The Health Benefits of Ginger
By Sara Butler
You can find ginger in a variety of over-the-counter remedies for stomach upset -- and anyone who’s ever been pregnant can probably tell you what a savior ginger is! While it does have a great track record for helping nausea and vomiting, that’s not where the benefits stop. Here are a few of the health benefits you can expect from this spicy root.
All About Ginger
Ginger contains a load of antioxidants, helping to ward off inflammation and disease. It’s also very low in calories but with a sharp flavor that can add zest to a variety of different dishes. But other than tasting good and being low in calories, it has many other benefits to your health and wellness.
Ginger Can Help with Muscle Pain
Ginger may be able to help with soreness from exercise, probably because of the compounds in it that help fight inflammation. Studies have found that people who regularly supplement their diet with ginger don’t suffer from as much muscle pain after exercise as people who don’t regularly eat ginger. All signs in the research point to ginger as being a great aid for recovery after you’ve had a particularly hard session at the gym.
Ginger is Good for Your Heart
Studies have found that ginger in your diet may help to lower the risk of high blood pressure and lower the risk of developing coronary artery disease too. Ginger is also high in an antioxidant that helps protect the health of the heart, called polyphenols.
Ginger May Help Prevent Diabetes
Many Americans -- around 30 million -- suffer from type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Ginger may be able to help improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which can help to reduce your chances of developing prediabetes and ultimately diabetes.
Ginger May Help Prevent Obesity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that over 35 percent of Americans qualify as obese. This condition raises the risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It’s not a magic remedy for helping you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, but it may help to boost calorie burn and help suppress hunger.
Ginger can be a delicious way to boost your health and wellness. Find some recipes to add ginger to because, in the end, it can’t hurt to throw some in -- it can only make it tastier!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Magnolia, Tex.