6 Fascinating Health Benefits of Ginger and Other Delectable Superfoods
If you’re interested in keeping up a high level of health and wellness, you’re likely always on the lookout for new information about nutrition. What we eat heavily impacts our longevity as well as our experience from day to day, from our overall energy levels to the functioning of our internal organs and everything in between.
The healthiest people tend to include nutrient-packed foods, or superfoods, into their diets as much as possible. When it comes to superfoods, much of the research and science may not necessarily be new. Instead, it has been collected for hundreds or even thousands of years and has finally come to the forefront in the modern wellness industry.
One of the most popular superfoods these days is ginger. Sometimes considered to be a root and sometimes a spice, depending on how it’s presented, ginger is jam-packed with a variety of vital nutrients that your body needs to thrive. Additionally, many people like to include it in their recipes for the flavor and smell alone, which is extremely distinct and considered delectable to many.
Table of Contents:
- What is ginger?
- Where does ginger come from?
- How has ginger been used throughout the world?
- Health benefits of Ginger
- Why ginger is used to cleanse the body?
- How does ginger affect juices, smoothies, and teas?
- Other uses for ginger
- Best ways to consume ginger for sensitive stomachs
- Where to find ginger near you
- Can ginger be harmful?
- Ginger vs other superfoods
- What can I pair with ginger?
- Other superfoods to eat
- Where to find delicious fresh juices with ginger in it
What Is Ginger and Where Does It Come from?
Ginger is a root that is plentiful throughout Asia, particularly in the continent’s southeast region. Ginger belongs to a plant family called Zingiberaceae, which also includes other well-known plants and spices throughout the world, such as cardamom, galangal, and turmeric. Ginger has a fat, knobby appearance, has a very aromatic smell, and is native to humid, partly-shaded habitats.
For hundreds of years, ginger has been used in a variety of Asian dishes to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and add a tangy kick to the taste. However, the medicinal uses of ginger have been studied and honed for just as long as its culinary uses, and many are still backed up by modern science today.
How Ginger Has Been Used Throughout the World
The earliest recorded medicinal uses of ginger occurred as long ago as 500 B.C. Chinese and Indian cultures used the root at that time to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, inflammation, nausea, and increased immunity against disease.
The most significant medicinal property of ginger comes from gingerol, the root’s primary bioactive compound. This compound is known throughout the world to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers, allowing it to help the body reduce free radicals and support overall good health when consumed regularly.
Though modern medicine has largely reduced the need for homeopathic medicine in Asia and throughout the world, many people still use the benefits of ginger today to supplement their health practices. The root can be consumed in many forms, making it easy to incorporate into your daily food intake with ease.
Health Benefits of Ginger
With the many incredible health benefits of ginger that are still celebrated today, it’s no wonder why this unique spice has endured as a primary health-boosting property for so many generations. It has even earned the official “superfood” title. Let’s take a look at just a few of the desirable health benefits of regular ginger consumption.
A More Balanced Gut
Your gut contains both good and bad bacteria. When your levels of good bacteria are too low, your gut can experience regulation issues, causing painful symptoms like bloating and nausea. Ginger can help to contribute to a better balance of bacteria in your gut, reducing your experience of uncomfortable gut-related symptoms.
Additionally, ginger is known to be an effective supplement to include in your regimen if you’re experiencing morning sickness or any other type of chronic nausea. If you’re having trouble consuming ginger with food or beverages, ginger chews can be a great way to help your upset stomach. Ask your doctor if ginger could be an effective addition to your health habits.
Faster Digestion
If you struggle with chronic indigestion, ginger can be a helpful tool to reduce your symptoms and help you digest food more effectively. In this 2011 study, researchers found that those with indigestion digested a meal approximately 25% faster when they consumed a ginger capsule before eating compared to those who took a placebo pill before eating. The enzymes in Ginger can help break up and expel any gas that may be built up in the stomach, providing relief and making you feel more comfortable overall.
