Is ginger bad? what it’s for, benefits and how to use it (with recipes)

See the health benefits of ginger , Ginger is one of the oldest spices in the world for natural medicine. It has become known for its health benefits, which include:

Its ability to boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, increase appetite, prevent various types of cancer, improve respiratory conditions, aid digestion, eliminate arthritis symptoms, reduce excess gas, increase sexual activity and relieve pain related to menstrual disorders, nausea and flu.

However, in Asian cultures, it is used directly by cutting it or using its powder in traditional dishes and in beverages such as coffee and tea. The irresistible fragrance is due to an essential oil in its composition that has been coveted and extracted by perfume makers since ancient times.

Not only is ginger known as an essence and a spice, it is known to be one of the oldest known remedies in traditional herbal and aroma treatments, especially in China, India and the Middle East.

In China, it has been used for over 2,000 years to cure inflammation and diarrhea . Native to the Indo-Malaysian rainforests, it favors lush, moist, tropical soils for cultivation.

Nutritional value of ginger:

Ginger is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C , Vitamin E and B-Complex Vitamins , Magnesium, Phosphorus , Potassium , Silicon, Sodium , Iron , Zinc , Calcium and Beta-carotene. In addition, it has anti-nausea, antispasmodic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and antitussive (cough suppressant) properties and can work wonders for your health.

What is ginger for?

Ginger is an aromatic spice with a pungent and spicy taste. Among all the active substances present, gingerol – or gingerol-[6] – deserves to be highlighted. He is mainly responsible for the characteristic flavor of ginger and for several of its medicinal properties.

Cooking turns gingerol into zingerone, which has a less pungent flavor and a sweet, tangy aroma. When dried, gingerol undergoes a dehydration reaction, which leads to the formation of shogaol, which is twice as pungent as gingerol . That’s why dry has a much more pungent flavor than fresh.

Ginger can be consumed in the form of teas, juices, fresh pieces or powder. Young rhizomes have a mild flavor and can be used in preserves. The juice of the ripe rhizomes is an ingredient often used in Indian cuisine, and common in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and other South Asian cuisines.

This juice is used to flavor vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes. The powder is a condiment for recipes for breads, cookies, cakes and beer.

Health benefits of ginger:

Cancer prevention:

Studies carried out have shown that ginger has positive effects on cancer, due to its compounds present, mainly Gingerols. In addition, these compounds present have also been shown to be effective in preventing cancerous activity in the colon that can lead to colorectal cancer.

This is yet another way for ginger  to benefit the gastrointestinal system, making it such a perfect addition to every meal. However, more recent studies have also linked these gingerols to apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, thus reducing tumors and cancer cell growth without harming the healthy cells around them.

Possess anticoagulant:

Ginger helps make blood platelets less sticky reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and also lowers blood pressure in hypertensive patients . The extract has proven to lower average blood pressure.

Reduce arthritis pain:

Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat pain associated with gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis . According to a 2001 study, the extract was effective in reducing symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

To treat the pain, apply warm turmeric paste to the affected area twice a day. Also, include raw or cooked ginger in your diet.
Also, you can add a few drops of essential oil to your bath to relieve muscle and joint pain.

Nausea relief:

In women suffering from morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy, ginger  relieved symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Useful for treating nausea after surgery, especially after chemotherapy.

Menstrual Colic:

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural pain reliever, so it can be used to reduce menstrual cramps . Also, women suffering from colic can use powder or capsules to get pain relief.

You can have tea. This will give you immediate pain relief and improve the cramping that often happens at the beginning of your monthly menstrual cycle.

For diabetics:

Ginger reduces protein levels in urine, controls thirst and urine production, and reverses kidney damage from proteinuria due to excessive amount of protein in urine. It also protects the nerves in diabetics and reduces blood fat levels, helps increase blood circulation and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.

For digestion:

This is one of the main health benefits of ginger . In addition, it stimulates the work of the pancreas, generating more enzymes that favor the absorption of nutrients, preventing intense digestion. It will prevent stomach acidity after large meals.

Relieve joint pain:

One of the most beneficial properties is that it acts as an anti-inflammatory and has been shown to reduce pain associated with joint and rheumatic diseases such as Arthritis . It also helps with muscle pain and menstrual pain.

