For centuries, ginger has been used in traditional medicine extensively to cure cold symptoms. However, recent studies show that the plant compounds present in ginger have a positive effect when it comes to improving blood sugar levels and regulating insulin production in the body. Let’s take a look at the purported benefits of ginger.
Ginger Nutrition Profile:
There are several vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients present in ginger. While ginger is a spice that is not consumed in great quantities, however, it does provide our body with Niacin, magnesium, vitamin B3, phosphorous, folate, riboflavin, zinc, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6.
The Anti-Diabetic Properties of Ginger:
Although there hasn’t been extensive research done on the medicinal benefits of ginger, there are some studies that indicated the anti-diabetic properties of ginger. One study which was done on people with type 2 diabetes indicated that consuming ginger powder every day over a period of time, improved insulin sensitivity and lowered the total cholesterol of the participants.
The same study also showed lower triglycerides upon consumption of ginger. Another study found that consuming ginger significantly helped lower fasting blood sugar in people. Ginger has a low glycemic index. Therefore, it does not trigger a spike in blood sugar levels and allows our body to slowly convert food into glucose. A study conducted on the effects of ginger consumption on diabetic rates indicated that a small dose of ginger delayed the progression of cataracts, a common complication of long-term diabetes.
What Are the Proven Health Benefits of Ginger?
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Treats nausea- Ginger has been used in traditional medicine to treat nausea as it helps relieve nausea amongst pregnant women in the early throws of their pregnancy and for people undergoing certain types of treatment. While ginger does treat nausea, it has no effect on vomiting. Pregnant persons are also advised to refer to their doctor when it comes to ginger consumption, especially when they are close to delivering their child and have had miscarriages in the past.
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Aids digestion- If you frequently face digestive issues such as indigestion, constipation, ulcers, and IBS, then you should try incorporating ginger into your diet. Ginger helps us speed the digestive process, promotes the production of healthy enzymes that help break down the foods we eat, and helps us relieve ourselves more frequently and easily.
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Reduces inflammation- Ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that ease joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ginger applied as a topical can reduce inflammation and ease joint pain.
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Improves Immunity- Raw ginger is rich in gingerol, a bioactive compound, that has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that boost immunity. It also exhibits antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce cough, lowers fever, and relieve headaches, and other symptoms associated with flu and the common cold.
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Lowers cholesterol levels- Ginger helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol. High levels of bad or LDL cholesterol is linked with an increased risk of heart disease.
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Healthier skin- The antioxidants present in ginger increases blood circulation and exhibits antiseptic properties that improve the health of your skin. Ginger slows down the breakdown of collagen and protects the skin from UV rays. It also reduces redness and inflammation caused by acne and even reduces scarring caused by acne.
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Relieves menstrual cramps- Eating ginger also helps relieve menstrual cramps.
You can incorporate ginger into your diet by putting raw ginger into smoothies, making tea out of it, making a beverage, and even using it as a marinade for meat.
