The Health Benefits of Ginger
By Sara Butler
Ginger is probably hiding out in your spice cabinet right now – and keeping all its secrets of health to itself! Ginger has long been used medicinally in other cultures, and today there’s plenty of science to back up its benefits for you. Here are a few of the most compelling reasons you should start getting more ginger in your diet.
It Supports a Healthy Immune System
Ginger contains something called sesquiterpenes. These chemicals are a mouthful to pronounce, but they can be really useful in fighting the viruses that cause the common cold. Ginger tea can also help to relieve congestion that might be impacting you as the result of the flu or a cold. Ginger also happens to be full of antioxidants, which help to support a healthy immune system.
It Can Help Arthritis Pain
Ginger is showing some promising results as a way to natural fight inflammation and joint pain from arthritis. Ginger contains something called gingerols, anti-inflammatory substances that can help relieve inflammation. In fact, one study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology found that ginger extract helped patients to control their symptoms of osteoarthritis.
It Can Help Soothe Sore Muscles
If you have some ginger before hitting the gym, then it can help to act as a natural pain reliever to help ease any post-workout soreness. In studies, taking just two grams of ginger per day helped to reduce muscle pain in subjects by 25 percent.
It Can Help with Abdominal Bloat
Everyone has been bloated, but instead of taking medicine to help you should take ginger. It can help to combat nausea and help rid it of excess gas and bloating. It works by accelerating your digestion, moving things along so they stop being so bothersome.
It Can Help Fight Migraines
If you have migraines, then you know they are no fun at all. Ginger just might help you to fight them naturally by helping to inhibit your body’s production of prostaglandin, which will then help to keep your blood vessels from swelling and bringing on a migraine. Plus, it can help with nausea that may accompany a nasty migraine.
It Can Help Boost Your Memory
Ginger may be a great tool in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger may help to protect the cells in the brain from collecting plaque, one of the things that accelerate deterioration of memory in Alzheimer’s patients. Since eating ginger is basically risk-free, you should go ahead and take a chance to protect your brain by eating some!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.