Ginger,frequently referred to as one of the world’s healthiest spice, is in the same family as turmeric and cardamom. It can be consumed in various ways including being steeped in hot water to make ginger tea.

Health Benefits Of Ginger Tea

Relieves Nausea

If you’re prone to morning sickness, drinking a cup of ginger tea just before travelling helps stop any nausea and vomiting you would normally experience.

Reduces Inflammation

Muscle and joint pains are common ailments associated with inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Ginger tea is anti-inflammatory and works whether you drink it or use it to soak your inflamed joints!

Relieves Menstrual Discomfort

Ginger tea works from outside and within to quell menstrual discomfort. You can drink a cup of ginger tea and apply a towel soaked in warm ginger tea to your belly for double relief.

Combats Respiratory Conditions

Ginger tea relieves congestion associated with allergies and the common cold. By reducing inflammation in affected airways, ginger can lessen asthma-related pain.

Improves Blood Composition and Circulation

Studies show that ginger may help to thin blood and prevent fat build-up in arteries. This means it can improveblood circulation and decrease your risk of developing cardio-vascular problems. Additionally, ginger tea may help raise good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol and helping tokeep blood glucose levels steady. Potentially, therefore,ginger tea can save you from a heart attack or stroke.

Strengthens The Immune System

Ginger tea contains high levels of antioxidants and possesses anti-bacterial properties. It strengthens the body’s immune system and cleanses the vital lymphatic system, while helping to detoxify the liver and flush out toxins.

Relieves Stress

Ginger tea has a calming effect that lowers stress and tension. This is attributed to both its aroma and compounds it contains.

Improves Brain Health

Ginger tea is scientifically proven to slow brain inflammation and age-related decline in brain function. It inhibits brain cell loss which is a factor in the development of Alzheimer’sand other degenerative diseases.

Prevents Acid Reflux

Ginger tea prevents loosening of the lower oesophageal sphincter, effectively blocking acid from coming back up into the oesophagus. Ginger tea also kills bacteria linked to acid reflux. Drinking a cup of ginger tea approximately 20 minutes before a meal is thought to give the best results.

Helps With Weight Management

Ginger tea is known to

• speed up metabolism to burn more calories
• keep you feeling full for longer
• improve digestion and the absorption of nutrients
• suppress the appetite to reduce overall calorie intake

Now that you know all the wonderful health benefits of drinking ginger tea, why not brew yourself a cup? Just add a two-inch piece of fresh ginger root to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil and let steep for about half an hour. You then relax and enjoy all of its goodness!

Gingerol, one of ginger’s natural oils, has been identified as the main bioactive compound that gives ginger its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other medicinal properties that make ginger effective for preventing, curing and relieving the symptoms of various ailments.

Whether used fresh, as oil or juice, dried or powdered in food, cosmetics and as traditional medicine for various ailments ginger has been found to be good for:

Nausea

Through the years, ginger has been known to be highly effective against morning sickness, sea sickness, nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy and other forms of nausea.

Ginger, at 1 to 1.5 grams daily, has relieved morning sickness and other forms of nausea after a certain number of days of treatment according to results of 12 different studies that involved 1, 270 women.

In the study, ginger was prepared and taken: grated fresh, added to hot water for hot tea, store-bought ground ginger in capsule pack, mixed in sugar, syrup base and crystallized into candy-like shapes.

Although there has been no fetal risk linked to the use of ginger by pregnant women, you are still advised to talk to your doctor.

Sore and Painful Muscles

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger’s essential oils warm the skin and underlying tissues to improve blood flow and circulation which consequently brings relief to tired muscles.

A study reported in Journal of Pain that zingerone, gingerol and shogaol found in ginger are more effective than the anti-inflammatory Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) usually prescribed for exercise-induced sore and painful muscles.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the degenerative joint disorder prevalent among the population of at least 65 years old is characterized by stiffness, pain, inflammation and joint swelling.

There are studies that ginger’s major phenolic compound gingerol has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Chronic Indigestion

Chronic indigestion or dyspepsia is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach mainly caused by delayed emptying of the stomach after eating food.

In a study on gastric motility and emptying published at the National Institutes of Health website, patients who had 1.2 grams of ginger powder before a meal accelerated emptying of the stomach by 50%.

Menstrual Pain

A study featured in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that 2 tablespoons of ginger steeped in water with honey or lemon was as effective as ibuprofen for providing relief to menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea.

In another study, 150 women took 1 gram of ginger powder daily for the first 3 days of the menstrual period to reduce pain.

Cancer Prevention

Ginger’s anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large amounts in raw ginger.  Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found out that ginger can trigger two types of ovarian cancer cell death – apoptosis and autophagy.  During apoptosis cancer cells commit suicide.  During autophagy, cancer cells digest or attack themselves.”

Consuming ginger root also helps to reduce colon inflammation and prevent tumor formation according to a study published at the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The above list is partial. There are still other ongoing studies showing that ginger is good for: fighting infections,   reducing LDL or blood triglicerides lowering blood sugar levels, treating inflammatory gum disease like gingivitis and periodontitis and respiratory infections.

