Ginger is a powerful root commonly known for its spicy and aromatic flavor in foods. A few ways to incorporate ginger into your diet include: making candied ginger, brewing ginger tea with lemon, or adding it to savory food dishes to add a little zest. In addition to being a versatile spice, ginger also has abundant health properties. Consider adding a little ginger to your daily routine to gain any of these great health benefits!
Here are 5 health benefits of using ginger:
- Contains medicinal properties: ginger contains gingerol, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help your body fight off illnesses such as the flu and common cold. Ginger also has antimicrobial properties to inhibit harmful bacterial growth and reduce the overall risk of infections.
- May help with weight loss: studies showed that ginger may be beneficial for weight loss. The gingerol found in ginger stabilizes blood sugar levels and facilitates faster food digestion, both of which can be key to losing weight.
- Helps with nausea, digestive issues, and stomach pain: you may have heard that drinking Ginger Ale can cure nausea and upset stomachs, however this is only a myth. Ginger Ale is mostly made of artificial sweeteners and carbonation and in fact, doesn’t contain any ginger extract – which is the real driving force behind relieving various types of nausea. Ginger works by regulating blood pressure and stimulating the stomach and GI tract to effectively reduce symptoms of vomiting, indigestion, and nausea.
- Lowers cholesterol levels: research showed that ginger is rich in enzymes that can reduce LDL cholesterol aka “bad cholesterol” and boost HDL cholesterol aka “good cholesterol” levels. In fact, one study showed that people who consumed 3 grams of ginger three times a day had a significant reduction in triglyceride and overall cholesterol levels than those who didn’t consume any ginger.
- Reduces inflammation: ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory root that can be used to ease pain and swelling. This can be helpful for those looking to find relief from pain associated with chronic illnesses, joint pain, muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, and more.