4 Surprising Benefits of Eating More Ginger

Herbs and spices are known for their heart healthy benefits and also their anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. Ginger is one of the well known herbs and spices used in the kitchen and are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack, or it is cooked as an ingredient in meals. Both fresh and powdered ginger have been shown to benefit the health in numerous ways and you really don’t have to consume a large dose before you see results. Below are some ways it can benefit you.

1. It boosts immunity

The immune system helps to fight against invaders that may cause harm to the body. This helps to reduce the risk of infections like the common cold. Ginger contains sesquiterpenes, which are chemicals known to combat rhinovirus (the most common cause of colds). Studies have also shown that ingesting ginger tea can help to reduce congestion and other cold and flu symptoms. In addition, it contains immune-boosting antioxidants that acts as a natural pain and fever reducer.

2. It may preserve your memory

Alzheimer’s (a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior) has been linked to sticky deposits of amyloid proteins in the brain. A laboratory study shows that ginger may protect brain cells from these proteins, thereby delaying the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s. Although this result hasn’t been confirmed on humans, it’s worth trying, since ginger is risk-free.

3. It eases arthritis pain

Ginger contains gingerols, a relative of capsaicin and piperine that give chilli peppers and black pepper their respective spiciness. Gingerols are potent anti-inflammatory substances known to inhibit the formation of inflammatory cytokines. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, ginger has been used against pain and nausea for at least 2,500 years. Professor Ray Altman, a leading rheumatologist concluded from his study on 250 volunteers that highly- concentrated ginger could prove effective for two out of three arthritis sufferers.

Related:   3 Exercises for Improved Joint Movement

4. It soothes sore muscles

Studies show that ginger acts as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, which can help to ease post-workout muscle soreness. You can take ginger before hitting the gym, to have a beautiful workout experience with no muscle soreness. A study shows that those who take about 2 grams of ginger daily experience a 25% reduction in exercise-induced muscle pain for 24 hours after a workout.

If you don’t have ginger anywhere in your kitchen right now, you may have to consider adding it to your next shopping list.

Image courtesy of: youtube.com, budwigcenter.com, readersdigest.ca.

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