Genius Ginger
Ginger has multiple health properties. Some of these properties have a direct effect on your health and others have a more complicated process.
It is commonly known for its properties in alleviating symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal system. Most notably, ginger is used for various types of nausea.
Nausea is a common symptom in patients who are being treated for HIV/ AIDS when using antiretroviral treatment and cancer patients on chemotherapy. Nausea tends to decrease a patient’s appetite significantly and can adversely affect their weight and overall health. Ginger is also very effective in decreasing nausea in pregnant women with morning sickness. A dosage of about 1.1 to 1.5 grams seems to be adequate.
Some more long term/ chronic health problems where ginger is beneficial is in:
the inhibition of cancer development, metastasis and progression as well as the growth of tumours
immunonutrition i.e. strengthening the immune system to combat diseases such as flu and colds
the inflammatory process. Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect helping to decrease inflammation of various origins
cardiovascular health and diabetes mellitus
Ginger is sometimes added to supplements used in sports nutrition as it can reduce muscle pain after an intensive training session.
Ginger is a spice that in some cases has an immediate effect in improving symptoms or conditions and in other cases has a long term effect in a person’s overall health. It won’t be prescribed as a product to directly treat a disease, but using ginger as part of your healthy balanced diet is a great way to add quality to your life. Let’s all have more ginger!
Sources:
1. Leech, J. 2017. 11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger. www.healthline.com.
2. Mashhadi, N. S. et al.. 2013. Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence. International Journal of Preventative Medicine. 2013 Apr; 4(Suppl 1): S36–S42.