It’s also shown to help with nausea which is why you’ve probably been told a time or two when you’ve been under the weather to “drink some ginger ale.”
More Manageable Periods
The menstrual cycle can be a major source of pain and discomfort for women. Though some women have a relatively smooth menstrual cycle, free of excessive cramping or bloating, some women experience severe symptoms that can drastically reduce their quality of life.
Studies have shown that a 250-milligram dose of ginger powder has been found to be just as effective at reducing menstrual pain as many major over-the-counter pain relievers. If you prefer to use all-natural remedies whenever possible, this means you can try swapping your pain medication for ginger products in the first few days of your period and likely see similar benefits.
Better Heart Health
Ginger is known to create many of the same effects as blood-thinning medication, which helps to prevent blood clots and therefore reduces your risk of cardiovascular issues like strokes or heart attacks. Regular consumption of ginger can also help reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are both risk factors for heart disease.
Less Chronic Pain
Ginger’s main bioactive compound, gingerol, can create many positive health effects. However, one of the most significant is its ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body and therefore relieve certain types of chronic pain. Ginger can be used as an effective supplement to your health regimen if you suffer from health issues that cause you chronic pain.
A Stronger Immune System
Due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of ginger, consuming this substance regularly can lead to a stronger immune system over time and an increased ability of your body to fight disease. That means a reduced chance of developing minor illnesses like colds as well as more severe ones like the flu.
Why Ginger Is Used to Cleanse the Body
Cleanses are an effective way to clear your system of harmful toxins, improve your energy and fitness levels, and get your wellness habits back on track. Cleanses can take many forms, but juice cleanses are the most popular format because they’re easy to incorporate into your daily life and are delicious, to boot!
With the nearly endless health benefits of ginger, it’s no surprise that many of the best juice cleanses include ginger in their recipes. Not only can ginger be a great source of antioxidants and vitamins in your cleanse, but it can also positively affect the taste of your juices and make the process even more enjoyable.
How Does Ginger Affect Juices, Smoothies, and Teas?
Ginger can be a delicious addition to a juice cleanse or simply to your favorite daily smoothie or tea. If you’ve ever had ginger ale or ginger beer, you’re familiar with the signature tangy kick that ginger can provide. When the ginger is fresh, this kick can be even more powerful and truly elevate the taste of your beverage.
How Else Can Ginger Be Used?
Interested in incorporating more ginger into your diet outside of juices and smoothies? There are many delicious and effective ways to get all of the benefits of ginger into your daily food intake.
Ginger works well as a flavor enhancer for meat dishes like chicken or beef. Try preparing your next meal with some ginger powder or fresh ginger pieces mixed into your glaze to enjoy the health benefits as well as the unique flavor of this root. Additionally, many soup recipes can be enhanced by some fresh ginger shavings or ginger paste.
Best Ways to Consume Ginger for Sensitive Stomachs
If you tend to have a sensitive stomach, you may avoid spices habitually. However, regular consumption of ginger could actually help to reduce nausea and gut sensitivity. Introduce ginger into your diet slowly in order to reap its benefits without upsetting your stomach.
One of the best ways to gently introduce ginger to your diet is with ginger tea. If you think fresh ginger tea made from sliced ginger root might be too much to start with or you don’t have access to fresh ginger, you can always purchase bagged ginger tea. This alternative will provide many of the same benefits and help you get used to the flavor and smell of ginger.
Where to Find Ginger Near You
Fresh ginger root can be purchased at health food stores as well as most major grocery stores nationwide. If you’re unsure of whether your preferred grocer sells ginger or not, you can always call before visiting and ask. If not, they’ll likely be able to recommend a different establishment that has fresh ginger in stock.
You can keep fresh ginger in your refrigerator for several days or even freeze it if you can’t use it right away. Just make sure to peel and chop your ginger root before freezing. If you purchase ginger as a paste or powder, it will have a shelf life of several months before losing its potency. Ginger powder and paste are great alternatives to fresh ginger for people who don’t have the time to properly peel or chop fresh ginger.
