What is Ginger?
Read more about Ginger
Read more about Ginger
Ginger, whose contributions to human health are also supported by different studies, is one of the foods whose popularity is increasing in our country. The root of this plant, whose history dates back thousands of years, is also often used in traditional medicine.
Ginger, whose Latin name is Zingiber Officinale, grows in the regions of Asia under the tropical climate zone and is consumed in abundance. Ginger tea, which is mainly used as a spice in kitchens, is also widely consumed. We can list the possible contributions of this plant to human health, the history of which dates back many years in the history of mankind, as follows:
The Benefits of Ginger
It Can Be Good for Indigestion
Ginger, which can be good for indigestion experienced by many people, especially after meals, can relieve the pain and discomfort experienced. This property of ginger is due to the fact that the nutrients in the stomach shorten the emptying process. This has also been supported by research and it has been measured that the consumption of ginger accelerates the emptying time of the stomach by about 30 percent.
It Can Be Good for Pain
In the structure of ginger, there is a bioactive compound called gingerol. Thanks to this compound, ginger has a pain-relieving effect by reducing inflammation. This effect is especially stronger in fresh ginger. A study found that fresh ginger reduced muscle pain after exercise by about 25 percent. It has also been found by research that ginger consumption is effective in reducing women's menstrual pain.
May Contribute to Brain Health
Ginger, thanks to the antioxidants and compounds contained in its structure, can contribute to the elimination of cognitive problems that arise with aging. Ginger, which helps to improve brain function, is also thought to have positive effects on memory. A study conducted in 2012 on women in the middle age group supports these contributions of ginger.
Can Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
The powerful antioxidant effect of ginger is effective in reducing stress. Stress, on the other hand, increases the accumulation of free radicals, which are toxic substances in the body. Free radicals can cause many ailments, including cancer. Consumption of ginger can contribute to the body's elimination of free radicals, reducing the likelihood of developing cancer. A study conducted in 2013 showed that people at risk of colorectal cancer were regularly given ginger, and after this process, it was found that the negativity in the colorectal structure of the subjects decreased. It is assumed that these positive effects of ginger are again due to the gingerol contained in its structure. Apart from colorectal cancers, ginger is also thought to be effective in gastrointestinal, breast and ovarian cancers. Cancer patients are advised to consult their physician before consuming ginger.
May Contribute to the Regulation of Blood Sugar
Another contribution of gingerol in the structure of ginger to our health is its contribution to the stabilization of blood sugar. The positive effects of ginger on Type 2 diabetes were also supported by a study conducted in 2015. In this study, 41 people with Type 2 diabetes were regularly given ginger powder. According to the results of the study, fasting blood sugar decreased by 12 percent.
May Contribute to the Regulation of Blood Sugar
Another contribution of gingerol in the structure of ginger to our health is its contribution to the stabilization of blood sugar. The positive effects of ginger on Type 2 diabetes were also supported by a study conducted in 2015. In this study, 41 people with Type 2 diabetes were regularly given ginger powder. According to the results of the study, fasting blood sugar decreased by 12 percent.
It Can Support Weight Loss
If consumed regularly, ginger can also help with weight loss. As is known, diabetes is often accompanied by high weight. Two studies conducted in 2016 and 2019 have shown that ginger can be effective in losing weight. According to the results of a study conducted in 2016 with female patients with obesity problems, ginger can contribute to both stabilizing the body mass index and lowering the blood sugar level. According to the results of a study conducted in 2019, ginger can contribute to reducing the amount of fat and waist-hip measurements in overweight people. It is believed that the slimming effects of ginger are due to the fact that it increases energy expenditure and reduces inflammation in the body.
It May Be Good for Nausea
Ginger, which has positive effects on nausea, can relieve nausea, especially during pregnancy. It has also been supported by research that ginger, taken regularly, reduces nausea experienced during pregnancy. Since the pregnancy process can cause many changes on women's health, it is recommended that pregnant women consult their doctor before starting to consume ginger against nausea. Ginger can also reduce nausea after surgeries.
It Can Lower Cholesterol
Regular consumption of ginger can make positive contributions to lowering cholesterol. Since high cholesterol causes negative effects on heart health, ginger also has positive effects on heart health. In particular, LDL, also called bad cholesterol, has harms to heart health, and ginger consumption is also effective in lowering bad cholesterol.
What Are the Side Effects of Ginger?
Ginger does not have significant side effects if consumed in small quantities. Its consumption above 5 grams per day can lead to the appearance of side effects. The possible side effects of ginger can be listed as follows:
* Irritation in the mouth,
* Stomach problems and nausea,
• Gas,
• Low blood pressure,
* Bleeding problem due to blood thinning.
The consumption of ginger can cause different interactions depending on the drugs used. Therefore, if you are taking medication, you should consult your doctor about ginger consumption.
How to Consume Ginger?
Ginger is consumed as a spice, by brewing tea and in powder form. Consuming it in fresh form increases its benefits. Ginger, which is especially suitable for chicken and fish dishes, can also be used in different dishes according to taste.
The Benefits of Ginger Tea
The benefits of ginger tea are similar to the benefits of fresh ginger or the benefits derived from other forms of consumption. To prepare ginger tea, place fresh ginger in boiling water by grating or chopping it into rings. After holding it on January 10, it becomes ready for me. Before drinking, you can make changes to the taste by putting honey, lemon, cinnamon.