Eat Me: 10 health benefits of ginger

Ginger is one of the most widely used condiments in the kitchen today.

It is used in proper meals, in drinks (tea, ginger ale, beer), and can also be used as a preservative, and even in desserts.

It’s almost common knowledge that ginger has medicinal uses, but do you know why and what the uses are?

According to Dr. Axe, the therapeutic benefits come from gingerols, the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

These bioactive ingredients, especially gingerol, have been thoroughly evaluated clinically, and the research backs up why you should use ginger on a regular basis.

According to Life Hack, this is what you stand to gain from some ginger.

Maintains normal blood circulation

Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweat.

Remedies motion sickness

Ginger is a known effective remedy for nausea associated with motion sickness. The exact reason is unknown, but in a study of naval cadets, those given ginger powder suffered less.

Improves absorption

Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does this by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.

Cold and flu prevention

Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that to treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tablespoon of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day.

Combats stomach discomfort

Ginger is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding a possible stomach ache. Ginger appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen.

Colon cancer prevention

A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Reduce pain and inflammation

Ginger contains some of the most potent anti-inflammatory fighting substances known and is a natural powerful painkiller.

Fights common respiratory problems

If you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases such as a cough, ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus.

That way you can quickly recover from difficulty in breathing.

Ovarian cancer treatment

Ginger powder induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells.

Combats morning sickness

Ginger has demonstrated a success rate of 75 percent in curing morning sickness and stomach flu.