Ginger is a plant root with multiple benefits for the body and health in general. For centuries it was used in the typical diet of different cultures thanks to its natural and nutritional properties. Increasing body temperature in cold people, accelerating metabolism, increasing libido or helping to avoid nausea and dizziness during pregnancy are some of the benefits of this food.

In this article we will see the benefits that ginger has for the human body , as well as the different ways we have to ingest it, which can be both liquid and solid.

What is ginger?

Ginger, also known as kion or quion, is an aromatic plant that has been studied for centuries thanks to its healthy and healing effects. It belongs to the family of tubers, and is an underground rhizome (root) with a remarkably spicy taste, which also makes it a good gastronomic condiment.

Since ancient times, ginger has been one of the most popular and important plants in the East, especially in the Arab countries, China and India. This is partly due to its properties: it is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to combat various heart, digestive or respiratory diseases.

Its composition

Ginger means finding in a single food a whole concentration of benefits and compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids or essential oils for our health.

Within the family of oils it contains, we find some types such as citronellal, lemongrass and camphene . Gingerol is another of the plant’s essential oils as it is responsible for giving it that spicy flavour that characterises it.

As for vitamins, this tuber is rich in B and C vitamins , as well as being rich in minerals such as aluminium, phosphorus, calcium and chromium.

The most important benefits of ginger

We will now briefly review the benefits of ginger that can help to significantly improve our health if we maintain regular consumption:

1. Nausea

During pregnancy it is ideal to consume ginger as a natural antiemetic , especially for the first months of pregnancy as it is a beneficial supplement for both the fetus and the mother. It also helps to deal with the difficulties of chemotherapy for patients suffering from cancer.

2. Digestive

Ginger is highly recommended for those who suffer from digestive problems such as gastritis, flatulence or diarrhea , among others. It also works as a stomach protector, although it cannot replace the medication dedicated to this.

3. Natural anti-inflammatory

The use of ginger is recommended to help get through painful or inflammatory diseases , and effectively fights problems of osteoarthritis, arthritis or chronic fatigue.

4. Throat conditions

Professional singers are big fans of ginger. The benefit it brings to treating throat infections and inflammations is priceless.

5. Helps increase body heat

Ginger is highly recommended for those who are cold or have problems maintaining their body temperature, especially in the winter season. It has a very powerful calorific component.

6. Accelerates metabolism

It also helps to speed up the metabolism, so that is an ideal supplement in case we need to lose weight .

7. Increases libido

Ginger is considered a natural aphrodisiac. It is recommended to take it as a drink almost every day.

8. Prevents heart disease

As mentioned above, ginger has benefits for cardiovascular problems, maintains an optimal rhythmic level and helps regulate the heart’s pumping .

9. Improves circulation

Ginger also makes the blood circulation better adapted to what we are doing.

10. Fighting Migraines

Scientific studies have shown that ginger blocks the effects of protasgladin , a substance that causes inflammation of blood vessels in the brain that leads to acute headaches (migraines).

11. Anti-stress

Thanks to the properties it contains in cineol, ginger helps to lower anxiety levels, regulates states of stress in seasons when there are ups and downs and gives the body a feeling of calm .

12. Decreases muscle problems

It is a food especially recommended for those who practice sports in a constant and high performance way. It will help to relax the muscles after putting a lot of pressure on them.

13. Prevents congestion

It effectively combats congestion and constipation. It is advisable to take ginger infusions .

14. Eases menstrual cramps

For those women who suffer from pain in the ovaries , it is highly important to take liquid ginger, it is the only natural remedy that does not present significant side effects.

15. Prevents colon cancer

The properties of gingerols are beneficial in preventing colon cancer. Its effects seem to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in this area.

16. Reinforces defenses

Ginger has tremendous benefits for the immune system , so it helps make colds and acute flus develop.

17. Dermatological treatment

The ginger root can be applied directly to the skin, and effectively combats minor wounds and burns if you have suffered from heat stroke.

18. Sleepwalking

As we have seen, the relaxing effects of ginger help regulate stress. Thus, if we have problems falling asleep, it is advisable to take ginger before going to sleep .

What’s the best way to take it?

As mentioned above, consuming ginger on a regular basis and, if possible, on a daily basis, will bring excellent benefits to our body and health. It is not very relevant how the plant is taken, but there are different forms to the consumer’s taste: fresh or raw, in powder form with the tea or liquefying it as a drink.

Bibliographic references:

  • Ravindran P, Nirmal Babu K (2016). Ginger: The Genus Zingiber. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  • Watt JM, Breyer-Brandwijk MG (1962). Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa. E & S Livingstone.
  • Lee J, Oh H (2013). “Ginger as an antiemetic modality for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis.