Aside from enhancing your favorite sushi roll or holiday cookies, ginger also boasts a sprawling list of health benefits. Nutritionally, the spice is a star. That’s right. It tastes good AND is good for you. Now if only that were the case for deep dish pizza *sigh*. The zesty fragrance and flavor come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is also responsible for much of its medicinal properties, as it’s anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants and packed with vitamins and minerals. Whether it’s sore muscles, that time of the month or a rough hangover you’re battling, you can count on ginger to save the day.
Lets explore the health benefits of ginger by digging into 7 reasons you should consume more ginger:
Ginger treats dizziness
Ginger is a proven way of naturally curing bouts of dizziness. This is because it helps promote blood flow within the body, particularly to the brain. So, if you’re someone who suffers from faintness, vertigo or even migraines regularly, consider swapping your morning cup of coffee for a golden mylk or turmeric latte instead.
Ginger alleviates nausea
Similarly, ginger has also been shown to help with nausea and vomiting. Morning sickness, motion sickness and altitude sickness all included! Its quick absorption and rapid regulation of body functions are to acknowledge and appreciate here.
Ginger soothes tummy troubles
There’s nothing worse than enjoying a great meal only to finish it off with bloating, heartburn, acid reflux or an unpleasant trip to the bathroom. Ginger can be super supportive of everything regarding digestive health thanks to an enzyme called zingibain that breaks down protein and assists in passing along food through the system. Skip the Tums and suspiciously pink Pepto and opt for a more holistic approach.
Ginger relieves joint pain
Ginger has some amazing pain-relieving properties and is especially well known for reducing soreness caused by exercise or arthritis. The high anti-inflammatory properties of this herb are to be credited for this benefit.
Ginger eases menstrual cramps
Due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, it can also work well at relieving period pain and other symptoms. In fact, one study showed that it was just as effective as Ibuprofen. So, the next time Aunt Flow pays a visit, warm up a ginger-packed latte, sit back and sip your way to PMS relief.
Ginger improves brain function
The antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger also curb inflammatory responses that occur within the brain. This may help to slow down the aging process and prevent Alzheimer's disease and other age-related declines. We like to think of it as nourishing your noggin!
Ginger fights infection
The gingerol in ginger helps to lower the risk of infection by inhibiting the growth of many different types of bacteria. With cold and flu season just around the corner, look to nature’s bounty to protect and strengthen from within!
For these reasons, ginger is one of the "superfoods" actually worthy of the term. We’re definitely rooting for this remarkable root, which is why you’ll find in several of our superfood blends- including our Beetroot Blend and our Turmeric Blend. Simply mix a teaspoon of your choice into water, milk or a smoothie for an easy and delicious way to reap these health benefits!
References:
http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jnhs/papers/vol6-issue5/Version-3/M0605037986.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016669/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20418184
