The ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is grown for its aromatic, pungent, and spicy rhizomes, which are often referred to as ginger roots.
The main active components in ginger are gingerols, which are responsible for their distinct fragrance and flavor. Gingerols are powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate the pain caused by arthritis. Studies have also shown that ginger helps boost the immune system, protect against colorectal cancer, and induce cell death in ovarian cancer.
Ginger is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root, or ginger, is widely used as a spice and as folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems about one meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades.
The texture of ginger rhizomes is firm, knotty, rough, and striated (banded). Depending on the variety, the flesh may be yellow, white, or red. The skin is cream-colored to light brown and may be thick or thin, depending on the plant’s maturity at harvest
What does ginger do to your body?
Ginger offers many health benefits to our lungs. Due to its anti-inflammatory qualities, ginger causes bronchodilation in asthmatic patients. Various animal and human clinical studies have demonstrated the bronchodilatory effects of ginger. Ginger also breaks down the thick mucus and helps to expel out the mucus.
Ginger helps improve the circulation of the scalp while also stimulating each hair follicle, which in turn promotes natural hair growth. The many vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids in ginger also contribute to strengthening your hair strands to combat hair loss, and ginger contributes to restoring moisture loss.
Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, compounds that prevent stress and damage to your body’s DNA. They may help your body fight off chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diseases of the lungs, plus promote healthy aging.
Ginger is identified as an excellent herb, which can improve the functional attributes of kidneys. They are helpful in food digestion, improvement in blood purification, and increase the flow of oxygenated blood towards the kidneys.
Ginger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also relieve nausea and pain. One study suggests that some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing.
Ginger. Ginger, a staple in traditional medicine in India and China for thousands of years, can likewise lower blood pressure and improve circulation. In both human and animal studies, ginger has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, which negatively impacts blood flow
Since ginger may fight germs, illness, inflammation, and cancer-causing molecules, taking a little bit every day can support your overall health. Ginger is a natural root, so drinking it will also give you added nutrients.
Ginger is a good source of copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. Historically, it has been used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. It is also safe for pregnant women who are experiencing nausea and vomiting.
When preparing ginger, peel off the skin with a paring knife. Ginger can be sliced, minced, or julienned.
The level of flavor that ginger delivers to a meal depends on when it is added during the cooking process. Added early, it will give a hint of flavor; adding it toward the end will bring about a more pungent taste.
You can easily swap in other ingredients in your spice cabinet for ginger without losing flavor. Fresh or powdered ginger can be replaced by ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground mace, or ground nutmeg.
- Ginger is believed to speed up the movement of food through the GI tract, while also protecting the gut. It may also ease bloating, cramping, and gas. If you are dealing with an upset stomach, you may want to boil some fresh ginger or add a little ground ginger to some hot water.
- Due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, ginger may boost immune health. Although acute inflammation is an important part of the normal immune response, chronic inflammation can harm your immune system, potentially increasing your chances of illness.
- Ginger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also relieve nausea and pain. One study suggests that some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing.
- The scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017, have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight many strains of bacteria.
- Millions of people the world over swear by the healing power of ginger. You can eat it whole, ground, cooked or raw. Ginger is a spicy root that has proven to be an effective natural remedy for some common diseases.
- A ginger wrap can help in removing mucous from the lungs and reduces cough effectively. Pour some olive oil and some grated ginger. Put a portion of the mixture in a napkin and wrap gauze around it. Tape it to your chest using adhesive tape.
- Ginger tea is great anytime during the day, but the best time to drink ginger tea is in the morning. When taken in the first 30 minutes after you awake, it helps your body end its overnight fast, charge up your metabolism, and prevent nausea. Boil the ginger root and water for ten to twenty minutes. The longer you boil the ginger, the stronger the tea will be. Then add honey, lime, or lemon to taste, cool the tea, and you have made your simple and tasty ginger water.
- Digestion: Ginger honey is rich in antioxidants which elevate digestive properties. It promotes the secretion of bile and intestinal flora which helps dissolve fat and thus speeds up the digestive process.
- A teaspoon of mint juice, lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey mixed with ginger water can relieve morning sickness during pregnancy.
- Cancer: The combination of ginger and honey helps soothe the side effects of chemotherapy like nausea and vomiting.
Storage: Refrigerate fresh, whole, unpeeled ginger in an airtight plastic bag in the crisper drawer. The airtight bag keeps out oxygen and moisture, two things that will cause ginger to mold. Whole, unpeeled ginger root kept in this way in the fridge can last up to two months.
