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10 Natural Benefits of Ginger

The top 10 Natural Benefits of Ginger have been studied and researched meticulously, and the findings are clear. It is a strong, healing root that has been used throughout history as a natural option for health and wellness.

This is an amazingly flavorful and healthy herb to include in your family menu, or as a supplement to your wellness routine. It’s easy to shred ginger into stir fries, juices and teas. This powerful root has many wonderful anti inflammatory properties which can aid in relief in our joints, as well as our brains.

These 10 natural benefits of ginger are powerful reasons to include it in your diet. 

Healing Tea Is One Way To Deliver The 10 Natural Benefits Of Ginger
Healing tea is one way to deliver the 10 natural benefits of ginger

Cara Cooperman has been invited to add her herbal wisdom to the Homemade Food Junkie blog! Cara offers us information on 10 natural benefits of ginger. Cara offers us knowledge about the health benefits of ginger, well supported by science.

Ginger is amazing in sauces like Rhubarb Ginger Sauce. We also include ginger in our juices for an extra flavor and the powerful health properties; and of course, the well loved classic gingerbread cookies.

Cara Cooperman-Contributing Author
Cara Cooperman

Hi, I’m Cara. Since childhood I have always been a firm believer that our answer to health is found all around us in nature. My journey to pursue this professionally started in 1998 when I came to the United States.

I was quite surprised to see the amount of dependency there were to pharmaceuticals, even for the simple cold. With my firm conviction for natural healing, it was an easy transition for me to study herbalism.

I do not discredit the benefits of modern medicine, but I do not believe in the strict obedience as well. Every human body is unique, and maintaining health can be viewed from many angles. Visit my website at Natural Health Journals.

As an aspiring herbalist I believe that many health issues can be treated with the natural ingredients found in our gardens, farmers markets, and grocery stores. As a nation, the United States focuses too much on the dependency of pharmaceuticals to treat common ailments such as knee pain to the common cold. There are some foods that are in a category of their own, and are often referred to as superfoods.

Is ginger really a superfood?

If there is any one food that deserves to be called a “super food”, it would have to be ginger. Not only is it responsible for adding the spicy zing to gingerbread men, the root of the ginger plant has also been found to have several natural health benefits.

In Asia, ginger has been used for over 2,000 years to treat various stomach ailments and improve digestion. Studies continue to find other health benefits of ginger, as it is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that are powerful and beneficial to the body and brain.

Fresh Ginger 10 Natural Benefits Of Ginger
10 natural benefits of ginger include nausea relief as a natural option

What are the 10 health benefits of ginger?

  • Nausea Relief. Ginger has long been used to treat nausea and recent studies have found it to be effective in treating pregnancy-related nausea.
  •  Osteoarthritis (OA) Knee Pain. A study published in the medical journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, in 2001 found that ginger extract was effective in reducing pain and other symptoms of OA of the knee brought on by standing and walking.
  • Indigestion. Those that suffer from chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) can find natural relief using ginger. A study published in the World of Gastroenterology in 2011 found that ginger was able to accelerate gastric emptying in patients with functional dyspepsia. Ginger is also known to help in the relief of indigestion in infants especially those who have colic.
Ginger Soothes Cramps, Nausea And Other Ailments
Relief of symptoms like cramps, nausea and other ailments is the most common among the 10 natural benefits of ginger
  • Menstrual Cramps. Women suffering from menstrual cramps can get safe and effective relief with ginger, which was found to be as effective as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid in a clinical trial conducted between 2006 and 2007. Research is also showing at ginger benefits sexually as well. It has been shown to increase blood flow, which may help increase sexual arousal and libido in both men and women.
  • Cholesterol. High cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease, can be lowered using ginger, according to clinical studies on humans and rats. In one such study published in the Saudi Medical Journal, taking 3,000 mg per day of ginger for a period of 45 days decreased total cholesterol by 13 mg/dl and triglycerides by 9.5 mg/dl.
  • Muscle Aches and Pains. The effects of ginger on muscle pain have been studied and while it didn’t seem to offer immediate relief of pain and inflammation when taken after exercise, it was able to slow the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.
  • Blood Sugar and Diabetes Management. A small 2015 study on the effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar in diabetic patients yielded impressive results. It found that 2 grams of ginger powder a day significantly reduced the levels of: HbA1c, FBS, Apo B, Apo B/Apo A-I and MDA.
  • Chemotherapy Nausea. Nausea is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. A 2012 study found that a daily dose of 0.5 g to 1.0 g significantly reduced the severity of nausea in adult patients undergoing chemotherapy.
  • Motion Sickness. Motion sickness can result from any type of transportation, from riding in a car to a boat, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, vertigo, and cold sweats. A study of ginger’s effects on seasickness found that powdered ginger significantly reduced nausea, as well as the other symptoms associated with seasickness.
  • Antioxidant Properties. Several studies have highlighted ginger’s natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect our bodies from the damage caused by internal and external free radicals. Antioxidants have been linked to a lower risk of several diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer’s. A study conducted in 2011 states that the high level of antioxidants in ginger is only surpassed by that of pomegranates. In order to benefit fully from ginger it’s best to follow the nutrient profile of ginger.

