What is that one thing you always buy for the kitchen every time you are in the grocery? Onion? Garlic? Fruits and vegetables? What about ginger? Even without making a grocery list, you always get ginger whenever you are in the produce section. It just makes any dish tastes better, doesn’t it?
Aside from being a staple kitchen ingredient, did you know that ginger has tons of health benefits, too?
In fact, the National Library of Medicine reported that ginger is one of the most effective centuries-old solutions to help treat nausea after surgery, loss of appetite, stomach upset, morning sickness, colic and motion sickness.
It also treats symptoms of bronchitis, menstrual cramps and arthritis, among others.
In other words, ginger root, which was originally used by the ancient Chinese and Indian cultures, is more than just a flavor to add to your dishes. Here nine things ginger root can do, which your grandmother forgot to tell you:
1. Ginger Root Helps In Your Weight Loss Goals
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Good news, ladies. If you are looking for an effective way to help you lose weight without compromising your health, then stock up on ginger now.
Believe it or not, ginger acts as a fat burner that melts all those unwanted fats away. And it’s not just water loss or general weight, but real, legit fat.
At the same time, ginger root helps you feel full, making you eat less for quite some time. As a result, there is a reduction in your daily caloric intake. Grabbing a bag of chips or a bar of chocolate to fill up your hungry tummy is less likely to happen, thanks to ginger root.
That’s not all. An Australian research study suggests that ginger helps in keeping your blood glucose levels in the right amounts. Keep in mind that blood glucose has a direct impact on your weight. This means a significant drop results in a midday crash and, well, you don’t want that.
2. Ginger Root Helps With Morning Sickness
You recently found out that you have a bun in the oven. Congratulations. For sure, you must be really happy with this news.
However, being pregnant also means experiencing so many things all at the same time, including morning sickness.If you’re having a morning a la Kate Middleton, well, there’s a cheaper solution for that – ginger root.
Ginger root works as a calming agent that offers relief to bouts of morning sickness. So the next time you feel like throwing up, put ginger root in boiling water and let it simmer for a few minutes. You will surely feel better after.
3. Ginger Root Relieves Muscle Pain Caused By Exercise
Are you always at the gym or somewhere working out? If yes, then great job for taking the necessary steps for better health.
Despite being lean and fit, there will be instances where your muscles and body in general are screaming for a break. They can’t help it. Everyone deserves a chance to take a rest, including your muscles.
In this case, ginger root can be of great help. Researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study regarding the effects of ginger in muscle pain.
They found out that raw and heat-treated ginger supplementation can reduce exercise-induced muscle pain by 25 percent – and the participants only took the ginger supplements for 11 days.
In other words, if you feel tired from weight training or cardio workouts are making your legs painful and sore, munch on some raw ginger, add it on boiling water or take ginger supplements. It’s going to relieve any muscle pain for sure. Plus, it’s a cheaper alternative too.
4. Ginger Root Offers Relief Against Dysmenorrheal
Admit it ladies. Red days are not exactly the best days for you. You have no choice but to wear a feminine napkin, or tampons in case it decides to pay a visit during your vacation.
However, what is more annoying is the fact that you have to deal with painful menstruation, also known as dysmenorrheal.
A hot compress does work. However, one of the most effective and natural ways to deal with this condition is by taking ginger capsules.
Based on a study published in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, ginger can help reduce pains associated with menstrual periods.
Researchers from the Islamic Azad University studies a group of female students and divided them into two groups, one group taking ginger capsules, while the other group was the placebo group. After taking ginger capsules, they found out that almost 83 percent of women who took ginger capsules showed improvement in pain symptoms, compared to those on the placebo.
The next time menstrual pain, cramps and discomfort decides to pay you a monthly visit, well, you know what to do.
5. Ginger Root Is An Aphrodisiac
Good news, people. If you are having problems in the bedroom or taking your clothes off doesn’t excite the inner sex goddess in you, well, ginger root can be the ultimate solution.
It is totally understandable if you go for female enhancement pills, such as Provestra to keep your sex life going. However, there is safer and more natural way to deal with your lost libido.
Remember this: you need enough blood flow down there to increase sensitivity and stimulate arousal. One of the simplest ways to do this is to take ginger, which explains why it is part of the aphrodisiacs list. It increases the function of your circulatory system, which means better blood flow down there.
Of course, you know what happens next, right?
6. Ginger Root Reduces Inflammation Of The Colon
Did you know that inflammation of the colon could lead to colon cancer? So, if you are not careful enough, well you know what can happen.
The good news is, there are ways to reduce the risk. Based on a study conducted at the University of Michigan Medical School, ginger root supplements can reduce inflammation markers in your colon within a month. By reducing colon inflammation, you are also able to reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.
And the best part about this is that this type of treatment is cost-effective. All you need to do is to go to the nearest grocery store, buy some ginger and you’re good to go.
7. Ginger Root Strengthens One’s Immunity
Its winter season again. This means it’s time for coughs, colds and flu, which can spell problems for you.
No matter how much you try to be healthy, and take vitamin C, it seems it will never be enough. Sooner or later, you’re going to end up sick.
If you are looking for an equally simpler but effective way to boost your immune system, then try ginger.
Take it as a capsule, mix it with boiling water or take it as it is, ginger strengthens your immune system to help you recover quickly.
It also acts as a shield to prevent your body from getting sick easily. Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting ill when everyone else is sick, because your body remains stronger than ever.
And if you are worried about the safety and effectiveness of ginger, don’t be. There are tons of scientific and medical research that supports this claim.
8. Ginger Root Can Help People With Asthma
Did you know that millions of people around the world have asthma? Blame it on genes or a toxic environment, but the fact remains the same: asthma is a common condition these days. If you are one of the unlucky few who need inhalers to be able to breathe, consider adding ginger to your asthma-fighting team.
Researchers from Columbia University conducted a study about the effects of specific components of ginger to asthma medications.
They took tissue samples from the airway smooth muscle or ASM and exposed them to acetylcholine, a compound responsible for narrowing of the airways.
Then they mixed the isoproterenol, or the asthma medication with different components of ginger. They found out that ASM tissues exposed to isoproterenol and ginger mixture showed greater relaxation compared to tissues treated with isoproterenol alone.
However, this doesn’t mean that ginger can solve asthma problems on its own. It still needs a back up.
In other words, ginger components can provide added relief for those who have asthma. It is more cost effective, too.
9. Ginger Root Can Reduce Arthritic Inflammation
Let’s get things straight. Did you know that ginger is anti-inflammatory in nature?
This means drinking ginger tea can fight against inflammation-based diseases and conditions. And that includes arthritis.
Arthritis is also one of the common conditions experienced by Americans, with millions more getting diagnosed every year. If you are one of them or knows someone with arthritis, then there is another good news.
Ginger can provide relief from pain that comes with arthritis. It’s cheaper and safer too instead of going for pills.
See, ginger root is more than just an ingredient in the kitchen. Yes, it does make dishes yummier and better tasting. However, you should know that aside from the kitchen, ginger root could work its magic in your body too. Go ahead and give it a try.