Strengthens the immune system:

It is among the substances that boost the functioning of the immune system, activating and suppressing specialized immune cells, improving our defense system.

For the liver:

Research has shown that it and its components play an important role in protecting the liver, especially to combat hepatotoxicity.

It is an excellent antioxidant:

Many of the compounds contained in the root, such as gingerol, paradol, shogoal, zingerone and flavonoids, contain antioxidant properties, that is, they prevent cellular aging. This will provide us with benefits for our skin and health in general.

Lowering cholesterol levels:

Elevated levels of lipoproteins (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol) are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels.

A 45-day study of 85 subjects suffering from high cholesterol observed that ingesting 3 grams of ginger powder caused significant reductions in most indicators of cholesterol.

This is supported by a mouse study where ginger extract reduced LDL cholesterol to the same level as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin. Both studies also showed reductions in total cholesterol and blood triglycerides.

Migraine relief:

Research has shown that lemon juice can provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation in blood vessels. In addition, tea during migraine attacks blocks the unbearable pain and ends the associated dizziness and nausea.

Eliminates toothache and bad breath:

One of the benefits of ginger is to eliminate toothache and bad breath. Both for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, chewing the raw root, preparing an infusion, or applying a poultice of this ingredient, will relieve toothache, as well as being a good remedy for bad breath.

Relieves asthma attacks: 

Ginger helps  reduce allergic airway inflammation, possibly by suppressing the Th2 lymphocyte immune response .

Aphrodisiac properties:

There are some foods, such as Oysters , Chocolate or Cinnamon , that increase our libido. The root is one of them, so we can take advantage of this extra quality to improve our health through a natural and healthy remedy that will help us burn calories and release endorphins from sex.

Cure Intestinal Ulcers:

Peptic ulcer is a major problem worldwide in both sexes. Various factors including consumed food and its ingredients, stress, Helicobacter pylori and drugs are responsible for gastric ulcer. It is effective in preventing ulcers thanks to increased mucin secretion.

Muscle relaxation:

A study carried out in 2010 proved the analgesic and muscle relaxant effect of ginger extract (2 g daily for 11 consecutive days) is useful in significantly reducing muscle soreness derived from physical exercise.

Taking it may not have an immediate effect, but its continued use progressively increases analgesia, in this case. Also read this study on the analgesic potential of ginger on inflammatory muscle processes in female athletes.

Knee osteoarthritis:

Knee osteoarthritis has to do with joint degeneration, a condition that causes pain and a feeling of stiffness. A study of 247 people with knee osteoarthritis found that patients who took ginger routinely experienced less pain and therefore used less chemical analgesia medication compared to patients who did not.

Neuroprotective properties:

Flavonoids are substances that have neuroprotective functions, which prevent the development of cognitive damage, among other reasons, because they act as an antioxidant in neuronal cells.

Prevents Retinopathy:

The root and its components play an important role in the treatment of diabetes and its related symptoms, including retinopathy.

Cardiovascular health:

It helps prevent blood clotting and has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol and improving lipid metabolism, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes .

Treat diabetes:

Regular consumption of this root lowers glucose levels by more than 30% and also helps people with type II diabetes to secrete 10% more insulin.

Fighting infections:

Gingerol is the bioactive substance in fresh ginger and may help lower your risk of infections. In fact, the extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria.

It is very effective against oral bacteria associated with inflammatory gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. In addition, fresh can also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory infections.

For menstruation:

In natural medicine it is recommended for relief of cramps and pain during the menstrual period. This study tested the daily intake of 1 g of ginger extract in 150 women during the first three days of menstruation and proved the efficiency in reducing discomfort, cramps and pain, equivalent to the use of ibuprofen.

Antibacterial and antifungal:

This root and its components play a vital role in preventing microbial growth and acting as antimicrobial agents. For example, it fights Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans, and is an active inhibitor of M. avium and M. tuberculosis.

Helps to lose weight:

Ginger assists the digestive system by regulating the movement of the food bolus along the stomach and small and large intestines. The proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is essential for weight loss.

In addition to being low in calories, it is a thermogenic food as it increases body temperature and accelerates metabolism as a whole, which promotes the burning of fats and greater excretion of toxins by the body.

