking ginger tea will also improve circulation especially during cold season. You will surely feel better and not sluggish and stressed.
Relieves Morning Sickness
Ginger extract have proven relieving effects on morning sickness. Studies proved that drinking ginger tea regularly while pregnant lessen experiences of morning sickness up to 80%.
Promotes Proper Digestion
Ginger is very helpful for the appropriate processing of the digestive system. First and foremost, it contains properties that assure proper food breakdown. Secondly, it allows the nutrients of the food intake to be absorbed efficiently by the body. Nutrients are very important for us to be healthy. Eating nutritious foods is vital because nutrients boost the function of each of our systems. If you eat nutritious foods but failure to absorb their nutrients due to digestive dysfunction will render it useless. It is essential that our digestive system is functioning optimally. Consuming ginger as much as possible can help with that. Because ginger stimulates secretion of gastric and pancreatic digestive enzymes, their consumption helps in absorption of nutrients by the body. Ginger also regulates proper bowel movement.
Helps in Weight Management
Achieving a normal weight is one of the most difficult goals for many people. Battling the urge to eat high-calorie foods is a great challenge. The key to effectively lose weight is to observe a healthy diet and to exercise regularly. It is of much help to add ginger to your diet because of its weight loss effects. Ginger extract helps in producing sufficient stomach acids that stimulate digestion and curbs appetite. As mentioned above, ginger can help in proper breakdown of food. If food is not properly breakdown, the tendency is for it to ferment in the digestive tracts thus causing increased weight. Aside from its role in digestion, ginger is also a natural fat burner. It makes sure that the body’s fat storage normal and healthy. Intake of ginger also suppresses appetite that will keep you full for hours. This will result to lesser food intake.
Manages Body’s Glucose Levels
A few studies have been conducted that proved that ginger intake can reduce sugar in the body to an acceptably low level. This is essential to keep weight in check and to avoid diabetes as well. Ginger boosts energy without contributing harsh amounts of glucose in the body. If you have diabetes or you are highly exposed to it, drinking ginger tea at least once a day will help better your condition.
Soothes Muscles
Sometimes, due to intense physical activities, body muscles tend to weaken. Consumption of ginger can help in relieving tired and weak muscles. It is better to have a cup of ginger tea before or after playing sports, working out, or even when going to work to relax your muscles and make it able to function for intended activities throughout your day. Having ginger tea will able you to perform your daily tasks efficiently plus avoiding muscle soreness and strains.
Relieves Arthritis
Ginger contains strong anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can lead to multiple types of diseases such as arthritis. Arthritis is primarily caused by inflammation. A lot of people of any age suffer from arthritis these days. It has been proven that consumption of ginger can help relieve the pain associated with arthritis. For those who suffer from arthritis, drinking ginger tea a day has better results than taking medicinal pills to take the pain away.
Protects you from Cancer
A very distinct property that ginger has is called gingerols. Gingerols suppress growth of cancer cells especially in the colon and the ovary. Gingerols avoid tumor growth in the colon that primarily causes cancer. Ginger also has the ability to dissolve existing tumors. Ovarian cancer is battled by gingerols through apoptosis and authophagocytosis. Studies have already proven this fact and shown very positive effects in preventing and treating ovarian cancer.
Boosts the Immune System
Because of the richness in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, it is able to strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system is essential to avoid getting sick easily. Ginger stimulates sweating that removes bacteria in the body causing common diseases like cold, cough, flu, various types of infections, etc. Daily consumption of ginger will benefit our health in many ways.