Ginger may not be that delectable as a food, but you will be surprised by how many benefits it can give to your body. For those who are already eating it or mixing it with their foods, that is great. For those who are not yet doing so, well, today is the day. Read the health benefits of ginger below and learn more about the wonders it does for your health, as backed up by wellness coaches.
If you have a phlegmy cough, ginger can reduce the mucus and have a soothing effect on the lungs. It can also cure respiratory problems like a sore throat, sinusitis and a cold. For a sore throat, you just have to gargle it with honey. To treat sinusitis, ginger can reduce congestion in the nose and let the affected person experience comfort in breathing. It also has the same effect on a person with a cold, in addition to reducing the mucous.
Ginger is a culinary herb or spice that originated from Asia, but it is now cultivated in many warmer regions of the world. Some call it ginger root, as it grows underground, and others say it is a rhizome, which is more of a stem than a root. No matter what you like to call it, it is a very beneficial herb.
Ginger is a flowering perennial plant with yellow-green and white flowers. There are many varieties of ginger, and depending on this, the flesh can be white, red or beige. It has a spicy taste that will enhance the flavour of just about any meal or drink. Its zesty aroma alone is enough to liven up the kitchen or any other room of the house.
Helps the Digestive System
Ginger has for many centuries been used to help relieve digestive problems such as bloating, gas, cramping, heartburn, nausea and diarrhea. This is due to the gingerols, which help produce more digestive juices to break down the food in your digestive tract. The warming effect of ginger can help improve circulation, which is also beneficial to your digestive system.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Ginger helps open up blood vessels by reducing triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood. This, in turn, helps keep the vessels soft so you can avoid atherosclerosis, which is a major risk factor for stroke.
Fights Cancer
Studies show that ginger has cancer fighting agents which can attack and destroy cancerous cells. According to these studies, ginger can help you fight breast, ovarian, skin and colon cancers. Ginger also contains antioxidants which help keep your body free from toxins so that you can avoid cancer altogether.
Keeps the Mind Healthy
The antioxidants in ginger help remove harmful deposits from the brain which contribute to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. The aroma of ginger alone can help sharpen your mind and improve your memory.
Contains Anti-inflammatory Properties
Ginger contains anti-inflammatory agents which help relieve swelling and pain due to arthritis. Adding ginger to your diet will not offer immediate relief, but it can help prevent the pain and keep the swelling from recurring. For immediate relief, you can apply grated ginger topically to the inflamed area. The gingerols will go to work immediately to warm and soothe the painful joints or muscles.
