18 benefits of ginger for your body and your health
Ginger is a plant root with multiple benefits for the body and for health in general. For centuries it was used in the typical diet of different cultures thanks to its natural and nutritional properties. Increase body temperature in whopping people, speed up metabolism, increase libido or help prevent nausea and dizziness during pregnancy are some of the benefits of this food.
In this article we will see the benefits of ginger for the human body, as well as the different ways we have to ingest it, which can be both liquid and solid.
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What is ginger?
Ginger, also known as kion or quion, is an aromatic plant which has been the subject of study for centuries thanks to its healthy and healing effects. It belongs to the tuber family, and is an underground rhizome (root) with a remarkably spicy flavor, which also makes it a good gastronomic seasoning.
Since ancient times, ginger was one of the most popular and important plants in the East, especially in the Arab countries, China and India. This is the result, in part, of its properties: it is
a natural anti inflammatory that helps fight various heart, digestive or respiratory diseases.His composition
Ginger means finding in a single food a whole concentration of benefits and compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids or essential oils for our health.
Within the family of oils it contains, we find some types such as citronellal, lemongrass and camphene. Gingerol is another of the essential oils of the plant since it is responsible for giving it that spicy flavor that characterizes it.
As for vitamins, this tuber is rich inVitamins B and C, in addition to being also rich in minerals such as aluminum, phosphorus, calcium and chromium.
The most important benefits of ginger
Below we will briefly review the benefits of ginger that can help to significantly improve our health if we maintain a consumption on a regular basis:
1. Sickness
During pregnancy it is ideal to consume ginger as a natural antiemetic, especially for the first months of pregnancy as it is a beneficial supplement for both the fetus and the mother. It also helps cope with the difficulties of chemotherapy for cancer patients.
2. Digestive
Ginger is highly recommended for those who suffer from digestive problems such as gastritis, flatulence or diarrhea, among others. It also works as a stomach protector, although it cannot replace the medication dedicated to this.
3. Natural anti-inflammatory
The use of ginger is recommended to help you get through painful or inflammatory conditions, and effectively combat problems of osteoarthritis, arthritis or chronic fatigue.
4. Throat conditions
Professional singers are big fans of ginger. The benefit it provides to treat throat infections and inflammations is priceless.
5. Helps increase body heat
Ginger is highly recommended for those who are cold or have problems maintaining body temperature, especially in winter. It has a very powerful calorific component.
6. Speeds up metabolism
It also helps speed up your metabolism, so it is an ideal complement in case we need to lose weight.
- Related article: "15 tips to speed up your metabolism and lose weight comfortably"
7. Increase libido
Ginger is considered a natural aphrodisiac. It is recommended to take it in the form of a drink almost every day.
8. Prevents heart disease
As we have commented previously, ginger has benefits for cardiovascular problems, maintains an optimal rhythmic level and helps regulate the pumping of the heart.
9. Improves circulation
Ginger also makes blood circulation better adapt to what we are doing.
10. Fight migraines
Scientific studies have shown that ginger blocks the effects of protasgladin, a substance that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain that causes severe headaches (migraines).
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11. Anti-stress
Thanks to the properties it contains in cineole, ginger helps reduce anxiety levels, regulates stress states in seasons with ups and downs and gives the body a feeling of calm.
12. Decreases muscle problems
It is a food especially recommended for those who practice sports constantly and with high performance. It will help relax the muscles after putting a lot of pressure on them.
13. Avoid congestion
It effectively fights congestion and the discomfort of constipation. It is advisable to take ginger infusions.
14. Calms menstrual cramps
For those women who suffer from pain in the ovaries, it is highly important to take liquid ginger, it is the only natural remedy that does not present significant side effects.
15. Prevents colon cancer
The properties of gingerols are beneficial in preventing colon cancer. Its effects appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in this area.
16. Strengthens defenses
Ginger has tremendous benefits for the immune system, so it helps make acute colds and flus develop.
17. Dermatological treatment
The ginger root can be applied directly to the skin, and it effectively fights minor wounds and burns if you have suffered a heat stroke.
18. Fall asleep
As we have seen, the relaxing effects of ginger help regulate stress. In this way, if we have problems falling asleep, it is advisable to take ginger before going to sleep.
What is the best way to take it?
As mentioned above, consuming ginger regularly and, if possible, daily, will have excellent benefits for our body and health. It is not very relevant how the plant is taken, but there are different ways to suit the consumer: fresh or raw, powdered with tea or blending it into a drink.