Most of us put ginger in our tea and it is also one of the main ingredients in making Berbere (a combination of chilly and spice that is widely used in Ethiopian food), but how many of us know the extent of the health benefits that this root plant provides?
Treatment of Respiratory Problems
Due to its antihistamine properties, ginger is effective in treating allergies. It inhibits airway contraction and helps in stimulating the secretion of mucus. For centuries, it has been used as a natural remedy for colds and flu. A teaspoon of ginger juice and honey is effective in relieving the persistent cough and sore throat associated with colds.
Good for Digestion
Ginger is considered the best herb for digestion. Consumption of ginger encourages the gallbladder to release bile, stimulating digestion. This encourages the assimilation of nutrients from the food we eat. In addition to this, ginger also provides relief from stomach cramps, diarrhea and bloating caused due to gastritis. We can take ginger in the form of tea or supplements to aid digestion.
Treats Morning Sickness
Research has proved that ginger is as effective as vitamin B6 in treating morning sickness. Thus, it is often recommended to pregnant women for preventing morning sickness.
Inflammation Reduction
Ginger is very beneficial for treating chronic inflammation. It provides substantial relief from pain caused due to inflammation and even decreases swelling and morning stiffness. It successfully inhibits cyclooxygenase and five-lipoxygenase-enzymes that cause inflammation.
Reduces Period Cramps
Taking ginger at the beginning of the menstrual period can reduce the symptoms of menstrual pain in some women. Ginger tea with brown sugar is often used in the treatment of menstrual cramps in Chinese medicine.
Reduces Muscle Pain
A study carried out on 74 volunteers at a Georgian University revealed that the consumption of ginger root supplements daily reduces the muscle pain caused due to exercise by 25 percent. Two studies carried out on the effects of heat-treated and raw ginger root supplements have shown that the regular use of ginger root in the diet helps reduce the muscle pain induced by exercise. During the research, the participants were made to consume ginger supplements daily for around 11 consecutive days.
Boosts Immune
A strong immune system can keep all the diseases and infections at bay. Instead of taking medications to treat a particular disease or a condition, it is always better to take measures to prevent them. Ginger root extract is quite helpful in improving the immunity of your body. The regular consumption of ginger in small amounts reduces the risk of stroke by eliminating the fatty deposits within the arteries and keeping the blood circulation free.
