Are you familiar with the benefits of ginger root? Most people associate ginger with Asian cuisine. Chinese food is very popular worldwide and numerous dishes feature ginger on their menus. Ginger and garlic are the two most essential ingredients in Chinese cooking.
Ginger originated in the island nations of Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. This area was formally called the East Indies back when shipping routes first started trading goods. Ginger was one of the first spices imported to Europe in the spice trade.
Most people are familiar with gingerbread, ginger cookies, ginger ale, and ginger beer. I personally never associated ginger root as being the essential ingredient in these recipes. I didn’t even know what ginger root was till later on in life. I had seen the powdered version in my mom’s spice rack. It was not used very often in traditional western cuisine. As culinary interests become more the rave, the use of ginger has become more mainstream.
Ginger deserves more consideration beyond its use within culinary arts. Ginger has incredible value as a whole food supplement and anyone seeking optimum health should utilize its benefits. So, how can ginger enhance your well-being…
Ginger may help prevent Heart Disease!
One person dies every 37 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease… the number one killer in the US. Heart disease is even preventable for most people. Poor food choices are the main reason for early death from a “broken” heart. If the rest of the world keeps emulating our wonderful fattening fried cuisine, they will also face the same consequences.
Nothing helps you more health-wise than a complete overhaul of your diet; however, adding ginger to your daily routine may help you lower your cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting. High cholesterol can result in plaque clogging up in your arterial walls and blood vessels. This could result in a heart attack or stroke… Yikes!
Studies have been done that demonstrate significant improvement in heart health from ginger consumption. It may reduce the risk of hypertension by 8% and lower the risk of coronary heart disease by 13%. Eliminating diets high in saturated fats and refined sugars will lower the risk even more. If you already have heart disease, too much consumption of ginger may cause some additional problems… please consult with your doctor before supplementing with ginger root.
Diabetes… can Ginger Help?
Diabetes is certainly the world’s fastest-growing health crisis. Awful food choices take most of the blame for type II Diabetes. There are different reasons for type I diabetics. Food can also be part of the solution for controlling diabetes and possible reversal for type II sufferers. Diabetes is no joke… blindness… loss of limbs… if you have diabetes, please take it seriously.
Ginger may reduce the risk of diabetes. Scientists have been able to link active compounds in ginger to improvements in metabolism and insulin. A study done in 2015 was able to show a drop of 12% in fasting glucose levels with daily 2-gram consumption of ginger. It also demonstrated a 10% reduction of HbA1c ( a marker for long-term blood sugar levels.) Research using ginger to combat diabetes is still new, but the results so far look promising. Ginger may have amazing anti-diabetic properties.
How can Ginger be Used in Fighting CANCER?
When I was a child, I was absolutely terrified of cancer. A nun put the fear of God in me spelling out the horrors of cancer and leprosy. I suppose she thought of cancer as a modern-day version of leprosy. Medical science has come a long way since the 1970s. Cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence; however, it still kills many.
I have always been one to show an interest in prevention. Sales copy gurus will tell you that prevention-based products don’t sell well, but if someone becomes deathly ill, they will spend every dime looking for a cure.
My outlook on health is about seeking out the best food choices for optimum health. Right now… I want to feel as good physically as I possibly can… this involves research and taking certain actions… being committed. I only have my health… and I value it… do you?
As you may know, cancer is a disease of abnormal cell growth. Cellular health is EVERYTHING! Cancer is often an awakening to gear towards some lifestyle changes. Dietary choices may become a new concern. Ginger, while not a cure for cancer, may lower your risk. Ginger contains cell-protecting properties that may reduce cellular activity which causes changes in your DNA, premature cell death, and rapid growth of cancerous cells.
A major component in ginger is 6-gingerol. It is found in large amounts inside the root of the ginger plant. There has been some evidence of its effectiveness in treating breast, pancreatic and ovarian cancers. 6-gingerol has demonstrated protective effects against cancer, but more research is needed.
Tummy ache?
Stomach aches can ruin your day. You know that feeling… anytime you are starting to feel sick, you feel it in your gut first. I always assume it is a reaction to food I ate recently… then it dawns on me… I am coming down with something.
The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates suggested all disease starts in the gut. He wasn’t entirely correct, but evidence shows many of your chronic metabolic diseases do begin in your digestive system.
Ginger is no cure for chronic metabolic disorders, yet the idea ginger can help with digestive issues isn’t new. Research has linked numerous digestive benefits of ginger. It is great for your gastrointestinal tract, helping to reduce gas and painful spasms.
Dyspepsia (known by everyone else as indigestion) is recurring pain and discomfort in the upper part of your stomach. The delay of emptying your stomach is a major cause of indigestion. Ginger has been shown an ability to speed up this process of those suffering from chronic indigestion. This also offers relief in a buildup of gas.
Ginger may also aid in transferring food from your stomach to your small intestine for digestion and absorption. It may also prevent ulcers caused by anti-inflammatory drugs. How else can it help your gut…
Metabolism Booster?
Another benefit of adding ginger to your weekly shopping list, it boosts your metabolism. Ginger is also high in dietary fiber which assists in weight loss.
