Ginger Health Benefits- natural remedies series
by Ask a Healer
Ginger is a versatile spice, used both as a culinary additive to foods and as a natural remedy with health benefits for digestive problems. Ginger also has a bit of a reputation as an aphrodisiac. The ginger rhizome is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
Ginger has a pungent spicy flavor that adds wonderful zing to so many dishes. Ginger is used widely in East Indian, Chinese and Asian cuisine.
I personally love candied ginger strips and the thin slices of ginger they serve with wasabi in oriental restaurants. Ooh, do I love to eat those with California rolls!
Health Benefits of Ginger:
* Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and is widely used for joint conditions such as arthritis or rheumatism.
> Ginger is a good remedy for motion sickness too, and can help if taken before flying.
> Ginger tea or candied ginger helps settle an upset stomach after enjoying a little too much of a good meal.
> Expectant mothers use ginger tea to help with morning sickness and nausea. However, you should always check with your obstetrician before using an herb, spice or natural remedy.
> Chemotherapy patients have used ginger to help with the nausea that may be associated with chemo treatments. However, there is not any documented medical proof that it works for this. Check with your oncologist before using ginger tea, if undergoing chemo.
> Ginger is being studied for it's potential to boost testosterone levels. It may be that additional research could prove ginger rhizome is helpful with male infertility caused by diabetes.
> Ginger packs an antioxidant punch as well, containing potent antioxidants including gingerol, curcumin and zingerone.
> Ginger has been or is being studied for it's potential healthy impact on conditions as wide-ranging as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and arthritis. Ginger is also being studied as an anti-cancer supplement, stomach cancer in particular, because of it's anti-tumor properties and because ginger will kill H. Pylori bacteria.
> And my personal favorite potential health benefit of ginger - I read with interest that ginger may be able to assist the body in releasing monosodium glutamate toxicity. I'm for anything that will help our bodies get rid of monosodium glutamate and wondered if ginger might also help with detoxing other excitotoxins
Health Disclaimer: If you suffer from unexplained nausea or stomach upsets, please pursue the proper medical testing and evaluation to rule out medical conditions. The information on ginger is provided for educational purposes only.