Is it good to take ginger everyday?

Ginger is a natural plant that has many benefits when consumed regularly. It is safe to take ginger supplements daily, but it is wise to research how many grams would a safe and beneficial amount for you specifically.

When looking at the 10 natural benefits of ginger, it is clear that ginger is not only beneficial to our bodies on a physical level, it can have a tremendously positive affect in our brains. This root has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain which provide relief from inflammation, depression, and anxiety.

Should you eat ginger on an empty stomach?

Ginger is commonly recommended as a morning supplement, or addition to your breakfast meal or drink in raw form. It provides anti inflammatory properties and will help the body detox and flush out any toxins that have accumulated overnight.

Though there are definitely benefits of eating raw ginger in empty stomach, there can be side effects of ginger consumed while in a fasted state. Ginger can stimulate the secretion of bile which aids in digestion. The increase in stomach bile tends to cause irritation to the stomach lining, which may result in some abdominal stress.

What are ginger benefits for men?

Among the top 10 natural benefits of ginger, the most noticeable benefit that men may experience from regular ginger consumption is increased blood flow. This can have a positive impact on testosterone production, and increasing blood flow to the testicles. Testicular weight is actually a vitally important anatomical indicator of strong male fertilization ability.

Men will also benefit from the ginger roots powerful anti inflammatory abilities both physically and in the brain. Joint pain, Alzheimers, depression, and anxiety are directly linked to inflammation and toxin overload in the body and brain.

What are the healthiest ways to eat ginger?

Ginger is a wonderfully aromatic spice that can be found in an array of delicious dishes. Often it is used in desserts and drinks that hold a lot of flavor, as well as savory Middle Eastern recipes. To reap the full benefits of ginger, there are certain ways that are best to consume it. Here are some wonderful ways to consume the ginger root for the highest health benefits.

  • Add fresh grated ginger to your morning tea or coffee
  • Enjoy it in your iced tea or lemon water throughout your day
  • Spread homemade ginger jam on biscuits
  • Make a batch of honey fermented ginger
  • Prepare a batch of homemade ginger cough drops
  • Add minced ginger to your homemade salad dressings
  • Enjoy warming soups made with turmeric and ginger

Ginger is an amazingly simple, easy to grow, inexpensive root that has been used throughout history for its powerful healing properties. Nowadays it is used for the aromatic flavor in desserts, drinks, and savory meals. However you enjoy it, ginger is a wonderful addition to your diet and you cannot ignore the 10 natural benefits of ginger.

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-Rivera-

Thursday 7th of April 2016

Dear Cara Cooperman, Just Good to know that you are an aspiring herbalist. You are also a great writer too. Yes, health issues can be treated with the natural ingredients. I strongly agree with you. The 10 natural benefits of ginger you are providing is highly effective for us. I request you, Just keep on your mind in herbal research and give us good post in your website.

Thanks & Warm Regards Maria Rivera