Ginger- The Ultimate Superfood
Originating in Southeast Asia, ginger is a flowering plant and a part of the Zingiberaceae family. It is also similar to cardamom, galangal, and turmeric in its nutritional properties and plant type.
Ginger is usually added to dishes as a spice. However, it has various other uses and is also sometimes a component of cosmetics and processed foods. The ginger used in foods is called the rhizome or the lower part of the stem, which remains underground.
An increasing body of nutritionists and medical experts considers ginger as a superfood. It is rich in essential nutrients that make it an incredible health package.
5 Health Benefits Of Ginger
Ample consumption of ginger dramatically enhances one's health. Mainly because of its healthy contents, such as gingerol, which has medicinal properties. So, what are 5 health benefits of ginger? Let's find out below.
1. Effective In Treating Nausea
Ginger can help treat different kinds of nausea effectively. It includes, among other things, pregnancy and chemotherapy-related nausea, though the latter demands extensive research and study yet.
Among pregnancy-related nausea that ginger combats effectively is morning sickness. According to a review of several studies, 1.1-15 grams of gingers can decrease symptoms of nausea in pregnant women substantially.
However, as per the same review, the use of ginger doesn't alleviate vomiting episodes. It must also be kept in mind that women close to labor or who have had miscarriages are advised to avoid consuming ginger.
2. Helps Manage Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease in which joints deteriorate, causing symptoms such as joint pains and stiffness. A literature review concluded that people with OA who consumed ample amounts of ginger experienced a decrease in general discomfort and other symptoms.
Another study reported a mixture of topical ginger, mastic, sesame oil, and cinnamon relieves pain and stiffness in patients with OA.
3. Assists In Weight Loss
Ginger is associated with weight loss in several studies. According to a literature review by Healthline, ginger's regular use significantly lowered body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in obese people.
In a 2016 study, researchers found out that ginger can also reduce body mass index (BMI) and blood insulin levels.
4. Lowers Diabetes Risk
According to a 2015 study, 2 grams of ginger powder per day reduced blood sugar by 12% in patients with type 2 diabetes. It also lowered hemoglobin A1C by an astonishing 10%, which is a marker for blood sugar levels in the long run. Moreover, the apolipoprotein B-ApolipoproteinA ratio also decreases by 28%.
5. Relieves Chronic Indigestion
Chronic indigestion is ongoing discomfort in the upper section of the stomach. Disrupted metabolism in the body can be a cause of indigestion. Ginger's ability to accelerate the emptying of the stomach helps treat indigestion.
Conclusion
Ginger is undoubtedly a fantastic superfood, packed with highly beneficial nutrients that help maintain healthy nourishment and physical well-being. If you are preparing a healthy diet plan, you should add ginger to it too.
