Ginger not only adds delicious flavour to food, but it is also full of nutrition and is a common folk treatment for many digestive issues. There is evidence that it helps.
Ginger is a flowering tropical plant that grows in China, India, Africa, the Caribbean, and other warm climates. The root of the ginger plant is well-known as a spice and flavouring. It’s been a traditional remedy in many cultures for thousands of years.
Ginger can be eaten fresh, dried and stored as a spice, or made into tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts. There’s about 2 per cent of essential oil in the root, which is used in the cosmetic industry as a fragrance in soaps and beauty products.
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger has:
- 4.8 calories
- 1.07 grams (g) of carbohydrate
- .12 g of dietary fibre
- .11 g of protein
- .05 g fat
- .1 g of sugar
- Vitamin B3 and B6, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Folate, Riboflavin, Niacin
What are the Science-Backed Health Benefits of Ginger?
Ginger contains more than 400 chemical compounds, but researchers believe the gingerol compounds are the ones responsible for the root’s health benefits. They’re also responsible for its smell and flavour. Gingerol has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help the body in a variety of different ways.
Soothes an Upset Stomach:
The chemical compounds in ginger are believed to ease stomach pain and aid digestion. Modern research has found evidence that it can be helpful.
Reduces Inflammation:
Ginger is sometimes taken as a supplement for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (two painful conditions causing joint damage). Since ginger is an anti-inflammatory, it may also be able to ease joint pain due to inflammation from arthritis.
Lowers Blood Sugar:
Adding ginger to your diet could help improve blood sugar levels and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In one study on people with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that those who took 1600 milligrams (mg) of ginger powder for 12 weeks had improved insulin sensitivity, lower triglycerides, and lower total cholesterol when compared with the control group.
Reduces Cancer Risk:
The root might be a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. Researchers have found evidence that gingerol (an active compound in ginger) has cancer-fighting abilities.
Relieves Menstrual Cramps:
When it comes to period pain, ginger might actually be right up there with pain medications.
Shortening or Preventing the Common Cold:
We often think of orange juice as the go-to drink for warding off a cold, but fresh ginger juice may be a better choice.
There are so many different ways to enjoy ginger — from sipping tea to incorporating it into your main dish. Indeed, you can use it to flavour both sweet and savoury foods.
Do you have any question or comment? Do share with us in the comment section.