One study showed stimulatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The study appraised the effects of a hot ginger beverage on energy levels, appetite satiety, and metabolic risk in overweight men. The study exhibited a speedier metabolism and reduced cravings for food which should result in weight loss over time. Try the recipe below to add ginger to the start of your day.
Natural energy drink recipe. 
1/2 cup purified water
juice of 1 medium lemon
2 teaspoons of finely minced ginger
2 teaspoons of raw honey
a pinch of cayenne
Can Ginger Help with Menstrual Pain?
A report published in Pain Medicine in 2015 suggests compounds in ginger may help keep inflammation at bay by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Menstrual cramps are linked to excessive production of prostaglandins. In essence, ginger may help reduce menstrual pain. There is also evidence supporting ginger as helping control heavy menstrual bleeding. Ginger may also help lessen morning sickness and is effective against nausea.
Can Ginger Help Men too?
ED… The subject men don’t like to talk about. There are many factors contributing to this growing problem (no pun intended). Men are anguished and embarrassed when they can no longer function in the bedroom.
Aside from psychological barriers, on a physical level, man’s inability to perform is due to a lack of blood flow in his manhood. Mostly, this happens to older men. Diabetes also can throw gasoline on this problem.
What ginger brings to the table… it helps stimulate circulation and improve blood flow in your blood vessels. Ginger has a reputation as an aphrodisiac, and along with all the other benefits ginger has to offer, what have you got to lose. Ginger is very affordable and easy to add to your life.
Using ginger to treat colds and flu!
Colds and flu are common occurrences every year for a lot of people. Unavoidable… As soon as a coworker gets it… the whole office comes down sick. Research shows having 2 to 4 colds a year as not uncommon.
Ginger helps combat a flu virus by inducing sweating and pushing toxins from your body. It is also a wonderful immune booster. Steep some ginger (use a garlic press) in some hot water and add some raw honey or lemon for added benefits and taste.
Sore muscles?
As you age, it takes longer to rejuvenate aching sore muscles after working out or the effects of your daily grind at work. Even younger active people can benefit from ginger. It has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in recovery.
Ginger may also help arthritic pain. Arthritis is a painful disease of inflammation in your joints. The 6-gingerol property has been tested and trusted to relieve joint pain and assist bone health.
While we are on the subject of inflammation, respiratory disorders, as in asthma, are a result of inflammation in the airways. The airways get inflamed and it becomes difficult to breathe. Ginger, again, is great in reducing inflammation and it also helps you relax… and relaxing is critical in asthmatic attacks. I could not imagine feeling like you can’t breathe… it must be pretty scary. Ginger works well in unison with asthma medication.
Hope for Alzheimer’s?
Ginger may increase brain function and shield against Alzheimer’s Disease. Oxidative stress attacking your cells and chronic inflammation speed up the aging process. These are known as the key factors in Alzheimer’s and other age-related issues. Studies in animals suggest antioxidants and compounds found in ginger can decrease inflammatory responses in the brain and there is also evidence in ginger directly enhancing brain function.
Ginger for skincare?
Ginger has also found its way into cosmetology. Ginger may help in treating different skin blemishes like acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. It may even out your skin tone, improves elasticity, and helps protect against aging
Taking ginger internally also helps flush harmful toxins and your inner health always reflects itself on your skin. You can make a skin mask of powdered ginger, raw honey, and fresh lemon juice. Leave it on for half an hour and rinse. Do twice weekly.
What about side effects?
There are little to no side effects in ginger consumption. Pregnant women probably shouldn’t exceed 1500 mg a day. As always, check with your doctor if pregnant. Also, be careful if you have heart disease. As a rule, everyone else should keep it under 4 grams a day.
Adding Ginger into your Diet
When purchasing ginger, whether at your local grocery, health food store, or farmers market, seek out firm looking roots with few blemishes. Get out your potato peeler and scrape off the skin and use the yellow flesh inside to take full advantage of ginger’s health benefits.
You can add fresh ginger to your tea or make a smoothie. There are numerous recipes for sauces and is great in homemade Chinese style recipes or on grilled fish. Raw ginger will be your best bet to reap the full benefits of what ginger has to offer. Anytime you cook something, it removes nutrients and destroys life-saving enzymes. Go raw as much as you can.
Your ginger should last about four weeks if seal properly. It will start to mold over time.
Conclusion
Ginger is a true Superfood and would greatly benefit anyone deciding to add it to their daily life. I personally add it to my tea with a little amla powder for an extra antioxidant boost. I rarely get ill and like the naturally energetic feeling from raw ginger. Add some raw honey for an additional boost.
I am not making any health claims on the benefits of ginger and have put some research links below to back up this post.
Many blessings, Brian.
Sources
Ginger study for heart disease
I love ginger. I use it frequently along with other spices when making chicken or fish. It adds a delicious flavor to it.
I knew it had a lot of properties like boosting our metabolism and helping us with heart disease and diabetes. I also drink ginger tea when I have a cold. It really helps.
However, I never imagined it could help us prevent cancer or Alzheimer’s. It’s good to know, especially now that a lot of people die of cancer. I know quite a few.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Enrique
Hello there, thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful piece of information here with us. I must say i really did enjoyed going through your article. I personally never knew these benefits one can gain from eating ginger, and i also heard it is of great benefit during this COVID19 pandemic. Thanks for sharing this
You are welcome. I am glad you liked it.