There are about thousands of spices all across the world. However, ginger remains to be the healthiest of them all. Aside from being the main spice ingredient in most foods, ginger has many incredible health benefits.
Not many people know how good a piece of ginger is. If you are one of those people, then here are some astonishing ginger health benefits. Keep in mind that all these facts are backed by science.
Ginger as organic medicine
Ginger originally came from China. It is among the most used flower plants in the country. This spice is similar to turmeric, belonging to the same family tree called Zingiberaceae.
The ginger root contains rhizome, which is its stem part. Most people call it ginger root, but according to facts, it is the ginger itself.
This root spice has a long yet rich history in terms of medicinal properties. Ginger contains a bioactive compound called gingerol, a known traditional medicine for common illnesses, such as colds and flu. Ginger is also known to lessen nausea and help improve digestion.
When used as alternative medicine, ginger can come in different forms. You can use it fresh and raw, powdered, dried, or make a juice out of it. The gingerol component is an excellent anti-inflammatory element for your immune system.
Ginger as a muscle pain reliever
If you do a lot of extensive exercises, your muscles tend to sore. Taking any form of ginger can relieve muscle pains and soreness. Studies also prove ginger reduces muscle pain if you consume a gram or two of it daily.
Ginger may not take effect right away after consumption. However, with daily intake, you will feel less pain in your muscles. The reason behind this effect is because of the ginger's anti-inflammatory components.
Reduces blood sugar levels and risks of heart diseases
Recent studies show ginger also contains excellent anti-diabetic components. In 2015, a study showed that consuming at least 2 grams of ginger powder a day will lower blood sugar.
The research was conducted on 41 people with type 2 diabetes. Results showed a decrease of 12% in their blood sugar levels.
Although the studies were only minor research conducted by small teams, the results are remarkably impressive. Conducting a bigger study would help to make these recommendations legitimate.
Reduces menstrual pain
Aside from reducing muscle pain, ginger is also effective for menstrual pain relief. Researchers asked 150 women to take 1 gram of ginger powder daily in the first three days of their menstrual period. The results were incredible, and it was as effective as mefenamic acid.
It prevents the possibility of getting cancer.
Cancer is among the most life-threatening diseases in the world. It is caused by the unconstrained development of abnormal cells in the body. Ginger is known to be the best alternative treatment for all sorts of cancer.
It contains 6-gingerol, an anti-cancer component. Daily intake of raw ginger reduces the risk of colon cancer. However, further studies should be conducted as to how effective it is to other cancer types.
