Ginger is a popular condiment used in many Asian cuisines. This wondrous rhizome is known for adding vibrant flavor to the Asian cuisines. But other than flavor, it can also provide many health benefits. Ginger belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae. The underground stems and roots are the parts of the plant that are used for the culinary and edible purposes. This condiment has always been really popular in folk medicine and Ayurveda. Modern medicine is now catching up with traditional medicine and realizing the value of ginger. Ginger has an incredibly impressive nutritional profile which is the reason behind its medicinal potency.
Nutritional Profile Of Ginger
Ginger is a medicinal gem with an incredible nutritional profile. It is loaded with nutrients like healthy carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins like vitamin C, B6 and minerals like iron, calcium, manganese, potassium and magnesium. It also contains many powerful enzymes like zingibain that has powerful antioxidant properties. This nutrient-packed rhizome can add an ultimate health kick to your meals.
Health Benefits Of Ginger
1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Ginger contains many powerful anti-oxidant enzymes. One such enzyme present in ginger is called gingerols. Researches have discovered powerful anti-inflammatory properties of this enzyme and are using it to treat many ailments like arthritis.
According to a publication published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage in 2003, consuming fresh ginger through daily food can provide relief with the discomfort and swelling associated with arthritis. Gingerol is the enzyme present in ginger that can ease the pain associated with joints and muscles. Ginger can also treat heartburn effectively due to its anti-oxidant capabilities.
2. Aids Digestion
Ginger has been used as an aid for treating digestion-related problems in Ayurveda and Chinese Traditional Medicine for centuries. Now modern medicine is also finding it just as potent in treating digestive problems. Ginger can provide instant relief to digestive problems like nausea, motion sickness and pain. It can also improve appetite of the people struggling with appetite problems. It has been used famously in the treatment of conditions like diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, intestinal gas and irritable bowel syndrome.
According to a study, ginger can improve digestion by aiding the movement of food to the intestines from the stomach.
3. Boosts Immunity
Ginger can boost immunity and improve our health by a great measure. Adding some ginger to our beverages on cold days can improve our immunity against cold and flu. It can detoxify our systems effectively. Hence, regular consumption of ginger can promote sweating that can help in maintaining great skin health.
According to study published in the year 2003 in the Journal of Ethanopharmacology, ginger was found to be effective against respiratory tract virus and could provide protection against the spread of the virus. Ginger can also effectively decrease mucus production.
4. Makes Heart Healthy
Ginger contains high amount of potassium. Hence, it can keep our blood pressure in check and heart rate normal.
Ginger Water For Good Health
Adding ginger to each and every recipe that you cook can be a bit difficult. So, you can make ginger water and sip it through out the day for great health.
Requirements
1. A big piece of ginger
2. Three cups of water
3. Raw Organic Honey
4. One or half a Lime
Preparation
Grate the ginger nicely using a grater. Now, you can add the grated ginger to your three cups of water and stir well. You can add juice of one half of the lime and one teaspoon of honey to it. Stir the mixture well. Transfer it to a bottle. You can carry this bottle and keep drinking this health drink through out the day.
This concoction can help in providing relief to your pain greatly. So, try this concoction today without giving it a second thought.
