Why you should consider adding ginger to your diet

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most used spices in the world and is part of the same family as turmeric. The active constituents in ginger root, including gingerol, exert a variety of physiological effects on the body.

The use of ginger can be traced back to 5000 years ago in India and China, where it was included in various medicinal preparations. Traditionally, it has been applied to relieve symptoms such as migraines, colds, arthritis, high blood pressure and nausea.

Ginger can be used in various forms – fresh, dried, powdered, candied or crystallized. For the supplement industry, powdered or oil form is often preferred as the harvest is usually harvested at nine months for maximum concentration of gingerol. Studies have shown that ginger provides noticeable benefits to the digestive system, reduces nausea and has antioxidant properties. It also supports healthy cell division and controls inflammation levels in the human body.

Why is ginger good for the stomach?

Ginger is known for its benefits to the gastrointestinal tract, making it extremely useful for various stomach ailments. The most well-known use of ginger is to relieve nausea and prevent vomiting. Some studies have even shown that its effects can be comparable to those of standard over-the-counter anti-nausea medications.

Ginger works by helping to break down and eliminate gas that often causes discomfort. Additionally, compounds in ginger, such as gingelsulfonic acid, can prevent stomach irritation that is often caused by stomach acid. There is also evidence to support the hypothesis that ginger stimulates the stomach to empty more quickly and improves muscle contractions in the digestive system, which may help with feelings of bloating after eating.

Ginger has also proven effective in fighting motion sickness and often does better than some standard medications for this purpose. It works by inhibiting serotonin receptors and affects both the gastrointestinal system and the central nervous system. The benefits of ginger are also particularly valuable for pregnant women, as it is a safe way to relieve morning sickness without the risk of side effects for the baby.

The combination of these properties makes ginger extremely valuable for relieving various stomach ailments and maintaining the health of the digestive system.

How can I incorporate ginger into my routine?

1. Ginger essential oil

Essential oils are natural extracts of aromatic plants used for over 1500 years. The composition of essential oil varies depending on the extraction method and botanical origin. Ginger essential oil used as an aromatherapy agent can support health in a variety of ways. Studies have shown that aromatherapy with ginger essential oil effectively reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to placebo. This underscores the oil’s potential as a supportive therapy for relieving such symptoms.

2. Ginger capsules

This is one of the most popular forms of intake of this spice, as the capsules increase the bioavailability of the active ingredients. They provide a controlled release of ginger into specific parts of the digestive system. Studies have shown that ginger capsules are particularly effective for relieving symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women. 

3. Ginger tea

Ginger tea is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to relieve stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Inflammation in the body often leads to such symptoms as it can disrupt normal physiological functions, especially in the digestive tract. Research has shown that ginger extracts reduce inflammatory reactions in the body, which improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal system.

4. Ginger jelly sweets

A new method of taking ginger is in the form of jelly candies or chewing gum. These products offer a lingering sensation of the spicy taste of ginger and have been proven effective in relieving symptoms of motion sickness.

5. Organic ginger concentrate

Organic ginger concentrate is a versatile product that can enrich a wide variety of recipes. It is easily diluted with water or combined with lemon juice and honey to create refreshing drinks. It is also an excellent addition to teas, cocktails and a variety of dishes. The concentrate has an intense flavor and offers an easy and convenient way to enjoy the health benefits of organic ginger root. 

Resources:

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