10 Reasons Why Ginger Can Better Your Health

Most people know what ginger root is and have eaten it in some delicious Asian dish or in desserts. We classify it as a food, but ginger has more going for it than its awesome taste.

The healing properties of this plant are remarkable. It’s been used in Asia for over 4,000 years. They have found over 100 different compounds in ginger and over 50 of them are antioxidants. The most well-known power substance is called gingerol.

My family and I have been using ginger as a health supplement for years and I intend to keep using it! There are many ways to take ginger. There is the commonly known way by using it in your kitchen when you cook. Like how I use it for my Lemon-Lime Ginger Salad Dressing.

You can take a little piece and juice it or add it to your smoothie. Just remember a small amount goes a long way. You can make tea out of the root itself or even use ground ginger powder.

Then there is the easy way going about it and that’s through taking it in supplement/pill form. This makes it easy when you are out and about or you’re on a time crunch. I personally use all 3 three methods. Here are some supplements I recommend and have used: NOW Ginger Root and Swanson Ginger Root

Now let’s look into the benefits of taking this root.

10 Reasons How Ginger Can Better Your Health

1. Aids in Digestion

Millions of people across the world suffer from indigestion and heartburn. The gingerol and other compounds that are found in this root help stimulate, saliva (which releases enzymes), bile and other gastric juices to help the digestive process.

2. Natural Blood Thinner

Ginger has a lot of compounds that contribute to its blood thinning properties. One of those compounds that stands out is salicylates. A compound commonly found in many blood thinning herbs and medicines.

3. Lowers Blood Sugar

There have been many studies on how ginger effect blood sugar levels. A recent article from preventions.com stated,

“…a new study by researchers from Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences in Yazd, Iran.

The research team studied 88 people with type 2 diabetes. The volunteers, all whom had been living with diabetes for at least 10 years, were randomly given either 3 daily one-gram capsules of ginger powder or 3 identical-looking sham capsules, in addition to their regular diabetes meds. Those who took the ginger capsules saw a significant decrease in blood sugar after 8 weeks.”

You can read the whole article here: Ginger Shown To Lower Blood Sugar

4. Brain Function

Ginger has been used for brain health for a long time. And is recently been extensively studied for its ability to help with brain function. It has been known to help with brain fog, memory, and dementia.

5. Fight Infections

It has been used to help treat the flu and colds. The compounds help stop the growth and even kill pathogens and bacteria.

6. Anti-inflammatory

There has been found over 50 types of antioxidants in ginger. These antioxidant fight against inflammation and help heal the body.

7. Motion Sickness

Ginger is great at preventing and stopping symptoms of motions sickness and seasickness. It helps reduce symptoms that are associated with it: nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

8. Morning Sickness

It’s digestive abilities in helping with indigestion and with motion sickness. Has led it being used as a safe way to treat pregnant women with morning sickness. Check out your local health food store for ginger chews and candies for morning sickness

9. Cancer

It has been tested and proved that it has the ability to kill and stop the growth of cancer cells. In recent studies they have found a compound called 6-Shogaol. It has the ability to inhibit breast cancer cells and even stop cancer stem cells.

To read more about this study check out:6-Shogaol Inhibits Breast Cancer Cells and Stem Cell-Like Spheroids 

10. Aids in Weight Lost

This root is a double-edged sword when it comes to weight-loss. It’s a natural appetite suppressant. And aiding in lowering blood sugar and stopping those hunger pains. Ginger’s thermogenic ability (warms up your body), it also increases your metabolism. Helping you burn more calories with less effort

As you can see this powerful root can help aid your journey to abundant health. Next time you see it at the grocery store pick some up and enjoy it as a tea, or use it in your meals.