It is also considered a natural appetite suppressant as it provides a feeling of satiety, and consequently reduces the amount of food ingested.

Another important aspect is that ginger  suppresses the production of the hormone cortisol in the body. High levels of this hormone (as in situations of chronic stress) stimulate the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region and weight gain.

Alleviate pain in general:

Ginger can reduce pain from different sources, such as osteoarthritis or menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), without having the adverse effects of traditional medicines.

Ginger oil has been shown to be effective in relieving back pain, especially lumbago, applied with a massage therapy. Raw ginger  has been shown to be effective in fighting exercise-induced muscle soreness.

Other benefits of ginger:

• It is good for sinusitis ;
• Helps prevent clot formation;
• Helps in cases of halitosis ;
• Prevents varicose veins ;
• It improves the bacterial flora and prevents us from having gas and bloating after eating;
• Prevents and improves cases of gastritis and stomach ulcers;
• Helps prevent allergies such as dust and pollen allergy;
• Assist in weight loss;
• Cures colds and flu;
• Heals Sore Throat .

How much ginger can I take?

• For nausea, gas or indigestion: Some studies used 1 g of ginger a day, in several divided doses.
• For arthritis pain: One study used 250 mg 4 times a day.
• Exercise-induced muscle soreness: One study used two grams per day, divided into several doses.

In general, you should NOT take more than 4g of a day, including all sources (food and supplements).

How to consume ginger?

Ginger can be consumed raw, pickled, as a tea or as an oil . It is still used in food and beverages as a flavoring agent.

Teas: the infusion of fresh pieces of ginger is used in the treatment of flu, coughs and colds. In addition to being an effective relaxant, it hydrates the body and helps to eliminate toxins, also helping with weight loss, due to its thermogenic action. A tea is an excellent request!

Cooking: Ginger can be used in the preparation of sweet and savory dishes. It can be found dried, fresh, canned or candied. Be careful not to substitute one form for the other in the recipes, as their flavors are different.

Juices: has anti-inflammatory action, favoring the elimination of toxins from the body. The juice generates more disposition for the body, improves the appearance of the skin and the functioning of the intestine. To get tastier, hit the blender with pineapple, mint or lemon peel zest .

Raw pieces: chewing the chips helps to relieve hoarseness and irritation in the throat, in which case it only helps to improve the pain but not cure. Putting slivers of ginger in water helps to get rid of nausea.

Is powdered ginger good?

Powdered ginger has a milder and different flavor than fresh ginger. Therefore, powder cannot replace raw (in recipes, for example). It is widely used in confectioneries and bakeries to make various cakes, breads, cookies and pies. It also goes well with fruits and vegetables and is part of many spice mixes.

Powder can be made at home: Let it dry, remove the peel and grind it whole. Or you can buy it ready-made in packets or in capsule form.

Does ginger tea help you lose weight?

Ginger tea can help with your diet as it stimulates digestion, relieves constipation and is a heart tonic. It treats obesity as it helps speed up metabolism and burns calories.

To facilitate digestion, burn calories and reduce weight, it is recommended to take ½ liter of the drink a day, divided into five equal doses. Always drink tea after meals.

How Much Ginger to Consume ?

Although there is no established adequate amount of intake, studies suggest that benefits can be achieved by consuming 2 to 4 g of ginger per day.

To obtain the thermogenic benefits, the ideal is daily consumption, but within an established limit so that the increase in metabolism does not become harmful. In this case, a medium slice or a teaspoon of powdered coffee is recommended.

Ginger care: 

Despite all the benefits mentioned, it is not because it is a natural product that its consumption does not present risks. In addition, we will now see in which cases its consumption should be avoided.

• People who use medication to control diabetes and/or high blood pressure should talk to their doctor before starting to consume it. The concomitant use of In addition with medications can cause a significant drop in blood pressure and/or hypoglycemia, respectively.
• Patients with bleeding disorders cannot consume it due to the high risk of bleeding by reducing the rate of blood clotting.
• In addition, pregnant and lactating women should also talk to their doctors before using.
• Patients with biliary disorders or who will be undergoing surgery (will be anesthetized) should also inform their doctor before using the rhizome.
• Also, side effects are rare. At very high doses, a person may experience mild heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth irritation.