Many health food stores also offer ginger in capsule form in their supplement section. If you don’t enjoy the taste of ginger but would like to reap its health benefits or your doctor has recommended ginger to you, supplements can be a great way to still include the benefits of ginger in your wellness routine.
Can Ginger Be Harmful?
There are no studies to show that ginger is inherently dangerous for any individual. However, some research has shown that those who are regularly taking blood-thinning medications may want to consult with their doctor before introducing ginger into their diet on a regular basis, as ginger can also have a blood-thinning effect.
Additionally, though the benefits of ginger have been studied for many decades, many of its health effects are still being researched and aren’t completely understood. If you’re unsure whether ginger would be a healthy addition to your wellness routine, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make ginger unsafe for you.
Ginger vs. Other Superfoods: How Does It Compare?
Ginger isn’t the only food item that’s earned the title of “superfood.” Many other healthful foods have earned this title due to their wealth of vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting compounds. Just like ginger, many superfoods have the added bonus of a unique and delicious flavor profile that can elevate the taste of anything from a dinner entrée to a juice cleanse.
Other Superfoods to Include in Your Diet
Including other superfoods like blueberries, avocado, cacao, hemp seeds, and coconut in your diet can massively boost your health both physically and mentally. Ginger isn’t the only food item that can offer a long list of health benefits. In fact, many of the other foods deemed to be “superfoods” have distinctive benefits that boost health in different ways than ginger does.
Many of these superfoods have positive effects on cognitive function and mood, which can improve your quality of life significantly. Items like avocado and hemp seeds are also packed with healthy fat, a major macronutrient that’s crucial for physical energy throughout your day.
Ginger Root Vs. Powder
Ginger root and ginger powder are both derived from the same plant, but they differ in their texture and taste. Ginger root is a knobby, brown-skinned root with a spicy, pungent flavor and a fibrous texture, whereas ginger powder is a fine, beige-colored powder with a more concentrated flavor and smoother texture. Ginger root is often used in cooking to add flavor and heat to dishes, while ginger powder is more commonly used in baking, beverages, and as a seasoning for meats and vegetables. Ginger root is also prized for its potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and nausea, and can be eaten raw, cooked, or brewed into tea. In contrast, ginger powder is more convenient to use and store, but may lose some of its flavor and potency over time. Ultimately, whether to use ginger root or ginger powder depends on the recipe and personal preference.
What Can I Pair with Ginger?
Ginger can act as a delicious addition to a variety of dishes and recipes, but which superfoods pair the best with this nutrient-packed root? Ginger’s spicy taste tends to pair best with foods that have a neutral or sweet taste, such as avocado, blueberries, or coconut. All of these superfoods and more can create delectable concoctions in the form of a fresh-pressed juice or a nutrient-packed smoothie.
Find Delicious Fresh Juices Packed with Ginger and Other Superfoods at Clean Juice
Ready to incorporate the benefits of ginger and other superfoods into your life but not sure how to include them in your daily diet? Changing your habits can be difficult, but our expertly prepared juices from Clean Juice make it easy to get all of the essential micronutrients you need to live a healthy life. And we can deliver your personalized juice cleanse right to your door!
Order online today to try our all-natural, organic fresh-pressed juices, cold-pressed juices & smoothies or experience the incredible health benefits of juice cleanses.
Sources:
- Effect of ginger on gastric motility
- Comparison of effects of ginger, mefenamic acid, and ibuprofen on pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Consult your doctor before using any health treatment, including natural remedies, and tell your doctor if you have a serious medical condition or are taking any medications.
There are no studies to show that ginger is inherently dangerous for any individual. However, some research has shown that those who are regularly taking blood-thinning medications may want to consult with their doctor before introducing ginger into their diet on a regular basis, as ginger can also have a blood-thinning effect.
If you’re unsure whether ginger would be a healthy addition to your wellness routine, ask your doctor if any of your health details might make ginger unsafe for you.