There’s gingerbread, gingersnaps and let us not forget – Ginger Spice. But there’s one ginger that rules them all...ginger root. Ginger root is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, making it a close relative to turmeric. And just like turmeric, it’s packed with powerful nutrients and compounds that can benefit your health in a big way!
Thanks to its pungent, spicy flavor, ginger root is used in many Asian dishes and curries – but there’s more to ginger than its intense taste. It contains a powerful bioactive component called gingerol, which contributes to ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
Indian and Chinese medicine are believed to have used ginger root to treat a variety of ailments for over 5,000 years. From treating digestive issues to fighting infections, ginger is known for its powerful, medicinal benefits.
Thanks to its numerous health benefits, it’s no wonder why ginger is one of the most commonly used dietary condiments in the world! Here are the top 4 reasons why you should add ginger to your diet.
4 key benefits of ginger
1. Ginger helps reduce nausea
Whether you struggle with motion sickness or morning sickness, ginger can help. Treating nausea is perhaps the most popular use of ginger.
The antiemetic properties of ginger have been studied for over 30 years. And there’s no denying its effectiveness! Researchers attribute its nausea-reducing abilities to its carminative effect, which helps to break up and expel intestinal gas.
In a 2014 study published in the Nutritional Journal, researchers reviewed the results of 12 randomized clinical trials of 1,278 pregnant women and found that ginger was effective at decreasing symptoms of nausea.
In another study from the University of Rochester Medical Center, researchers found that ginger helps reduce nausea in chemotherapy patients.
2. Ginger is a natural pain-reliever
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may be used as a natural, cost-effective pain-reliever.
But could a natural substance like ginger work as well as over-the-counter drugs? American physician, Dr. Michael Greger evaluated the effects of ginger on patients who suffer from constant migraines. Participants with moderate to severe migraines were either given one-eighth of a teaspoon of powdered ginger or a standard dose of sumatriptan – one of the top-selling drugs for migraine treatment. Researchers learned that both worked just as quickly and were just as effective, but ginger had fewer negative side effects.
In addition to treating migraines, ginger has been shown to reduce menstrual pain just as effectively as ibuprofen. And another study found that daily consumption of ginger significantly reduced joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
3. Ginger can help fight infections
Remember gingerol? This bioactive compound found in ginger has been shown to help reduce the risk of certain infections. This is because gingerol possesses powerful anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
In a 2016 test-tube study, researchers found that ginger extract was effective at inhibiting the growth of candidiasis – one of the most prevalent fungal infections of the oral cavity. Fresh ginger has also been shown to prevent the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus – a common cause of respiratory infections.
4. Ginger may help prevent disease
From treating asthma to managing diabetes – there’s no denying gingerol’s disease-fighting properties.
According to multiple studies, ginger can help reduce and prevent the spread of many diseases, such as colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer
And in a 35-day animal study, researchers found that ginger root extract reversed behavioral dysfunction and prevented symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in a rat model. However, more research is needed to determine if ginger can help prevent progressive brain disorders in humans.
The best ways to enjoy ginger
Not sure how to add this superfood to your diet? No problem! Take advantage of this medicinal root by adding it to smoothies, teas, savory dishes, and baked goods.
Whether it’s fresh, pickled, dehydrated or powdered – eating ginger is a great way to boost your health. Just watch out for sugary ginger products, like sodas, candy, and cookies. These foods are rich in added sugars, preservatives and dyes.
Enjoy the many health benefits of ginger while relaxing with the Golden Mellow mix! This mix contains dried ginger and four powerful, organic superfoods to naturally soothe your body and your soul. Its content in Ayurvedic roots and adaptogens are guaranteed to bring your calm in the chaos of the everyday life.
