Who would ever think that an underground rhizome, a root, has several benefits for the body’s health? Spice ginger is a root part of the ginger plant. For botanists, ginger is called Zingiber officinale. The inside of spice ginger comes in many colors – yellow, red or white, and it is covered in brownish skin. If the ginger is harvested young, the skin is thin; otherwise it is think-skinned. When the flesh of ginger is sliced, it has firm and striated texture. If tasted, it is hot, aromatic and pungent, which makes it one of the most sought-after spices ever since. When choosing ginger, always choose fresh ginger over the dried one. Not only is the fresh ginger flavorful but it also contains rich amounts of the compound, gingerol, that provides several benefits to the body. Ginger is a good source of several minerals that helps the body function properly, such as magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese and the vitamin B6. But the best reason why ginger is one of the most healthful spices is the various compounds and substances that promotes

1. It aids in digestion and calms an upset stomach.

   If history books are checked, there are several accounts showing that ginger or its concoction is being used to alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. For one, ginger is being used as carminative, or a remedy to expel intestinal gas. When there is too much gas in the digestive tract, there is always abdominal pain since there are spasms of the muscles that make up the stomach and the intestines. By taking ginger in various forms, there is elimination of gas and relaxation of the intestinal muscles, which results to relief of gastrointestinal upset.

2. It soothes the throat.

   Those who have colds and flu will usually have a symptom such as sore throat. Sore throat is irritating, especially if one is a singer. As a remedy, ginger is either gargled or sucked like a candy. Ginger has a compound that can relieve the inflammation of the mucus membrane of the throat. By using ginger regularly, the throat is soothed effectively.

3. It prevents nausea.

   A study was made regarding the effects of ginger on hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition where a pregnant woman experience constant nausea and vomiting brought about by the changes of hormonal balance. Of the 29 women who experience the condition and given ginger, 19 pregnant women have reduced number of attacks and the severity of nausea is lessened. Another study in 2005 also showed that 675 pregnant women confirmed that their nausea and vomiting is relieved when taking ginger. For those who are experiencing motion sickness, another study showed that ginger is more effective than the antihistaminic drug, Dramamine, a drug used for motion sickness. One of the symptoms of motion sickness is nausea and vomiting.

4. It has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

   Colds and flu victims will find comfort in including ginger in their daily intake. There are alternative drugs available in the market these days that has ginger as its component. And it has shown to be effective in remedying diseases such as influenza infections. As an antifungal plant, it is ginger’s capacity to induce sweat in the body that makes it anti-fungal. When there is healthy sweating, the substance called dermicidin that is found in sweat can protect the body from several microorganisms, such as the Staphylococcus, E. coli and the common fungi, Candida albicans. If there is dermal fungal infection, and the person is sweating as induced by ginger, ginger, although not directly, serves as an antifungal agent.

5. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

   It is gingerol, a potent compound in ginger that gives ginger its anti-inflammatory properties. Those who mostly suffer inflammation are patients with arthritis. In the two studies conducted for patients taking the conventional drugs and those who are not taking any, research have shown that 75 percent of those with arthritis and all of those participants suffering from muscular discomfort are relieved from the pain and swelling they experienced from the disease when they take in ginger regularly. According to research, gingerol stops the production of nitric acid, a molecule of nitrogen that forms peroxynitrite, considered as a damaging free radical that causes inflammation of the body. Additionally, there are studies made that shows that ginger is able to suppress some of the compounds that produce inflammation, such as cytokines, chondrocytes, synoviocytes and leukocytes.

6. It lowers cholesterol levels.

   Those who need to lower their cholesterol level may want to include ample amount of ginger in their diet. Recent Australian studies indicate that ginger has an effect of reducing the level of blood cholesterol as well as triglyceride. Additionally, ginger is effective in increasing the high density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol. In a study conducted in Iran, those who have increased their ginger intake have decreased their bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, one of the causes of increasing tendencies of hypertension and other cardio-vascular disease.

7. It aids Ovarian Cancer treatment.

   In a meeting of the American Association of Cancer, a presentation about the effects of gingerols showed that this compound can kill the cancer cells of the ovary by stimulating apoptosis and then autophagocytosis, or self-digestion. The result came when an extract of ginger containing 5 percent gingerol was applied to different types of ovarian cancer cells. As they are exposed to the extract, the cancer cells died. Interestingly, while other drugs may also kill the ovarian cancer cells, ginger and gingerol will not cause the body to become resistant to the drug, unlike the other chemotherapeutic drugs.

8. It helps prevent colon cancer.

   In a research conducted at the Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, gingerol plays another role. This time in preventing the growth of the cells that causes colon cancer called the human colorectal cancer cells. Although the research presented in 2003 was still tested from the laboratory, it shows that this ginger compound is not just effective as a chemopreventive agent; it is also an effective chemotherapeutic agent for those who have carcinomas of the colon.

9. It relieves heartburn.

   If one takes too much ginger, they may have heartburn. However, ginger can actually relieve heartburn if taken in small proportions. It is known that ginger is good for the gastrointestinal tract and has an anti-inflammatory effect, it also relieves nausea. During heartburn episodes, take ginger in any form, such as powdered drink, candy or mixed with food. Make sure to limit ginger intake to 4 grams per day.

10. It provides migraine relief.

    Migraine is considered an inflammatory process. Ginger, on the other hand, is an anti-inflammatory agent. According to studies, ginger can inhibit the effects of prostaglandin that can cause the muscles to contract, affect the hormonal balance and control the symptoms of inflammation. Several medications for migraine nowadays are composed of ginger as an ingredient. Studies showed that these medications can provide to the throbbing pain within two hours. Aside from that, it also relieved the nausea and vomiting symptoms due to migraine.

Sources
annetterozen.hubpages.com
healthdiaries.com