HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

Ginger belongs to Zingiberaceae family. Scientifically, it is known as Zingiber officinale. It is known for its wide array of health benefits. This commonly available material is widely used by people across the globe to treat various physiological complications away. The various parts of ginger are used extensively by the medical science to provide relief from various disorders effectively. The rhizome or stem may be used in the form of powder or may be dried or used fresh. It may also be consumed in the form of juice as well. Ginger is a combination of gingerols, shogaols and zingerone. The essential 3 components: 8-gingerol, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol. Here are some of the wonderful health benefits of ginger. Grab a look at them.

1. Treats Diarrhea

Ginger has been used since ancient times to cure diarrhea, and it was recently proven by researchers that it indeed helps, since it prevents stomach spasms and gas that contribute to and stimulate diarrhea. In China, its powder has been given to those with diarrhea for thousands of years; scientists have concluded that the ancient ways are indeed beneficial for this condition.

2. Relieves congestion and cold 

Ginger juice has amazing antibacterial properties. Consuming ginger juice with dried pepper can help eliminate mucous and congestion in the lungs. To cure cold, mix equal quantities of ginger juice and honey and drink it warm at least two to three times in a day. Drinking plain ginger juice can also help in clearing a sore throat.

3. Prevents Menstrual Cramps

Cramps are the body’s way of alarming an individual to some type of danger or damage. In this case, prostaglandins, which are hormones that function as chemical messengers, are the key activators of symptoms such as cramps, pains, and fevers. Scientists believe that high levels of prostaglandins contribute to increased menstrual cramps. Ginger helps by reducing the levels of prostaglandins in the body, hence relieving the cramps.

4. It can help you lose weight.

Some small studies have linked ginger intake — when combined with other plant extracts — to some benefits in weight loss. And there's definitely some promising animal research linking ginger to weight management. But as with anything else, ginger is no magic weight-loss pill! Other components of a healthy, balanced diet matter just as much when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off.


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5. Pain reliever 

The fresh juice of ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is known to act is a pain reliever. A very effective remedy for back pain is to mix a spoonful of ginger juice with some olive oil and massage it over your skin. Leave it overnight and you will feel relieved the next morning. It can also help in curing a toothache or a pulsating migraine headache. For a toothache, it is best to keep a small piece of ginger between you cheek and tooth and let the natural juices do the work. For migraine, drink two tablespoons of ginger juice with honey. You can even rub some ginger juice on your stomach to get relieve from a sinus headache.

6. It can reduce your risk of diabetes.

Scientists have linked some active compounds in ginger with improvements in insulin and metabolism. That said, if you're at risk for diabetes, adding extra to sugary gingerbread cookies won't do you any favors! Keep both dried and fresh ginger ginger on-hand for flavoring smoothies and veggie-based stir-frys and soups. While some chemical compounds in ginger may decrease over time, the drying process enhances other beneficial ones.

7. Detoxifies & Disinfects

Ginger is good at promoting sweating. Sweating not only cleans out the pores and allows your body to eliminate toxins, but research has also shown that sweat includes a germ-fighting compound, named dermcidin. It has been positively connected to reduced bacterial and viral infections in a person who sweats regularly since it can create a sheen on the skin, which is a protective layer of previously unknown proteins!

8. A cure for acne

This is easily understandable as acne is an inflammatory condition and ginger is known got its anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural and effective treatment for acne and acne scars. You can directly apply a small amount of ginger juice on the affected area and leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water and let it dry. The Vitamin C in ginger juice can help in clearing skin blemishes. You can even use the juice to make ginger tea which is great for detoxifying the skin. Brew the ginger juice with tea leaves, add some honey and lemongrass to reap more beauty benefits and drink up.

According to Dermatologist Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, "Ginger juice can help remove toxins from the skin and supply more iron through the blood that will leave you with a healthy glow. It can also be applied on cuts or wounds to heal them naturally and prevent scarring."

9. Prevents Cancer

One of the most exciting developments in the discussion of ginger and its impact on human health has been the positive correlation between the organic compounds in ginger and the prevention of cancer. Gingerols, the same compounds which give ginger its anti-inflammatory qualities, have also been shown to prevent carcinogenic activity in the colon that can lead to colorectal cancer. This is yet another way that ginger benefits the gastrointestinal system, making it a perfect addition on the side of every meal. However, more recent studies have also connected these gingerols to apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, thereby reducing tumors and the growth of cancerous cells, without harming the healthy cells around them.

10. Controls high blood pressure

In his book, ‘The Healing Herbs,’ renowned health writer Michael Castleman explains that certain chemical compounds in ginger can help in reducing hypertension or high blood pressure. It prevents blood clots from being formed in your arteries and blood vessels and thus, controls blood pressure. According to Castleman, the chemical compounds in ginger can also help lower overall blood cholesterol levels as well as low density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) which can cause heart disease. It is recommended to have a tablespoon of fresh ginger juice twice a day but you must consult your health expert before doing so.

How to extract ginger juice

There are two easy ways to make ginger juice at home. In the first method, you can use a simple grater to grate fresh ginger using the smallest holes. Place a bowl below the grater to collect the grated ginger. Next, put all of the grated ginger in a cheesecloth, wrap it properly and now squeeze it over an empty glass or bowl to collect all the juice. You can use the dry grated ginger later for cooking purposes or brew some with your evening tea.

In the other method, you can use a juicer or a mixer to extract ginger juice. Add small ginger pieces along with some water and blend. Take out the ginger pieces and place them in a cheesecloth. Squeeze out the juice and its ready for use. Since the juice contains the entire essence of ginger, it can be a bit pungent or spicy. You can add it to your detox juices to give it an extra kick or even to your cup of tea along with honey which is great to balance the pungency.

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Source: organicfacts