A lot of research studies validate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities of ginger. It is well established that regular consumption of moderate amount of ginger in any form reduces the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases.

The commonly used edible portion of ginger is its rhizome which possesses distinct pungent aromatic smell. This irresistible fragrance is due to its various components like zingerone, shogaols, gingerols, and volatile oils. In addition, these bioactive constituents of ginger owes several medicinal properties. India and China are the largest cultivators of ginger. It is commonly used in Indian cuisines in the form of paste, powder, oil or as juice.

Nutritional profile of ginger

As per USDA database each 100 gm of ginger contains 17.77 g carbohydrate, 1.82 g protein, 2 g dietary fiber, 1.7 g sugar, 13 mg sodium, 0.16 mg vitamin B6, 16 mg calcium, 0.6 mg iron, 5 mg vitamin C, 415 mg potassium, 43 mg magnesium, 34 mg phosphorus, 0.34 mg zinc, and 11 mcg folate.

Health Benefits of Ginger Rhizome

Fight Infection

It is proven that ginger extract is capable of fighting many bacteria and viruses which can cause severe infections. Most importantly, ginger root is known to kill bacteria which cause gum infection and bleeding. Fresh ginger is potent against Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection which causes lower respiratory tract infection, especially in infants and children.

Boost digestion

The phenolic component of ginger is effective in treating dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is a condition in which a person feel bloating, heartburn and recurrent pain in upper part of the stomach. Ginger actually help in the fast emptying of ingested food by suppressing gastric contractions. It also stimulates the salivary amylase and bile juices for fast and proper digestion of food.

Control nausea

In the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience morning sickness. Regular consumption of 1-1.5gm of fresh ginger significantly reduces nausea and vomiting. However, it is advisable to consult your gynecologist if you have any associated problem.

Cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy can drink ginger tea to get relief from nausea. Ginger tea is highly beneficial in reducing post-surgery nausea due to anesthesia effect on the body.

This anti-nausea effect of ginger is attributed to its inhibitory action on serotonin receptors in the brain and gut as well as on vasopressin.

To make ginger tea, grate 20 grams of fresh ginger in boiling water. Sieve the water using a strainer. You can add lemon and honey to enhance the taste.

Reduce osteoarthritis pain and muscle soreness

Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties since ancient times. Consumption of ginger root in any form can reduce the pain caused by excessive exercise, muscle soreness, and osteoarthritis. This anti-inflammatory activity of ginger was due to its inhibitory effect on enzymes like cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase with consequent reduction of inflammatory chemical messengers like leukotrienes, prostaglandins and tumor necrosis factor. Further ginger rhizomes have no side effects, while conventional painkillers with similar treatment properties display multiple side effects.

Eat 2-5 grams of ginger daily and apply this along with oils of sesame or castor on affected areas to reduce stiffness. Applying ginger topically reduces the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Relief Menstrual cramps

A great reliever to women for monthly painful days!! Ginger root is found to be very effective in reducing extreme painful cramping associated with menstruation, the condition known as dysmenorrheal. Ginger tea or ginger oil can be effectively used during periods to reduce the pain.

Increase blood flow

Ginger is known to clear the fat deposition inside the wall of arteries thereby increasing the blood flow. It stimulates the muscle cells and increases oxygen supply to the body.

Prevent cancer

Active bio component gingerol present in ginger has shown anti-carcinogenic potential in many experimental studies. Anti-cancer activity of ginger has been attributed through the stimulation of tumor suppressor gene as well as the suppression of metastasis.

Prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Severe cognitive impairment in elderly people known as Alzheimer’s disease was found to be prevented on regular consumption of ginger. It is observed that plants with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can promptly delay age-related neurodegeneration. Ginger comes in the list of these reputed plants. Regular consumption of ginger significantly reduces the oxidative stress and chronic inflammation which helps in maintenance of proper brain signaling with age.

Reduce Blood Glucose levels and boost Heart function

Recent studies reveal that consumption of ginger may reduce blood glucose level in patients with diabetes. It was found that ginger significantly reduces the levels of fasting glucose.

Two major risk factors for heart disease ApoB / ApoA ratio and marker lipoprotein were found to be significantly decreased by consumption of moderate amount of ginger daily for 3 months

Control high Cholesterol

Ginger is potent in the reduction of LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol. Many studies indicate that consumption of 2-3 gm of ginger daily for 3 months significantly reduces the levels of cholesterol biomarkers.

Treat Hair Loss

Ginger is one of the excellent remedies to treat hair loss. As ginger root possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, it cleanses the scalp making hair strong and shiny. Further, bioactive components of ginger boost hair follicles and increase blood circulation on the scalp.

Take a fresh ginger root and extract juice. Mix 1 tablespoon of this juice with the same amount of olive or jojoba oil. Massage this mixture onto your scalp in circular motion. Leave it on hairs for 20-30 minutes and then rinse off using an herbal shampoo. Follow this remedy twice a week for best results.

For Acne Scar removal

Last but not the least ginger can be used for exfoliation of the skin. Ginger mixed with sugar and olive oil can be used as a natural scrub to cleanse the skin and remove acne scars. It also absorbs excess oil and dirt from the skin leaving it flawless and clean.