Ginger

Benefits of Ginger for Body & Brain As one of the most used dietary condiments in the world today, it’s no wonder that the benefits of ginger are pretty impressive. (1)With its zesty, peppery flavor and its extensive list of health benefits, ginger root is equal parts delicious and nutritious. It’s versatile, easy to use and has been associated with everything from beating motion sickness to better brain function. The health benefits of ginger are largely due to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and content of therapeutic compounds like gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zingerone. So what is ginger good for and how can you incorporate it into your diet?Available in fresh, dried, ground, capsule and juice form, ginger root is easy to add to the diet and can have a lasting impact on just about every aspect of health. Ready to give it a shot? Here’s what you need to know about this superstar ingredient and how to take advantage of its unique benefits. What Is Ginger and Ginger Root? Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant that is closely related to turmeric and cardamom. The underground stem, or rhizome, of the ginger plant is commonly known as the ginger root and is well-known for its medicinal properties. The health benefits of ginger are well-documented and ginger has been used across the globe as a natural remedy for thousands of years due to its medicinal properties. In fact, ancient Chinese, Roman, Greek, Arabic and Sanskrit texts have all documented the use of ginger root to help improve health and well-being. (1) It can be found in fresh, ground or capsule form — or even as ginger essential oil — and it’s associated with an extensive list of ginger health benefits. Research is just beginning to scrape the surface when it comes to the multitude of benefits associated with ginger root. From fighting infections to decreasing cholesterol and enhancing weight loss, it’s clear that adding ginger root to your diet could have a powerful effect on health. Ginger Nutrition Ginger contains a diverse array of many important vitamins and minerals. It also contains gingerol, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that has been linked to many unique health benefits. (2) 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of raw ginger contains approximately (3): 80 calories 17.8 grams carbohydrates 1.8 grams protein 0.7 grams fat 2 grams dietary fiber 415 milligrams potassium (12 percent DV) 0.2 milligrams copper (11 percent DV) 0.2 milligrams manganese (11 percent DV) 43 milligrams magnesium (11 percent DV) 5 milligrams vitamin C (8 percent DV) 0.2 milligrams vitamin B6 (8 percent DV) 0.7 milligrams niacin (4 percent DV) 34 milligrams phosphorus (3 percent DV) 0.6 milligrams iron (3 percent DV) In addition to the nutrients listed above, ginger also contains a small amount of calcium, zinc, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and thiamin. However, keep in mind that most people consume a very small portion of ginger, so it should be combined with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods to meet your micronutrient needs. 12 Benefits of Ginger 1. Helps Treat Nausea Used historically as a natural remedy for sea sickness and morning sickness, ginger is perhaps most well-known for its ability to treat nausea. One review looked at the results of 12 studies comprised of 1,278 pregnant women and found that ginger was effective at decreasing symptoms of nausea with minimal risk of side effects. (4) Plus, another study from the University of Rochester Medical Center showed that ginger helped reduce nausea severity in patients receiving chemotherapy. (5) 2. Fights Fungal Infections Fungal infections cause a wide variety of conditions, from yeast infections to jock itch and athlete’s foot. Fortunately, ginger has powerful anti-fungal properties that can safely and successfully help kill off disease-causing fungi. In one 2016 test-tube study out of Iran, ginger extract was found to be effective against two types of yeast that commonly cause fungal infections in the mouth. (6) Another test-tube study in Mycoses measured the antifungal effects of 29 plant species and found that ginger was the most effective at killing off fungus. (7) 3. Protects Against Stomach Ulcers Stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach and cause symptoms like indigestion, fatigue, heartburn and abdominal discomfort. Several studies have found that ginger could help prevent the formation of stomach ulcers. In fact, one 2011 animal study showed that ginger powder protected against aspirin-induced stomach ulcers by decreasing levels of inflammatory proteins and blocking the activity of enzymes related to ulcer development. (8) 4. Eases Menstrual Pains Unfortunately, adverse side effects like pain, period cramps and headaches are commonly associated with menstruation for many women. While some turn to over-the-counter medications to provide symptom relief, natural remedies like ginger can be just as useful at easing menstrual pain. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that ginger was as effective at reducing menstrual pain as medications like ibuprofen and mefanamic acid. (9) Another study in 2009 had similar findings, reporting that ginger was able to reduce both the intensity and duration of pain. (10) 5. May Inhibit Cancer Growth One of the most impressive benefits of ginger is its anti-cancer properties, thanks to the presence of a powerful compound called 6-gingerol. Test-tube studies show that ginger and its components may be effective in blocking cancer cell growth and development for ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancer. (11, 12, 13) However, more research is needed to determine how the anti-cancer properties of ginger may translate to humans. 6. Regulates Blood Sugar High blood sugar can cause many negative symptoms, from frequent urination to headaches and increased thirst. If left unchecked, it can even cause more serious problems like nerve damage and impaired wound healing. Research shows that ginger may be able to help promote normal blood sugar to prevent these serious side effects. In one 2015 study, ginger supplementation actually reduced fasting blood sugar by 12 percent and improved long-term blood sugar control by 10 percent. (14) 7. Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, adding ginger into your diet could help treat both muscle pain and arthritis-related joint pain. One study showed that daily consumption of ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain caused by exercise-induced muscle injury. (15) Another study found that ginger extract helped decrease knee pain and the need for pain medication in individuals with osteoarthritis. (16) 8. Lowers Cholesterol Levels From producing bile to manufacturing hormones, cholesterol is essential to overall health. However, high levels of cholesterol can build up in the blood, causing blockages and increasing your risk of heart disease. One of the biggest benefits of ginger is its ability to naturally lower cholesterol levels to reduce your risk of heart problems. A study conducted at Babol University of Medical Sciences actually found that ginger was able to significantly reduce bad LDL cholesterol and raise beneficial HDL cholesterol compared to a placebo. (17) An animal study also showed that ginger was nearly as effective in lowering cholesterol as atorvastatin, a medication commonly prescribed for high blood cholesterol. (18) 9. Improves Brain Function Neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s have been linked to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the brain. With its wealth of antioxidants and potent anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is believed to play an important role in the health of your brain. Several animal studies have found that ginger extract could protect against brain aging and cognitive decline. (19, 20) Not only that, but a 2012 study also found that ginger extract helped improve cognitive function and attention in middle-aged women. (21) 10. Blocks Bacterial Infections In addition to its antifungal properties, ginger boasts the ability to fight off bacterial infections as well. Pathogenic bacteria are common culprits behind conditions like urinary tract infections, pneumonia and bronchitis. According to one test-tube study, the compounds found in ginger could help inhibit the growth of certain strains of bacteria that cause gum disease. (22) Another test-tube study showed that ginger extract was effective against several strains of drug-resistant bacteria as well. (23) 11. Eases Inflammation Although inflammation can be a normal, healthy immune response to injury and infection, chronic inflammation is believed to be a major contributor to conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer. (24) One review in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine noted that ginger extract may help inhibit the synthesis of certain markers of inflammation. Besides gingerol, it also contains other anti-inflammatory compounds like shogaol, paradol and zingerone. (25) 12. Promotes Proper Digestion One of the most powerful ginger benefits is its ability to support digestive health and prevent problems like dyspepsia, a common condition of impaired digestion characterized by symptoms like pain, heartburn, fullness and discomfort. According to a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, ginger was able to speed up the emptying of the stomach by 25 percent compared to a placebo in people with indigestion. (26) Another study even found that taking ginger capsules with a meal actually doubled the speed of stomach emptying (27). How to Eat Ginger Root + Other Ginger Uses By now, you’re probably wondering how to use ginger root to take advantage of its many potential health benefits. Fortunately, ginger root is available in a variety of forms and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Fresh ginger should have thin, shiny skin that can easily be scraped with your fingernail. It should also have a sharp, peppery and pungent aroma. Ginger that has gone bad, on the other hand, will have soft spots and a moist texture while cut ginger will begin to darken around the edges when it’s past its prime. Ginger root can be eaten fresh or ground, juiced or infused into your favorite beverages. Ginger root pills are also available in tablet or capsule form to supply you with a quick and concentrated dose of antioxidants. Additionally, ginger essential oil is also available and can be applied topically or taken internally for a boost of gingerol. You can also use ginger to make a homemade cough syrup, add a few tablespoons to a relaxing hot bath or mix it into a soothing foot soak. How to Eat Ginger Root Ginger root has a unique sharp, peppery flavor and distinct aroma that makes an excellent addition to many different dishes. In fact, there are a myriad of ginger root recipes available out there for everything from main courses to desserts and beyond. Ginger can be cut into thin slices and added to smoothies or vegetable juices for an extra bit of zing. It can also be grated and added to soups, salads or sweets to increase the flavor and health benefits. Ground ginger can also be used in cooking as well by mixing it into baked goods, desserts and candies. It makes a tasty addition to sauces, stews, marinades and curries as well. Ginger Tea & Ginger Water A nice cup of ginger root tea or ginger water is the perfect remedy for a queasy stomach or a long, stressful day. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare both of these beverages right from the comfort of your own kitchen by using fresh ginger. Simply wash a 2-inch knob of fresh ginger root and cut it into very thin slices. Add the ginger slices to hot water and boil for 10-30 minutes, depending on how strong you want it to be. Remove from the heat, strain and discard the ginger pieces and add in your choice of lemon, raw honey or lime juice to enhance the flavor. You can enjoy your drink hot or cold based on your personal preference. Ginger water and ginger tea benefits include relaxing the body, soothing the stomach and alleviating nausea. Drink one to three cups daily to maximize the health benefits. Ginger Juice Another easy way to get in your daily dose of ginger is by juicing it. You can easily do this by either using a juicer or peeling and grating a knob of ginger, then using a cheesecloth to squeeze out the juice. You can gulp down a ginger shot straight or mix it with other vegetable juices for a surge of extra nutrients. Recipes like this orange ginger carrot juice, for instance, are great for supplementing your diet with the vitamins and minerals that you need to function and thrive. Ginger juice is also a staple ingredient in many types of Asian cuisine and can be added to classic dishes like ginger beef or cashew chicken. Try experimenting with your favorite marinades by adding a bit of ginger juice to amp up the flavor even more. How to Store Ginger To get the most use from your ginger, store it unpeeled in a plastic bag and put it in the crisper compartment of the refrigerator. Refrigerated ginger can last around 3–4 weeks, or even longer with proper storage. You can also freeze your ginger to stretch its shelf-life even further. This works especially well if you’re planning to grate your ginger. Simply wrap your ginger in a plastic bag and store it in the freezer. If you’re using it to make ginger juice, you can grate it and extract the juice without defrosting it first. Alternatively, try chopping or mincing your ginger before freezing it to make preparation a breeze. Precautions In moderation, ginger is generally safe and unlikely to cause any adverse side effects in most people. Common symptoms reported include stomach discomfort, heartburn and diarrhea. Although rare, some people may also have an allergy to ginger. If you experience any food allergy symptoms like hives, swelling or difficulty breathing, stop use immediately and talk to your doctor. When applied to the skin, ginger essential oil may cause skin irritation in some people. It’s best to try a skin patch test by applying a small amount of oil first to make sure your skin is not sensitive. Additionally, if taking ginger capsules, always start with a low dose and work your way up to assess your tolerance. Stick to the recommended dosage and decrease as needed if you have any negative symptoms.

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• Ginger USD 8.80/Kgs