GINGER
Ginger root has been celebrated both as spice and medicine for centuries. It is a well-known remedy for colds, flu, indigestion, and nausea. But the benefits of ginger are not limited to only these issues. Ginger has amazing overall health benefits which you are about to see for yourself.
There are many ways of consuming ginger. It can be eaten raw both fresh & dried, it can be cooked with food, brewed into a tea, or soaked into water. It is beneficial in all its various forms.
BENEFITS OF GINGER
Some of the benefits of ginger include:
- Relieves nausea
Drinking a cup of ginger tea before travelling can help prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Drinking it at the first sign of nausea is also very helpful - Improves digestion and nutrient absorption
Ginger tea helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption from food. Ginger tea also helps relieve gas and bloating. - Manages Diabetes
Ginger contains compounds (6-gingerols and 8-gingerols) that can help the body take up glucose. This ability can be most helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. - Reduces inflammation
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and is thus an ideal remedy for muscle and joint problems. In addition to drinking ginger tea, you can also use it to soak inflamed joints. - Fights respiratory problems
Ginger tea can help relieve congestion associated with the common cold. It also helps relieve respiratory symptoms associated with seasonal or environmental allergies. - Improves blood circulation
Vitamins and minerals in ginger tea help restore and improve blood circulation which in turn improves cardiovascular health. - Relieve menstrual discomfort
Soaking a towel in warm ginger tea and applying it to your lower abdomen helps relieve menstrual cramps. At the same time, drink a cup of ginger tea with honey. - Strengthen immunity
Ginger tea can help strengthen your immunity due to the high levels of antioxidants in ginger. - Relieve stress
Ginger tea has calming properties that may help reduce your stress levels. This is thought to be due to a combination of the strong aroma and healing properties. - Helps with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common disorder that affects people all over the world. Some of its symptoms include cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and mucus in the stool. Ginger can help relax the intestines during a flair up and soothes the discomforts associated with IBS.
Ginger taken in any form—raw, cooked, tea, water—seems to have a calming effect on the digestive system.
- Relieves Heartburn
Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Millions of people take medicines to relieve these symptoms. Studies show most heartburn drugs do more harm than good. Instead of turning to drugs, drink ginger tea. It prevents the loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and blocks acid from regurgitating back into the esophagus. It also kills off harmful bacteria, such as helicobacter pylori. This type of bacteria is linked to acid reflux. - Aids in Weight Loss
To help aid your weight loss efforts, incorporate ginger into your diet. Ginger can speed up the metabolism, leading to calorie-burning.
Ginger can also keep you feeling full, suppressing your appetite and ultimately reducing your daily calorie intake. A 2012 study published in the journal Metabolism found people who drank a hot ginger beverage containing 2 grams of ginger powder after meals reduced feelings of hunger for up to six hours.
- Relieves Tired Muscles
After a workout, your muscles naturally get tired. One way to help speed up muscle recovery is to munch on ginger root. Research has shown that people who eat ginger experience a significant reduction in muscle pain. - Reduces Arthritic Inflammation
Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. For that reason, it can help relieve various inflammation-based conditions and diseases including arthritis. - Clears Sinuses
There is an active ingredient in ginger that has shown to work wonders on the sinuses, helping to facilitate drainage. All you need to do is brew a nice cup of hot ginger tea to get the benefits without the use of medications with possible side effects. - Regulates Cholesterol Levels
Ginger tea helps decrease cholesterol in the body by decreasing the levels of cholesterol in serum and liver. - Regulates Hypertension
Ginger tea and ginger water helps in reducing the blood pressure and thinning the blood.
HOW TO BREW A PERFECT CUP OF GINGER TEA
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of the dried ginger root or 3 to 4 thin slices of fresh root.
- 1 cup of water
Method
1. Add the root to the water and bring to a full boil. Keep the pot or kettle covered if possible
2. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes on very low heat
3. Drink hot or cold.
4. Add some lemon or honey for flavor and added benefits
5. Enjoy!
HOW TO MAKE GINGER INFUSED WATER
Ingredients
- 1 cup roughly chopped ginger root
- 4 cups water
Method
1. Place ginger and water into a blender and blend on high for about 1 minute
2. Refrigerate overnight in a glass container.
3. Strain the next day by pouring through a nut milk bag, jelly bag or fine strainer.
4. Store in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
If you don’t have a blender…
1. Finely chop or grate the ginger.
2. Soak it in the water in a glass pitcher or bowl
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. Strain the next day by pouring through a nut milk bag, jelly bag or fine strainer.
5. Store in a glass container.
6. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.