Ginger is amongst the healthiest spices and is a staple in West African cooking but originated in Southeast Asia.It is closely related to turmeric, cardamom, and galangal and it is the underground part of the stem that is used as the spice.
Reduces gas and helps with digestion
Some research indicates that enzymes in ginger can help the body break up and expel gas in the digestive tract, providing relief from any discomfort. It also appears to have beneficial effects on the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase, which are important for digestion and also helps to increase movement through the digestive tract, to help relieve or prevent constipation.
Relieving nausea and indigestion
The number one natural remedy for easing nausea, especially morning sickness. It also appears to speed up emptying of the stomach, which can be beneficial for people with indigestion and related stomach discomfort.
Easing a cold or sore throat
Many people use ginger to help recover from a cold. It is indicated that fresh ginger may help protect the respiratory system. When added to warm water, lemon and honey it also helps with a sore throat.
Relieving pain
Raw or heated ginger may reduce exercise-induced muscle pain by about 25% and may also help reduce dysmenorrhea (pain right before or during menstruation).Reducing inflammation and help with Osteoarthritis
It has been found that people who used ginger to treat their OA saw significant reductions in pain and disability.
Anti-diabetic effects
Ginger has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve various heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes.
Lowering cancer risk
Ginger is an excellent source of antioxidants and can reduce various types of oxidative stress. This is when too many free radicals build up in the body. Free radicals are toxic substances produced by our metabolism and other factors. The body needs to eliminate free radicals to prevent them from causing cellular damage that can lead to a range of diseases, including cancer. Dietary antioxidants help the body get rid of free radicals.
May help lower cholesterol levels
High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels so we must eat the foods that prevent disease.There’s some evidence that ginger can lead to significant reductions in LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and blood triglyceride levels.
With ginger so readily available, we have a powerful spice /ingredient with so many health benefits. Used raw, as a tea or in cooking our foods, we have so many options in which to add to our diets so we have no excuses!
Kedar Health has a variety of teas with combinations of ginger.