Zingiber officinale, as the botanical scientist specifically named ginger; is an herbaceous plant bearing leaves that are quite narrow. It does survive for more than two seasons or years in a single life cycle. Ginger roots, for several decades, have been used as a kitchen spice. Some use it as medicine. It is a plant with numerous benefits, but did you know what it takes to have your spicy or medicinal ginger constantly produced and ready for you in the market?
As a matter of fact, its benefits to the early farmers led to its global spread specifically through trade. It owes its initial homeland in Asia. Currently, India takes the lead in the large production of ginger. To keep this production steady, farmers normally treat their seed rhizome before planting either by using hot water or emulsion of cow dung. Some even do smoke the seeds in anticipation of long storage. This is followed by sufficient land preparation and planting. Just a few farming processes such as mulching, drilling water channels, weed control by hilling, and little irrigation is employed before the final harvesting day is arrived at. Of course, transportation expenses are incurred to make it readily available in the markets.
Given that little background history of ginger, the seemingly easy to cultivate, yet valuable plant, let us now focus our attention on taking a look at its benefits. The ideally proven benefits.
Healthy Oral Care
Most of us freak at halitosis, the bad mouth breath, in some individuals. Ginger has several ingredients for oral health activity. Gingerols, which scientists say is the active ginger compound, thwarts the growth of oral bacteria. Chewing ginger or sipping it in hot water, allows gingerol to keep in check these bacteria. Nonetheless, your smile will be a confident one as the bacterial periodontal diseases (which acts on the gum connective tissues) will be no more. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory effect in ginger. There is raffinose too, another active compound in ginger. This ingredient assists in preventing plaque formation by reducing the accumulation of bacteria on the gums.
Relaxing Muscles Soreness
Running for paracetamol or quick analgesic in times of muscle pain? Or is that petty allergy keeping you from using aspirin? Ginger got your back. In as much that it will not yield quick relief, but with time, your sore muscles will be eased gradually. Exercise addicts, gym enthusiasts can take ginger after the exercise to ward off the pain. Inflammation and occasional tissue damage normally result from the production of nitric oxide in cells. It is this nitric oxide that will be kept in check by ginger ingredients. You can vary the mode of consumption from direct chewing to applying it topically for a quick sore muscle remedy.
Relieving or Calming Nausea
Expectant women normally grow fond of ginger consumption, especially during the first trimester. One literature study found out that, in relieving emesis, ginger stimulates the tone of stomach and intestinal movements which in turn facilitates emptying of the stomach. Motion sickness common in some individuals is as well kept in check by stabilizing the shifting functioning of the digestive system. All you need to do is grating ginger or slicing it and adding it to hot water and drinking it sip after sip, slowly lest you induce further nausea.
Relieving Osteoarthritis Pain and Symptoms
As mentioned earlier, ginger possesses anti-inflammatory mechanisms, bringing to mind that it thus halts swelling of joints. And since osteoarthritis affects joints, ginger will help in curbing further damage such as joint stiffness and pain.
Dysmenorrhea Relief
Women who experience pain during menstruation may find ginger to be of real importance. Some studies found out that taking ginger during this period especially for the first three days, experienced minor pain.
Reduction of Blood Sugars
In recent studies, ginger has been found to be helpful in balancing blood sugar levels. 2-3 grams of powdered ginger daily battles well with fasting blood sugars, thus lowering it. This is especially important to people suffering from diabetes type two.
Lowering of Cholesterol
One of the risk factors for cardiac diseases is increased levels of LDL (a.k.a ‘bad’) cholesterol. Poor dieting can badly result in an increase in cholesterol. With revolutionized studies in nutrition, results are that high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels can be reduced by daily consumption of powdered ginger at a dosage of 4-6 grams. This is more or less the same as drugs taken to lower cholesterol.
Lowering Growth of Cancer Cells
Ginger is said to contain molecules that are bioactive and that can best reduce the growth of cancer cells. This mode of action has been commonly observed in obvious sites of cancer such as the prostrate, ovary, skin, colon, and gastric.
Lowering Weight Gain
The rich components of ginger actively impact on weight. Studies have shown that after supplementing ginger in daily diet, noticeable results can be seen in the reduction of general body weight and reduced ratio of waist-hip. People who are obese, normally have high insulins in their blood. Ginger works well on that insulin and the result is lowered body mass index (BMI).
Relief in Indigestion Bloat
In the process of digestion, gasses can build up in the intestines. Such an accumulation of gases can result in severe discomfort. Researchers currently propose that ginger can be taken in such a situation as it is composed of enzymes that aids in the breaking up of gases and eventual expulsion. Stomach motility increases with ginger intake, and this definitely eases constipation.
Lowering Cold and Flu Symptoms
Fresh ginger when chewed or ground into hot water, in flu attack, can have very positive results. Researchers believe that it can ward off the respiratory system of viruses such respiratory syncytial virus, thus protects the system. Its effects have also been noticed on how it reduces the allergic effect to morning cold.
Conclusion
Ginger is a widely available product yet its use is mainly narrowed down to spicing meals. It is now evident with the 24/7 pieces of research that ginger can be used for numerous purposes.
GP
The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.
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