Ginger is among the healthiest, and most delicious, spices on the planet. The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part most commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger. It is actually in the same family as turmeric.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger comes from one of its natural oils, gingerol. Gingerol is a bio-active compound in ginger. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
It is best to use ginger in addition to a healthy diet, exercise, and regular visits to your doctor.
Reasons to Eat Ginger
1. Stimulates Digestion
Ginger helps increase the body’s ability to empty foods from the stomach more quickly (known as gastric emptying). This results in less likelihood of heartburn and indigestion. A faster gastric emptying also means you get the nutrients from the foods quicker.
2. Lowers Blood Pressure
Ginger has been shown to improve blood pressure by acting as a vasodilator (it expands the blood vessels). A 2019 review found that ginger can lower blood pressure, which helps protect against heart disease.
3. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Ginger is also beneficial for cholesterol levels. Ginger has been found to lower LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is also called “bad cholesterol,” because it contributes to fatty buildup in the arteries. This fatty buildup is known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation occurs naturally in the body. It is a healthy response to protect the body from injury or sickness. However when inflammation is excessive or chronic, it can be very damaging. In fact, researchers have found chronic inflammation to be the root of many diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Ginger has been shown to reduce the levels of inflammation. The active components in raw ginger (gingerol, shogaol, and paradol) are responsible for many of the anti-inflammatory effects that ginger provides.
Ways to Enjoy Ginger
Fresh Ginger Root: This is the most potent form of ginger, but also the most versatile. You can slice it and steep it in hot water for tea, mince it into sauteed dishes, or add it to your smoothies.
Ground Ginger: Ground ginger can be used in similar ways to fresh ginger. It can be steeped into hot water for tea or added to your favorite recipes. Ground ginger is also great to use for baking.
Ginger Tea: As mentioned, you can make ginger tea using fresh ginger or ground ginger. You can also buy tea bags at the store. These are great to have on hand if you want to settle your stomach after eating.
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