Experts prove this magical food
really can work wonders.
If you like food from China, Thailand, or other Asian countries,
you're likely familiar with the taste of ginger. This tiny yellow flowering
plant has long been used to improve the health component of dishes as the main
ingredient in soups, stews, meat marinades, and side dishes. It's also been
used in folk medicine for hundreds of years as a healing agent. Here, we look
at what happens to your body when you eat ginger or drink ginger tea.
1. You reduce inflammation and pain.
Knowing its healing benefits, ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory
plant root that's been trusted for hundreds of years. It's been used to help
with muscle soreness and other issues, according to Lulu Ge, the founder of
Elix, a herbal medicine company. So if something feels off in your body, it
could be worthwhile to experiment with ginger.
"Whether consumed as a tea, a potent tincture, or as an
ingredient in recipes, ginger lowers the level of prostaglandins in the body,
resulting in inflammation relief," Ge says.
2. You may lose weight.
If you are on a quest to lose some weight, consider adapting a
ginger practice. Why is that? According to Stephanie Mansour, a weight loss
coach, studies have shown ginger's ability to reduce body weight and insulin
levels. Her best recommendation for those who might not enjoy the intense
flavour is to mix freshly grated ginger into a smoothie. Or, you can also take
a supplement for a similar impact.
3. You can fight your period cramps.
Anyone who has uncomfortable and debilitating menstrual cramps can
relieve these symptoms is worth a try. And Ginger, Ge says, is an effective
solution.
"When taken near the beginning of your period, ginger can
help to ease menstrual cramps, and its effects are amplified when combined
synergistically with other adaptogens and herbs," she explains.
4. You improve your digestive system.
According to Ge, though it's small, ginger is mighty and contains
compounds that stimulate and improve digestion. It can aid in relieving
irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, indigestion, and morning sickness
symptoms.
"When you consume ginger, you may notice a reduction in
nausea and pain due to its unique balance of natural oils, including gingerol,
the most active compound found in ginger," she adds.
5. You boost your immune system.
When you were sick as a child, did your mom pour you a cup of hot
lemon tea with ginger? If so, she probably knew about the immune-boosting
properties of this unique root. As Ge explains, ginger helps with the common
cold, but it's been shown to protect against cancer since it fights free
radicals in our body.
"It is also known to help improve circulation and help lower
cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease in its raw form," she
says.
6. You may release gas.
It may be smelly, but it's doing its job—and that's a good thing.
Chewing ginger or taking a ginger supplement can relieve the pressure in our
upper stomach, which is uncomfortable and can cause bloating. This is because
ginger fastens how quickly your stomach empties, allowing you to digest your foods
smoothly, Mansour says.
"Even if you don't suffer from indigestion, ginger can still help keep you regular," she adds.