Health Benefits of Ginger

10 Reasons to Include Ginger in your Diet

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Ginger truly does top the list of effective natural home remedies. Being used throughout history by different cultures around the world, ginger harnesses an incredible healing power proven for a host of ailments. The spice is packed with essential nutrients and rejuvenating compounds.

1. Strengthens immunity. Ginger helps improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit ginger a day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.

2. Maintains Normal Blood Circulation. Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweat.

3. Improves absorption. Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does this by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.

4. Relieves stomach discomfort. Ginger is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding possible stomach ache. Ginger appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen.

5. Fights pain and inflammation. Ginger’s pain-relieving health benefits are likely a result of the many potent antioxidant compounds it contains.

6. Relieves congestion. Ginger is both diffusive and stimulating which can help loosen up mucus that is stuck. You can rub some over the chest or make a strong ginger tea to relieve congestion.

7. Treat nausea caused by viruses and motion sickness. Ginger ale, ginger pills, and candied gingerroot are known to ease nausea without causing drowsiness.

8. Erase menstrual pain. When taken at the beginning of the cycle, ginger was shown to reduce the cramping pain many women experience while menstruating.

9. Fight cancer. Ginger contains bioactive compounds that appear to be powerful in fighting various types of cancer. Preliminary studies have been done mostly at the laboratory level and shows how effective these bioactive compounds at fighting cancer.

10. Relieve stress. Ginger tea has calming properties that can help lower stress and tension levels. This is the result of the strong aroma and healing properties.

How to consume ginger

Ginger can be grounded to create a dry powder or paste and added to a variety of foods such as soups, sauces, marinades, and more. Ginger can also be added to beverages such as juices, smoothies and tea. Ginger tea is available to purchase commercially however it is simple to make. It can be made with either fresh or dry ginger.

Fresh Ginger Tea Recipe

1-inch piece fresh ginger 
Squirt of lemon
Honey as desired
Boiled water

Grate or mince the fresh ginger. No need to peel it first, but if you really want to peel it, try using a spoon to gently scrape away that outer layer.

Put the ginger, lemon, and honey in a cup or jar. Fill the cup with boiled water. Cover and let steep for 15 minutes. 

The amount of water you use will determine how strong the tea is. Start with about 8 ounces and then make adjustments from there.

Dried Ginger Tea Recipe

2 teaspoons cut and sifted dried ginger
10 ounces water
Honey as desired
Squirt of lemon

Place the ginger in a small saucepan along with the water. Cover and simmer for 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain. Add the honey and lemon.

Enjoy!

Do you include ginger in your diet?